Dan posted an update
7 months ago (edited)
Delling Copse, Wiltshire
Early August 2025
Delling Copse is a mature and beautiful little woodland on the edge of Fyfield Down. It had a great vibe and, from the moment I entered.
I had wandered around this amazing area in the hope to see the Devil’s Den dolmen and other sites in the area. It was getting dark as I was leaving Fyfield Down and the Valley of the Stone. I know this is private land and didn’t want to camp there. On the way out, I’m pretty sure I walked past the landowner or farmer and their family heading towards the Devil’s Den. I wasn’t totally sure, but I had that feeling as they reluctantly said hello back to me, with my backpack on and sleeping mat visible. I then felt the eyes on me as I left the field.
At the edge of the Down, I came across this woodland. It was surrounded by a fence, but unlike other copses, this one wasn’t completely shut off, or had any notices stating it was private. It also had a few small countryside gates that weren’t locked. A quick online check confirmed it had a name, but little other information.
Once inside, the area was hugely overgrown, and after trying to get through it, I turned back and took the only option up the small wooded incline, which opened into mature trees with a fairly flat floor – plenty of good pitching options. Just be mindful of widowmakers.
I did spot a few shotgun cartridges scattered on the ground. I’d encountered the same in a nameless South Downs woodland once before, and that time I decided to move on. It felt different here and I stayed. I walked through the woodland to the far secluded corner, and found a lovely low boughed tree without any dangerous branches above to sleep under.
From that spot, I caught an amazing orange sunset through the trees, and in the morning a glimpse of the dawn sky.
The night passed with no issues. The woodland felt welcoming, and it had been a while since I’d slept under a tree in such an awesome place.
Coordinates:
GPS: SU 12999 71165
Google map: 51°26’21.7″N 1°48’51.7″W
What3words: Il/readjust.propelled.toffee
Getting there:
I parked on Betjeman Road in Marlborough, where there’s plenty of free on-street parking. From there, I walked via the Devil’s Den dolmen and across Fyfield Down to where I spent the night..
The next morning, I headed back by passing the sarsen stone Long Tom and following the BOAT (Byway Open to All Traffic) alongside the Clatford Down/Manton Gallops.
In total, the walk between where I camped and my parking spot was about 6.74 km (4.18 miles).
There is also a car park near the training gallops called Up on the Downs Car Park. From what I know, it’s open 24 hours a day and free to use. I saw a few van-lifers parked up there, and it seemed quiet both times I passed through. It’s located just at the end of Downs’ Lane, on the left before the private road leading into the Manton House Estate.
Heads up:
I still don’t know who owns this woodland, so if you do visit, please be respectful-shut the gates and leave no trace.
As mentioned, I did notice used shotgun cartridges in the copse, so be mindful of that.
On a practical note, the phone and internet signal here was good.
#bivicamp #wildcamp #wiltshire #woodland #fyfielddown #valleyofstone
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