Land Rover caught in historic magnificence spot bathroom sparks outrage

A motorist found themselves in a bit of a pickle after their Land Rover Discovery got stuck in the muddy terrain of Blackslade Mire, an ancient peatland bog on Dartmoor.

The incident, which took place at 7.20pm on Friday, was witnessed by local man Kane Pearce-Scott, who watched in disbelief as another Land Rover tried to pull the stranded vehicle free with a tow rope. Images of the incident shared on Facebook sparked speculation that the driver was “unlikely to be a local”.

Dartmoor’s open moorland is strictly off-limits to unauthorised vehicles in order to protect its fragile ecosystems, and a specific byelaw prohibits driving ‘on any part of the access land where there is no right of way’ without a ‘reasonable excuse’.

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Kane stressed the importance of respecting the landscape, stating: “People need to take more care when coming onto Dartmoor, it’s very important to protect this ancient landscape and people visiting should abide by the byelaws at all times.”

According to Plymouth Live, it took about 20 minutes for a second vehicle to rescue the blue one from its sticky situation, reports Devon Live.

It’s reported that a ranger has since had a word with the drivers. Blackslade Mire, situated in the eastern section of Dartmoor National Park opposite Rippon Tor, is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a variety of rare plants, birds, and insects.

Shannon Mac was left gobsmacked, venting her frustration on the Dartmoor Public Group Facebook page: “I do wonder why they thought it was ok to just drive across moorland. Think of all the delicate plants and soil that took absolutely ages to establish.”

Meanwhile, Richard Blight chimed in with his two cents, saying: “To say the Dartmoor Ranger working on Saddle Tor was not impressed is an understatement. He did go and see them a bit later and had a look and a conversation. What possessed them to try and drive through there is totally beyond comprehension.”

Dartmoor National Park’s website doesn’t mince words when it comes to off-roading rules, with the byelaw clearly stating: “No person shall without reasonable excuse ride or drive a cycle, motorcycle, motor vehicle or any other mechanically propelled vehicle on any part of the access land where there is no right of way for that class of vehicle.”

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