Exploring Davidstow: Forest and Abandoned Airbase
As the mist swept over central Cornwall, I knew that it was time for another adventure in lockdown. Davidstow had been on my radar for a few weeks, after seeing a local photographer document his adventure to the abandoned airbase and woodland area. I knew that I needed to visit Davidstow and capture my own images, so I packed my camera and made my way to what felt like the middle of nowhere.
Davidstow is located North of Bodmin Moor and on the outskirts of Camelford. After the hour drive, we arrived at what I could only describe as an eerie forest, on the edge of a deserted main road. We parked the car on the side of the road and wandered into the woodland. As we walked deeper in the heart of the forest I couldn’t help but noticed the dramatic decrease in temperature. Hairs stood up on end as I felt the need to look over my shoulder.
I fell in love with a wild horse in the woods. There was a crowd of wild horses that were all so very friendly, but this particular horse kept walking over to me, holding her gaze to my eyes for a few moments, and then made her way back into the darkness. She repeated this sequence about 5 times like she was playing a game. Just me and this horse. She was my absolute favourite (& if spirit animals really are a thing then she is mine.)
To the left of Davidstow Woods, you’ll find the old RAF airbase (Davidstow Moor.) RAF Davidstow Moor closed in December 1945 at the end of World War II and many of the buildings including the hangars were soon removed. It became a motor racing circuit and in the early 1950s three Formula One races were held there.
We entered the abandoned Control Tower which stands proudly next to the runway. The building is now covered in graffiti, but that didn’t stop our curiosity. You can walk through every room in the building and If you take the stairs you can get onto the roof which offers 360 views around the airbase, woodland, and to Rough Tor (Bodmin Moor.)
