Independent Campsite Reviews

This isolated National Trust site nestles at the head of Great Langdale Valley in a breathtaking setting surrounded on three sides by the shear slopes of the valley. The site was still reasonably busy during our visit in November, and I’m told that all of its 300 pitches are occupied every weekend during July and August. The site is split into "group" field and "family" field with play area and has a no-noise-after-11pm policy. The basic facilities (hot showers, wash-up room, drying room) were reasonably clean and ample for the hardy souls braving the November climate, but I would imagine it gets a bit hectic in peak season. Torrential rain and hail showers scoured the valley whilst we were there but the ground shed the water readily, leaving the odd waterlogged area which was easily avoidable when pitching our tent. The site sits in a natural frost pocket and was bitterly cold; it’s not warmed by the low winter sun and endures a penetrating, icy, biting wind despite its valley setting - go prepared if inclement weather is forecast. The campsite setting is simply majestic. The slopes of the valley are a kaleidoscope in late autumn and rise to dazzling snow-topped crags set against a brilliant blue sky. Keeping warm during the evening after a hike can be a problem so the slow decline into hypothermia can be offset by visiting the Hiker’s Bar in the nearby Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel which has real ales, bar food, a restaurant and more importantly, an open fire.