Lake District campsites

[Zyp]

I'm looking for a campsite not too far from Borrowdale (within a 20 minute drive pref.) but that has a pub that does food within easy walking distance.

Looking at going with a few mates to do the Via Ferrata around end Feb/March time. (and a have a bit of a hike somewhere whilst we're there)

Wouldn't mind a place with decent-ish toilets, if only to have a comfortable morning poo.
Any recommendations?

Thanks

[Zyp]

I've done the slate mine a few times but always had the kids with me - always wanted to do the Ferrata so I'm glad to hear it's good.

[tenohfive]

I went to Bayesbrown Farm in the edge of spring summer and I can't recommend the place highly enough. It's in the Langdale Valley and the views were amazing. The showers/toilets etc were clean but basic, and the place is a working farm so there were tractors going past at 7am. But that was more than made up for by the views and being able to pitch wherever, rather than allocated pitches. And it's an easy stroll to a nearby gastropub that did decent (and reasonably priced) food. When I'm next in the Lakes I'll be going back there.

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revi...

One word of warning if you do go - the sat nav will send you the wrong way. If I've sorted the link right, it shows where you need to come in. The actual entrance track to the farm is shown on the second link.
http://g.co/maps/94dtj
http://g.co/maps/789cc

There's a National Trust camp site further down the valley that also got good reviews. Failing that check out ukcampsite.co.uk, their customer reviews were pretty helpful.

[GreatGranny]

I walked past the campsite jenohfive recommends and it looks pretty good. Very open so in bad weather it may be a bit rough.

I've stayed at the one further up the valley (National Trust site) and I would recommend that one as well. Its also across the road from the Old Dungeon Ghyll which is a fantastic pub.

Both have stunning views as you would expect.

There are also Yurts for rent on most national Trust sites, expensive though.

The time you are going is also out of season for some sites so may need to check.

Another alternative is a camping barn or hostel. Check the YHA website.

[Chicken Chaser]

NT Campsite is great, but if its wet it can be flooded. If its ok and there's a risk of rain, make sure you're sat on a patch of higher ground as you can wake up in the morning to a moat!

Stickleback Tavern next door is great for evening entertainment, beer and food. Stunning views too.

[C3BER]

The Via Ferrata is a story of one mans dream ending in tears but from disaster a more open Lakeland.

Nothing to far in the lakes in winter unlike summer when the tourist areas get packed.

[turnleftwhere]

I've used Side farm a few times, both with car and walking for a number of days as a stop over. Has a long lane which is no good for anything remotely low to the ground, but a really good view of Ullswater towards Helvellyn, not bad toilets and showers.

Side Farm Patterdale, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0NP
017684 82337

Burns farm is below Blencathra, 5 mins drive from Keswick, good toilets/showers, good views but still close enough to main roads.

You won't get from side farm to borrowdale in 20 mins, but you will from Burns farm.