5 campsites in the UK Mountains
We head for the hills with the experts at coolcamping.com as they share their top picks of the UK’s best mountain campsites.
The views, the walks, the fresh alpine air; there’s something undeniably special about camping in the mountains. Whether it’s pitching at the foot of Ben Nevis or finding a riverside spot in the heart of Snowdonia, there are few places we’d rather be than in amongst Britain’s mighty mountains. To get us inspired, we’ve asked the experts at coolcamping.com for their recommendations of the perfect places to pitch in 2018. So, when it comes to pitching your tent or parking up your campervan next year, you’ll know exactly where to go…
Kestrel Lodge, Lake District
With views down to Bassenthwaite Lake, this Cumbrian farm campsite has around 30 grass pitches and sits in the morning shadow of mighty Skiddaw. There are other mountains within easy reach too: It’s 5 miles to the summit of Great Cockup, 7 miles to Binsey or try the strenuous 11 mile loop that takes in Bakestall, Carlside, Longside and Ullock Pike. Having only opened for the first time in 2016, facilities at the campsite are plush, modern and clean, while Wi-Fi is available and there’s a small shop for essentials. Campfires are permitted too, capping off that true outdoors experience.
Trwyn yr Wylfa, Snowdonia
Why choose a campsite in the mountains when you could have the seaside too? With the stonking landscapes of Snowdonia National Park to one side and incredible sea views on the other, this coastal Conwy retreat is tough to top. Though small and understated, the campsite’s facilities are more than adequate – piping hot showers, a dishwashing area, chemical disposal, free Wi-Fi and a large field for ball games – while there’s a wealth of walking routes on the doorstep. The Synchnant Pass over Conwy Mountain or the coastal path can be picked up right from the gate, while local amenities are also easily reachable – both beach and pub are a stroll away.
Catgill, Yorkshire Dales
In the south of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, just down the road from the fabulous ruins of Bolton Abbey, this sheep farm-cum-campsite occupies an undulating field with flat space for around 40 tents. Extra pitches are available on busy summer weekends, when families often populate the place and take advantage of popular Hesketh Farm Park next door. To the north, meanwhile, the mountains of the national park invite you in, with the famous three peaks – Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – just a short drive away. Along with modern family facilities, the farm also has a powerful hose you can use to wash down muddy mountain bikes.
Cuckoo Camping, Brecon Beacons
If your idea of camping in the mountains is all about escaping the crowds and getting as far away from the busy modern world as possible, then Cuckoo Camping is for you. Only 15 tents are allowed at any one time, while a small pond and thick, bushy hedgerows encourage wildlife. Best of all, children are not permitted, noisy campers aren’t welcome and caravans, campervans and motorhomes don’t make the cut either. Campfires, however, are not just allowed, but positively encouraged – this is real back to basics stuff. The small size of the campsite, meanwhile, only accentuates the magnificent scale of the surrounding mountains – Moel Gornach and Trichrug are on the doorstep and Carmathen Fen is a short drive away.
Glen Nevis Holidays, Fort William
Ben Nevis is the highest peak in the UK and when it comes to looking for a good mountain campsite, a pitch at the foot of this Scottish giant is a no brainer. Occupying some 30 acres of space, Glen Nevis Holidays is a ginormous camping space, neatly divided up into separate meadows to give a more sheltered, small-time feel. There are four different fields dedicated to tent campers, most of whom have come to climb the famous peak, though many also come to enjoy water sports on Loch Linnhe, and facilities at the campsite are excellent. Arrive in daylight to make the most of the incredible views along Glen Nevis Road.
Based on their leading guidebooks, the Cool Camping website now offers an online collection of the very best camping and glamping sites in the UK and Europe. Discover more incredible places to pitch at coolcamping.com
Be prepared for your trip and shop all things camping here at Go Outdoors!
