CAMPSITES | Eskdale National Trust Camp Site, Lake District – Review
The Lowdown
Eskdale National Trust Campsite, Boot, Holmrook, Cumbria, CA19 1TH
nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/lake-district/eskdale-campsite
- Tents, campervans, motorhomes and glamping pods
- 110 seasonal pitches
- 2-night minimum stay
- Up to 2 dogs per pitch
- Basic camping pods from £100 for 2 nights
- Grass camping pitches without EHU from £48 for 2 nights
Our Visit
26th September – 28th September 2014
What We Loved
With Autumn now upon us, I needed a nature and fresh-air fix, but didn’t fancy camping in a tent. As usual, right at the last minute (Thursday), I decided to try and find somewhere for that same weekend, and frantically set about searching for suitable camping pods in the Lake District. After exchanging a few Tweets with the super-helpful Martyn, I’d booked us a pod for the weekend at a lovely looking site in Eskdale.
I was lucky as the site was fully booked, and I just happened to snap up a cancellation, so top tip, make sure you book ahead in the busy summer months.
Do take notice of the advice on the National Trust website, and make sure you allow plenty of time for your journey.
I am eternally grateful for the warning I had at the time of booking, informing me about Hardknott Pass (the site lies at the far end of the pass), so was able to take an alternate route.
Despite avoiding Hardknott Pass (I really didn’t fancy tackling it tired and in the dark for the first time!) the alternative route we took was remote, often single-track and winding. Be prepared, if you take any of the mountain passes, the roads are a little challenging, but a lot of fun too and beware of sheep and cows….you will encounter both ambling up the middle of the road.
We had already informed the site that we wouldn’t be arriving until after 8pm, and we were given a warm welcome. We were provided with a heater and an extra gas bottle, and walked down to our pod. The car park was very close to the pods (a few steps away), and in no time, we’d emptied the car and were setting up inside. The pods come unfurnished, which suited us well, but there was a battery-operated LED light inside and the floor was insulated with rubber tiles.
First impressions were good. The pods are located in an adorable little clearing surrounded by trees, and there is something about the cute wooden buildings, that makes you feel like an excited child, possibly because they elicit memories of den building. We have a lot of camping gear, we don’t ever manage to camp light (honestly, we don’t even really try), and were amazed at how much stuff we managed to fit inside!
I suffer from joint problems and so use an oversized, double-height air bed when I camp, and with both that and my partner’s camp bed, there was still plenty of room for us and our absurd number of goods and chattels.
The pods are basic, but well insulated with sheep wool, so not only were they very warm and cosy, but they also do a decent job of blocking out noise and we had two very pleasant, completely undisturbed nights sleep.
The site was quiet, other campers were friendly as were the site owners. The location is just breathtaking and having never visited that part of Cumbria before, we are utterly besotted.
The landscape was so amazing that we have both been inspired to start doing more walking and are keen to try out our first proper route, rather than just randomly going for a wander.
The Facilities
The grounds were spotless and beautifully well-kept, as were all of the facilities. The on-site shop has a lovely rustic feel and is well stocked with camping, food, and drink essentials as well as local meats, ideal for popping on the BBQ. The toilets and showers were clean as were the inside and outdoor kitchen areas.
Out And About
We didn’t have masses of time, but we were delighted that we had enough time to do some exploring whilst there. The Eskdale show was on, which was utterly fabulous and included prize-winning veg, poultry and sheep trials.
We then took a walk to the station where we took a round trip on the Ravenglass & Eskdale narrow gauge railway, which was delightful. On our walk back towards the site we took a slight detour and fortuitously found ourselves at the stunning, Stanley Force Waterfall, a magnificent 60ft falls right by the campsite.
The area is a mecca for serious walkers and mountain bikers with numerous trails across the fells, as well as routes up to Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain.
Any Downers?
Nothing at all! We loved it and look forward to returning and exploring the beautiful area further.
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