WALKING SPECIAL: CAMPING
Britain’s best campsites for walkers
Housedean Farm Lewes, East Sussex
Slap bang on the South Downs Way, the farm offers a sheltered nook where you can pitch up and watch the stars come out above the downs as you sit beside your campfire. Along with 25 spacious pitches, modern facilities and a bonus open-air shower, there are three camping pods, a shepherd’s hut and – somewhat unusually – a luxury pig ark. housedean.co.uk
Treen Farm Campsite St Levan, Cornwall
Beloved of walkers for its tranquillity and extraordinary sea views, Treen is a family oriented campsite just a hop and a skip from the South West Coast Path. Come the evening there’s a cracking 16th-century pub, The Logan Rock Inn, and the stunning Minack open-air theatre, both within easy walking distance. treenfarmcampsite.com
North Lees Hathersage, Derbyshire
Within easy walking range of Stanage Edge and with a wealth of routes to choose from, the spacious North Lees campsite makes an excellent base for exploring the Peak District National Park. It has a drying room, is easily accessible by bus and, for those without tents, there are seven cosy pods (including one for wheelchair users). peakdistrict.gov.uk/ camping-northlees
Low Greenside Farm Ravenstonedale, Cumbria
This campsite near the border with Yorkshire presents walkers with a pleasing dilemma: do they head for the northern Yorkshire Dales, explore Cumbria’s fantastic Howgill Fells or consult the campsite’s guide to local walks? There are capacious pitches with fire-pits here, fabulous Eden Valley views, a bell tent and yurt, and two great village pubs within sauntering distance. lowgreensidefarmcampsite.co.uk
Syke Farm Buttermere, Cumbria
This tents-only site between Crummock Water and Buttermere – Alfred Wainwright’s favourite lake – has been popular with walkers for more than 40 years. With little hummocks to camp on and great views of the surrounding hills, it’s perfect for a hike around Buttermere or up Haystacks. If you fancy a little luxury, there are yurts and a shepherd’s hut too. sykefarmcampsite.com
Hobby Farm nr Whitchurch Canonicorum, Dorset
A campsite that aims to ‘keep things wild as nature intended’, Hobby Farm consists of 14 pitches with fire-pits for campers (adults only) and a pair of shepherd’s huts. You can either explore the Jurassic Coast or head into the beautiful Marshwood Vale, criss-crossed with footpaths, bridleways and quiet lanes. westdorsetcamping.co.uk/hobby-farm-pitches
Walkmill Campsite nr Warkworth, Northumberland
Tucked into a picturesque loop of the River Coquet, Walkmill is within striking distance of the Northumberland coast and St Oswald’s Way. Look out for otters and kingfishers on the river and wildflowers in the meadow, or enjoy star-gazing – the site is in Northumberland Dark Skies Park. But, probably best of all, there’s a bath. walkmillcampsite.co.uk
Sallochy Campsite Milarrochy, Stirlingshire
Fans of waterside pitches will love this tents-only beach site. After a day on the West Highland Way (or a tootle along the Sallochy Trail), you can feast your eyes on the view across the islands of Loch Lomond to the Arrochar Alps. Facilities are basic – just composting toilets and drinking water – giving an experience that’s almost wild camping. forestryandland.gov.scot/ visit/forest-parks/queenelizabeth-forest-park/sallochy
Badrallach Scoraig peninsula, Ross-shire
At the end of a remote lane, with only a dozen pitches and no phone reception, Badrallach is a place for peace-lovers. You can walk along Loch Broom to the isolated village of Scoraig (reachable only by boat or on foot) while looking out for pine martens, red deer, white-tailed sea eagles and red squirrels. badrallach.com/stay/ camping.html
Hillfort Camping and Yurts Goodwick, Pembrokeshire
It’s not often you get to camp on a 30-acre Iron Age Hillfort, especially one with just 11 pitches. Take in the extraordinary views once enjoyed by our Celtic forebears, before heading off along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path or stumbling around Strumble Head to watch for dolphins, orca and porpoise. hillfortcampingandyurts.co.uk
Hafod-y-Llan Nant Gwynant, Snowdonia
Owned by the National Trust, the tents-only Hafody-Llan sits within a dramatic 4,000-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest. There are waterfalls nearby and the lesser-used Watkin Path up Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa runs right past. Campfires are allowed, and if you do get a soaking while out enjoying Wales’ highest peak, there are hot showers and a handy tumble-drier on site. nationaltrust.org.uk/ holidays/wales/hafod-y-llancampsite
Meelmore Lodge Bryansford, Co. Down
Waking up to an alpine vista is always energising and here you’ll be treated to gorgeous views of Slieve Meelmore. This tents-only site has fire pits for hire and is popular with hillwalkers aiming for the higher Mournes. Should you forget your stove, don’t fret: the campsite has its own bistro. meelmorelodge.co.uk/camp-site
Dixe Wills is a keen camper who has such a love for particularly small campsites that he has written a book about them (Tiny Campsites; AA Publishing).