Chapel House Farm Campsite

Chapel House Farm sits at the foot of Bessyboot just off the Borrowdale Road. A simple field ringed by stone walls, the views are stunning, and whilst it couldn't be easier to reach by car the cars are kept to the car park, keeping the camping field as nature intended. The facilities are simple, with basic toilets and paid hot showers (a few coins does it), and a communal camping barn offers shelter from the elements. It is refreshingly honest camping: no hookups, no frills, just the field, the fells and a farmer who tends to introduce himself and make you feel welcome. That authenticity is exactly why people keep coming back.

The area around Chapel House Farm offers some unique activities. You have classic Lake District hiking around Borrowdale where walkers of all abilities are served, choosing from the high fells to easier routes along the numerous rivers and Derwentwater. More uniquely, if you're blessed by good weather head to Black Moss Pot in nearby Langstrath Valley for some stunning wild swimming. This sheltered pool has a waterfall and rocks for jumping into its crystal clear water, and there are shallows that warm like a bath in the sun. At the nearby Honister Pass sits the famous Honister Slate Mine where tours run daily, and if you'd like to head (much!) higher, the UK's only Via Ferrata can be experienced here. The Via Ferrata follows the 2000ft Fleetwith Pike via a continuous cable, making the Lake District mountain accessible to anyone.

After a few days of the above you'll be after some R&R; for food and drinks The Langstrath Country Inn at Stonethwaite and The Scafell Hotel at Rosthwaite are walking distance from the site. Keswick sits a hikable 6 miles north of the site or a 15 minute drive. The site is served by a regular bus, making it an ideal spot for those travelling on foot.