Great Langdale Campsite

Great Langdale is spectacularly ringed by several famous peaks in Bowfell, Crinkle Crag and the Langdale Pikes. At night the site is gloriously dark, but if you've forgotten your torch (like we did) you can use a combination of moonlight and the white tails of bunnies that graze amongst the tents to guide you around the guy ropes. Sitting roughly in the centre of the Lake District and easily accessible by car, the site is not in the immediate vicinity of any lakes but makes an ideal base to explore the region.

As a National Trust property everything is thoughtfully managed, with dedicated fields for families, groups and late arrivals. The showers are powerful and there is a drying room for when the valley weather turns, which it will. The shop keeps a good selection of basics including a wide range of walking maps, and you should make sure you head over in the morning for fresh coffee and hot bacon baguettes. Be warned that there is genuinely no phone signal in the valley, so download any maps you need before you arrive. Great Langdale is a popular base for climbers and, if you feel inspired by their exploits, you can hop on the site's little bouldering wall to help you judge your abilities.

The site's accessibility and National Trust status make it popular with a wide range of campers, from walkers and hikers to first time campers and families, so it quickly fills during the summer. Whilst there are non-bookable pitches reserved for those who arrive on foot, don't be deterred if the site is full, there are several other options including Baysbrown Farm just down the road. Three decent pubs sit within a 10 minute walk. The Hikers Bar at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel does good filling food to fuel your days on the peaks, and in the evening you might be treated to a band of locals playing a tune or two in the corner.