Hollows Farm Campsite

There's something Tolkienesque about Hollows Farm. Sitting in a secluded valley you enter the site to a long narrow field nestled between woodland, with views of the Derwent Valley stretched across its foot like a matte painting. Before long you are enticed to explore further by a footpath tucked behind a wall, and rounding the bend you'll discover the spectacular second field ringed by trees with peaks dramatically shooting from its edge. It feels like somewhere the Fellowship would gather to discuss plans to scale Mount Doom, so be thankful you only have Scafell Pike on the itinerary.

Back to concerns of earthen geography: the River Derwent runs further down the valley and the stream at the foot of the site is ideal for paddling and dinghies, with a lovely river pool for a swim only a few minutes away. There are numerous beautiful walks that start almost from your tent door, and the Cumbria Way runs right past, so ask the team for recommendations. More serious hikers less worried about staying in an approximation of Middle Earth might want to seek Hollows Farm's sister site Seatoller, which is closer to Scafell Pike.

For campers the site is pitch and pay with no bookings across two fields, one of allocated pitches and one open field where you can go anywhere, and payment is collected in the evening. If you're after some glamping there are woodland pods on the farm too, and a holiday cottage. There's an on-site toilet block with hot showers, and don't be surprised when the sheep wander through camp and wake you at dawn; it rather adds to the experience. For scrumptious lunches head to the Grange Bridge Cottage Tea Shop, and for drinks the well recommended Riverside Bar is walkable. Keswick is five miles up the road and there's a bus stop 15 minutes walk away in Grange village. Fly, you fools!