Eskdale Campsite

Eskdale Campsite is a low-valley base for exploring the Eskdale and Duddon area, set in eight acres of meadow grassland among woodland, crags, and waterfalls. The appeal is the setting: you can walk from camp instead of packing up again, then be back near the River Esk and Boot's pubs by evening. It suits a walking-focused night or longer camping stay more than a quick sightseeing stop.

There are pitches for tents, campervans, and motorhomes up to 6.5m, plus pods and a bell tent. Some tent pitches are in a car-free meadow, while the main field has limited electric hook-ups. The site does not accept caravans. The shop covers useful basics, including milk, bread, cheese, pasta, beans, and camping supplies, but bring a proper food shop if you are staying several nights.

Toilets, hot showers, laundry, a drying room, washing-up area, chemical-toilet disposal, Wi-Fi at reception, and parking are available. There is no mobile phone signal at the campsite, and Wi-Fi can be slow, so download maps and bring anything you need before arriving.

The River Esk walk passes St Catherine's Church and stepping stones with rock pools before continuing towards Stanley Ghyll Force, a 60-foot waterfall in a deep gorge. Blea Tarn and Burnmoor Tarn are both within reach in under an hour on foot. The campsite is also a useful base for fell routes and for the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway from nearby Dalegarth for Boot station.

Do not let a sat-nav take you over Hardknott Pass. It has steep 1-in-3 gradients, tight switchbacks, and tight passing places, and it is not suitable for caravans, trailers, campervans, or motorhomes. Approach from the west via Birker Pass or Corney Fell Pass, or use the main roads along the coast.