If ever a campsite precisely fitted the criteria to be labelled as the perfect Hipcamp site, then this is it. Well we think it is, or at least might very well be... if there were actually precise criteria for a Hipcamp campsite. So how did we come to this illogical conclusion? A good question, and it involves unquantifiable notional nonsense like atmosphere, vibes, emotions, nags, Shrek, and a bit of hobbit-ness. Then there’s the old chestnut of a cracking location, and this is perhaps that most important box to be ticked before any campsite gets a certificate of worth from Tent HQ.
Taking location first, and any campsite in the Lake District has a head start over the rest, with this area’s unique combination of rugged natural scenery enclosing picture-postcard valleys. But oddly, Grizedale, the location of this textbook Hipcamp site, isn’t like anywhere else in the Lake District, and is largely covered in trees; fairly boring-looking trees at that. But we’ll get back up in the arboreal canopy later, after a better look at the campsite which, handily enough, is the only one in all of Grizedale.
The camping part of the site lies in a lovely open field with a soothing view of the wooded hills all around, bestowing upon the place a feeling of snug enclosure, as the protective treescapes shut out the rest of the world completely. And we do mean completely, which is good, as there’s nothing remotely urban for miles in any direction. You can almost feel the tranquillity rippling right the way through your soul here, especially when you’re sitting by an open fire on one of those balmy summer evenings we wish we had more often.
The section of the site devoted to a yurt and handful of timber pods is existentially opposite; they can be found hiding within the steep wooded hills at the back of the farm, where the atmosphere – though no less idyllic – has an intimate, odd, and almost Lord of the Rings sort of feel to it. If not The Lord of the Rings then maybe Shrek...or Men in Tights perhaps... but basically, that of a mystical forest. The more you see of Grizedale campsite the less average it becomes, and it probably won’t come as a total surprise that should you not wish to part company with your nag during your camping holiday, why, you can bring him or her along with you, as a nice comfy bed and daily supply of fodder will be theirs for the entirety of your sojourn here. (Obviously the nag we refer to is of the equine variety, just in case there are any family misunderstandings.)
There’s a pub nearby, and besides plenty of bridleways for your favourite horsey friend to clip-clop along, there are miles and miles of paths in the woods where the imagination can be let loose completely. Bizarre timber sculptures are dotted about nearby Grizedale Forest and could easily have been carved by hobbits. But these are all just sideshows in the forest, for the real action is either way-up in the tree canopy as part of the Go Ape high wire course, or getting down and very dirty cycling along the purpose-built ATB tracks on the forest floor.
So there you have it – Grizedale makes the perfect Hipcamp site for active folk who like a good dose of adrenaline served alongside their camping. Or those who’d just prefer to sit back in the glorious, soothing, and slightly mystical surroundings, and think about being active, or ponder on which film set the site most resembles. What’s certain is that it has Baggins of appeal.
There aren’t a lot of tourist attractions near this back-of-beyond campsite, but those that are here are stunningly different and very exciting. There is obviously the usual kind of Lake District walking available straight from the site, though it’s a deal woodier than elsewhere in these parts, but as mentioned Go Ape’s high wires criss-cross the forest canopy, and an extreme mountain biking course called the North Face Trail (01229 860373) zips along the woodland floor. Both adventures are designed for those with nerves (and muscles) of steel. If you aren’t quite ready for the nerve-jangling death-defying ATB course, there are miles and miles of forest tracks to cycle along, with gradients to suit all tastes and legs. All the other more traditional attractions of South Lakeland are also accessible by bike, with the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway (01539 531594), Windermere Lake Cruises (01539 443360), and the Lakes Aquarium (01539 530153) all a pleasant stress- and precipice-free 7-mile pedal away. And another mile (or quick ferry ride across the lake) brings Fell Foot Park (01539 531273) in range, where you can sip tea by the lake or hire a traditional rowing boat.
The roads into Grizedale are, in a vehicle, nearly as scary as the high wires or extreme biking trails, so many folk won’t be going far in the car once settled here. If the stove packs up, the fire goes out, or the camp chef goes on strike, the local pub in Satterthwaite, the Eagles Head (01229 860237) can cater to just about every taste. The beers (Eagles Head Ale and Grized Ale) are exclusive, and there are regular changes of guest beers from local microbreweries. Should you decide to risk the road, the Kings Arms (01539 436372) in Hawkshead does simple food very well.
