Despite the way it stands out, with its screed top and tiered crags, most people motoring up the M6 drive straight past Farelton Knott on their way to the busier mountains of the Lake District. Little do they realise that, over the back of the limestone hill, there's the perfect campsite for walkers. It has access straight on to the hillside and easterly views of the Yorkshire Dales. It's secluded, it's quiet and it's compassionately run, with eco-friendly facilities and a tree planted for every booking.
Set on a working farm, below both Farleton Knott (or fell) and Hutton Roof Crags, the campsite offers three sole-hire dry-stone walled paddocks for camping or glamping. And while there’s never many people staying here at one time, it’s still a busy place in its own agricultural way. Owners Dan and Pam successfully juggle tending sheep, dashing out on the school run and caring for their guests. One recent visitor excitedly recalled that Pam even made a cake for their partner’s birthday. That gives you a measure of the warmth of the welcome here.
The set-up gives each couple, family or group a whole half-acre field to themselves. Two of them have a furnished bell tent, the third is home to the timber Arctic Cabin. Each of these has made-up beds and its own compost loo and shower as well as a fire pit, cooking shelter and picnic bench. In short, your own mini campsite. And on that note, if you prefer traditional camping, there’s an option to hire one of the two bell tent fields to pitch your own. Booked this way, it’s suitable for up to eight people to stay, and Dan and Pam will let you use the bell tent, unfurnished, too. And if the off-grid nature of the place ever gets too much, head over to 'The Cop Out Shed'. It’s the only shared facility on site, and the place to charge your phone and use the fridge, freezer or microwave – all powered from the farm’s own wind turbine.
The nature trail up Farleton Fell is the obvious first activity. From the top, panoramic views take in Morecambe Bay, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Howgill Fells, though it's also enjoyable looking much closer to home, at the plantlife and wildflowers in the nooks of the limestone slabs. If you do eventually hop in the car, the coast, the Lakes and the Dales are all within easy reach, with the likes of Windermere a half-hour drive away and Kirkby Lonsdale 10 minutes down the road.
The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and areas of outstanding natural beauty such as Silverdale and Arnside are all within a 20-minute drive. There is direct access to footpaths and bridleways from the campsite up on to Farleton Knott and Hutton Roof Crags. The attractive market town of Kirkby Lonsdale is a little under five miles away (if you want to start a conversation, ask a local if it is in Lancashire or Cumbria), as is the Devil’s Bridge beauty spot. The nearest place to buy essentials is in the village of Burton-in-Kendal where you will find the post office and convenience store, just under three miles from the campsite.
The King’s Arms (01524 781409) in Burton-in-Kendal (three miles away) is a family-friendly pub which serves food (fresh produce from its own allotment and vegetarian/vegan options). For artisan ice cream try The Milking Parlour (01524 781409) near the Devil’s Bridge. There are many pubs, restaurants and cafes in Kirkby Lonsdale, five miles away. The pick of which are The Royal Hotel (01524 271966) – an elegant, vegetarian/vegan friendly Georgian restaurant – and Platos (01524 274180), which is a bit pricey, but justifiably award winning. For a more economical option, historical interior, live music, sports on television, log fire and real ales try (ironically) The Snooty Fox Tavern (01524 958951). Fresh local produce can be found at the Thursday Charter Market in Kirkby Lonsdale and if the largest muffins you ever saw tempt you, then The Lunesdale Bakery (015242 71296) will satisfy your desires.
