Three night Summer camp in Upper Swaledale
8 people attending
12 places left
This event has now moved to June - was previously April.
Venture into the upper reaches of Swaledale for a three night stay in the scenic, quiet, less populated part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The campsite is both a working farm and brilliant well thought out campsite with many good facilities. The villages of Muker, Keld and Thwaite are not too far away , all have either a pub or a nice teashop for a piece of quality Yorkshire baking.
There are several different easy lower routes branching out in deep cut valleys, a good assortment of well marked tracks ascending to the higher fells and many well used paths and bridleways for a decent selection of hiking and strolling options between villages.
The campsite sits in a narrow part of the valley close to a stream with the Pennine Way and Coast to Coast National Trails only a short stroll away. The main camping field has a gentle slope extending from the foot of the hill slope to the farm and facilities. The ground is well drained and the grass well managed for really good pitches. A quiet path avoids the roads to either of the two close villages a fifteen minute stroll away.
This is limestone country with waterfalls, limestone escarpments and deep gorges. Great Shunner Fell, Kisdon and Lovely Seat are the nearest high ground and the steeper slopes offer picture postcard perspectives. There is plentiful evidence of mining here especially at Gunnerside Gill and the Cow'us (stone barns) are dotted about the drystone walled enclosures dating back hundreds of years.
There will be a small selection of walks each day for those who like a challenge or a mid level wander. If you would prefer to just relax and explore this area at a slower pace you are also welcome to join us here.
The campsite facilities include lockers with phone charging, modern showers and plenty of toilets in a block in the centre of the site. There is also an on site shop with local produce and opportunity to hire fire pits and firewood.
Dogs: The site welcomes dogs as long as they are kept under control as the camp fields are beside the working farm.
Photos: The photos used are courtesy of the leader Steven and OutdoorLads member Craig B and are all used with their permission.
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What to bring
Tent! You'll need to bring all your camping gear. Please avoid huge tents if you can to keep a good space between tents.
For the walks:
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day
Sun cream
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
You'll need to bring all the food and drink you might need for your stay. There is a fridge but lots of people will be using it, so please keep chilled food to a minimum.
We will not be ridiculously remote for stocking up during our stay. There is an onste shop open at set times in yhe day and lower in valley at Reeth a small village shop. The market town of Richmond is the closest settlement of size with a large supermarket and Co Op store,
There are several pubs not too far away but only one in easy walking distance.
BBQs are allowed if raised off the ground so that the grass isn’t scorched. Camp fires are only allowed using a raised setup above the ground and these are avaiable to hire.