Travel tips

So, you and your partner have managed to get a week off work, the kids are out of school and you’re all set.

Next you need to decide where you are going to stay. There are over 70 camp sites in the Lakes, varying from farmers fields with very few amenities, right up to luxury caravan parks that offer guests electric hook ups, club houses, and swimming pools.

They vary in location as well. You could stay at a site on the shores of Coniston, allowing you to wake up and have a dip first thing in the morning (who needs swimming pools?).  Or you could stay at a site half way up a mountainside with views across Keswick and Derwent water.

Obviously all this comes at a price, but when compared to hotels, there really are some great savings to be had.

One thing I feel you must have are toilet and shower blocks. These are available on most sites … but just check to make sure. You will probably pay around £20 a night for a Tent, car, family of four with these amenities, which is fantastic value when you consider the location. The countries most scenic landscape just outside your tent.

Equipment.

You will need some fairly robust equipment if camping in Cumbria. It’s not really known for its mild temperate climate …. This is not Cornwall!

Tent: - If you don’t have a tent and you are thinking about buying one, consider the number of people in your group. Mum dad and two kids… four people, you really need a 6 man tent. Why? Well all the equipment, spare clothes, boots, food, cooking gear, … it all has to go somewhere. And anyway, with the influx of good quality yet cheap tents from the Far East, the price of a four man compared to a six is relatively small.

Must Haves: - You really must take the following gear with you if you want to ensure a great stay.

Tent (Check it out before you set off, broken zips, mould, tears etc)
Ground mats
Sleeping bags
Food and food storage
Clothing (remember in cold weather more thinner layers)
Waterproof coats
Broken in boots
Maps
Compass
GPS if planning a hike
Stove
Gas
Torch and batteries
Cooking utensils and plates.

Entertainment: - If you are on a site without amenities, you need to think about what you are going to do after dark. Will it be trips down the lane to the pub? Perhaps during the summer months it will be straight to bed? If you have small children take some games with you … outdoor ones are great for kids. They love the excitement of playing cricket in a far away field as the sun goes down, boules is another good one, or treasure hunting around the site. Dead easy to do … make a list of readily available object they have to tick off, like an acorn, cat, blue tent etc.

Cooking:- This is the important one if you don’t want to get too stressed. Make sure you bring as much food with you as you can. Site shops and small supermarkets in the Lakes are notoriously expensive. Of course you have to consider whether it will stay fresh, but where you can … bring it from home. Click here for cooking tips.

The best types of food for camping are ‘boilers’ .. Pasta, rice, vegetables, sauces, and pre cooked meats. These are all of the “throw it in a pan” variety and make cooking a synch.  Try to avoid preparing raw fish and meats, not only can it be very tricky in a tent you will have the problem of flies and pests.

So, you are all set. Don’t let any of the advice I have given you put you off in any way. The Lake District really is a beautiful part of England and one I am sure you will have a great time in. Good Luck and ‘Get Camping!’

Author: Graeme Whittle.
Site: www.lake-district-discovered.com