On the quiet western edge of the Lake District National Park, Hazel Mount Fellside offers a place to pitch your tent in natural surroundings with spectacular views. If you love the idea of wild camping but want the basics taken care of, this is the site for you.
The camping area is nestled between a traditional hay meadow, a small deciduous bluebell woodland, pony paddocks and wildflower fellside. As the site is lightly grazed, it is an ideal wildlife haven. Keep your eyes peeled for basking lizards, skittish roe deer, field voles, peacock butterflies, grasshoppers and a whole plethora of wildflowers. An array of bird visitors includes the occasional barn owl, jays and woodpeckers. Ideal for nature lovers!
There are two composting loos on site, with two more added when the site is full. There is no running water, but shop-bought bottled water is provided for the first night, and tap water for washing up is supplied as required. Currently there are no showers on site, but I can offer the use of a portable shower unit for those who wish to freshen up during their stay.
The main area, Daisy Camp, includes a sunken firepit and sole use of an outdoor kitchen. Raised firepits and BBQs can be hired for use at Primrose and Snowdrop, and a bag of easy-light charcoal is included in the price. Fires and BBQs are not permitted at Bluebell pitch, as it is in the woodland; however, the careful use of gas stoves is allowed here. Firewood can be purchased on site, and campers are asked not to collect fallen wood for burning, as this is left for fungi and invertebrates.
There is an honesty table on site, stocked with fresh eggs and occasional snacks and drinks, and a toy cupboard with games and blankets that campers are welcome to borrow during their stay. Parking is limited and is inside the entrance on grass. A clean wheelbarrow may be available to help you carry your equipment round to your pitch.
Hazel Mount Fellside sits on the western edge of the Lake District National Park, with all the lakes, fells, towns and villages within reach for day trips. The nearest lake is Coniston, a 20-minute drive away, while Ambleside and Windermere are both about 40 minutes away (all within 20 miles). A number of footpaths and bridleways are accessible from the site, including a beautiful route that takes you past the Stone Circle at Swinside. The safe, sandy beaches at Haverigg and Silecroft are a 10-minute drive away (6 miles).
Popular — and perhaps lesser-known — attractions nearby include Muncaster Castle (01229 717614), with its beautiful gardens and home to the Owl & Hawk Centre; the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Company, where you can ride aboard a fully operational narrow-gauge steam train (01229 717171); and the Dock Museum in Barrow-in-Furness, which offers free admission (01229 876400).
Amenities in the nearby towns of Millom and Broughton-in-Furness include a couple of small supermarkets, takeaway restaurants, butchers, a laundrette and several small independent shops. Local pubs and eateries in the area include The Punch Bowl (01229 774457), The Black Cock Inn (01229 716529), The Old Kings Head (01229 716293), The Clock Tower (01229 364979) and others for you to discover.
Hazel Mount Fellside is the perfect getaway for families, small groups, couples or the solo traveller wanting to unwind in breathtaking, natural settings and reconnect with loved ones, away from the hustle and bustle of the more popular hot-spots within the National Park.