Corfe Castle Camping & Caravanning Club Site

Location: Wareham, Dorset

Price: From £9.25
Near: Corfe Castle, Studland Beach, Swanage

Further east, we have a more wooded option, though not far from the coast of Dorset. Indeed, some of the pitches are directly under and in amongst the trees for an extra wild and authentic feel.

Corfe Castle campsite is situated at the foot of the Purbeck Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A ruin from the English Civil War, the castle is a great site for history buffs and architectural enthusiasts alike. The area is also ideal for wildlife aficionados, located very near to the Arne RSPB Nature Reserve, boasting beautiful heathlands and ancient oak woodlands.

If water sports are more your thing, the site is a short drive away from Lulworth Cove, Poole Harbour, and the infamous Durdle Door along the Jurassic Coast.

And, lastly, to reassure the travellers on foot, the nearest pub is only one mile away…

More info at:
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

Dale Farm

Location: Bakewell, Derbyshire

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Season: 12 April – 1 October
Price: From £30.00
Near: Monsal Head, Eyam Village, Bakewell

Dale Farm campsite is a working farm situated in Great Longstone, Derbyshire, right in the heart of the Peak District. With just thirty pitches, it’s perfect for those seeking peace, quiet, and a little dose of tranquillity and birdsong. If you go at the right time, you might even get to see some lambs.

The farm is situated on a hillside, though the pitches are level, so it’s perfectly placed for stunning views of the undulating landscape. It’s less than a mile away from Monsal Head, and the Monsal Trail, so it’s ideally situated for walkers. On this trail you can see the Headstone Viaduct and the River Wye, with views down and across the valley. This former railway route is now a walking and cycling trail so it will make for a unique and memorable trekking experience.

As an added bonus, as long as they are properly constructed, campfires are allowed at this site, so don’t forget your marshmallows. For more ideas on hiking trails, check out our guide to the Peak District’s best walks.

More info at:
dale.farm

Gill Head Farm

Location: Penrith, Cumbria

Season: 12 April – November
Price: From £12.50
Near: Lake Ullswater, Keswick

Here we have another working farm, this time with the backdrop of Blencathra, a ridge of six separate fell tops in the Lake District National Park. This panoramic view of the fells stretches down the valley, all the way into Keswick.

The campsite is ideal for those preferring a rural setting, far away from the crowds more common to areas such as Windermere. They even provide a ‘secret’ field with its own waterfall for those craving a wild, and more secluded, camping experience.

It’s a five-minute drive to Ullswater, so it’s great for some lakeshore walking and paddling (if you can brave the cold). Situated right in the midst of walking country, you can also simply start from the campsite and see where your travels take you. Alternatively, check out our guide to mapped hiking routes in the Lake District.

More info at:
gillheadfarm.co.uk

Glenbrittle Campsite & Cafe

Location: Carbost, Isle of Skye

Season: TBC – 31 October
Price: From £11.00
Near: Carbost, Dunvegan Castle

On the west coast of Skye, Glenbrittle campsite is located on both the shores of Loch Brittle and the feet of the Cuillin mountains. Waking up to these towering dark peaks is nothing short of spectacular.

Founded in 1961, this campsite is an excellent base for hill walkers, surrounded by ridge trails, and more experienced rock climbers. With this neighbouring landscape, you gain a real wild camping experience, with some added luxuries as an often much-needed respite from the infamous Hebridean climate. Don’t forget your waterproof jacket!

The winding road on the way in makes for a jaw-dropping drive (or cycle) into the campsite, though make sure to watch out for potholes. You pass by streams, forests, and long grass left to grow wild and tall around the site itself. And as a bonus, for those in need of a wee nip for warmth (and pleasure), Glenbrittle is only a short drive from the Talisker distillery…

For more ideas on hiking this beautiful island, check out our Isle Of Skye hiking guide.

More info at:
dunvegancastle.com

Glen Nevis Holiday Park

Location: Glen Nevis, Fort William

Season: 15 March – 5 November
Price: From £10.50
Near: Fort William

Situated right at the foot of Ben Nevis, this campsite is ideal for those looking to conquer the mighty mountain. On the other hand, you can explore Glen Nevis more widely on trails through forests, and alongside the River Nevis. In this sense, it is a good location for many different experience levels of walkers.

Popular sights include the Munros of the Mamores, Steal Waterfall, and Highland wildlife such as red deer, pine martens, otters, red squirrels, and even golden eagles. There are purpose-built cycle paths and quiet roads, as well as over 25 miles of forest cycling tracks for a more ‘off-piste’ ride.

Climbing and abseiling are common activities throughout most of the year. For skiing and snowboarding, the nearby slopes of Aonach Mor are open in the winter.

For more ideas on exciting mountains to climb, check out our article on the most dangerous mountains in Britain.

More info at:
glen-nevis.co.uk

Rothiemurchus Campsite

Location: Coylumbridge, Aviemore

 

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Price: From £25.00
Near: Aviemore, Inverness

Rothiemurchus is located on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Ideal for those who love forest camping, it is most famous for its plethora of trees and indigenous Caledonian woodland. Common sights include: Scots pine trees, Birch trees, Juniper forests, and wood shrouded lochs.

This campsite is most certainly for those seeking a wild camping experience, priding itself on its commitment to conservation. The woods exist pretty much in their natural state.

With cycling and walking trails starting from your tent entrance, you can also go quad biking, climbing, fishing, and wildlife watching. Many people report seeing red squirrels, Scottish crossbills, crested tits, and ospreys. This eclectic mix of wildlife can be seen from the neighbouring Loch an Eilein (‘loch of the island’), displaying exceptional views, including a ruined castle, and peaceful lakeside trails.

More info at:
rothiemurchus.net

Main Photo: glen-nevis.co.uk

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