The best farm stays in Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve

The imposing granite hill of Cairnsmore of Fleet is the perfect setting for hillwalkers. Several trails cross the National Nature Reserve and over the Fleet Valley. The most accessible is the low-level In-bye trail, which departs from the Visitor Centre and takes you through the bleakly beautiful landscape. Longer, more strenuous, trails lead up to the escarpment and the Clints of Dromore, where the rough ground is only suitable for experienced and well-equipped walkers. While walking, look out for grouse and raptors, as well as red and roe deer roaming the moorland. On clear days you can see toward the Lake District, across to Ireland and north to Ayrshire. While there are no campsites within the nature reserve, the Glentrool and Balloch O’ Dee campsites are both within a 35-minute drive.

89% (32)

Top-rated campgrounds

The imposing granite hill of Cairnsmore of Fleet is the perfect setting for hillwalkers. Several trails cross the National Nature Reserve and over the Fleet Valley. The most accessible is the low-level In-bye trail, which departs from the Visitor Centre and takes you through the bleakly beautiful landscape. Longer, more strenuous, trails lead up to the escarpment and the Clints of Dromore, where the rough ground is only suitable for experienced and well-equipped walkers. While walking, look out for grouse and raptors, as well as red and roe deer roaming the moorland. On clear days you can see toward the Lake District, across to Ireland and north to Ayrshire. While there are no campsites within the nature reserve, the Glentrool and Balloch O’ Dee campsites are both within a 35-minute drive.

89% (32)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Harebeck Holidays

84%

(22)

8 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Wasdale, England

Nestled between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea coast this site is situated on a working dairy and sheep farm. Farm tours can be arranged on arrival. A play hut with outdoor games, drying room with communal fridge and freezer (some units have their own small fridge). Natural hedges surround the site. Four fruit trees near the shower block Half a mile to Gosforth village with Shop, Bakery, Cafe, 4 Pubs providing food and an Italian restaurant. Gosforth and Seascale villages have play parks. Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Wasdale, Scafell Pike and Sandy Beaches with Cafes selling local ice cream are nearby with most Lake District attractions within an hours drive and Edinburgh a three hour drive away. There are 5 campervan/motorhome pitches, a pod, a modern take on a shepherds hut with underfloor heating, a heated pod and two gypsy caravans with electricity to book. All pitches are on gravel positioned to enjoy views over farmland to Scafell Pike and other fells, they are surrounded by grassy areas with seating and a picnic table. A wooden play hut has outdoor games and toys inside. Awnings can be added on the 3 larger pitches. Tents can be pitched next to units for an extra £10 per night. Barbeques are allowed on gravel with our Gypsy Caravans having a campfire area. There is a communal fridge and freezer, outdoor drying space. Farm tours can be arranged. Wildlife and farm animals can be seen in the surrounding fields. Fresh vegetables and barbeque packs can be ordered with 24 to 48 hours notice. Grocery deliveries accepted from supermarkets. There is also a holiday cottage on the farm sleeping 6 over two rooms. Situated midway between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea Coast makes this site ideal for lower or higher level walks. Sandy beaches at Seascale and St Bees have cafes selling locally made ice cream alongside play areas to keep children happy. Scafell England's highest mountain is close by as are a number of Wainwrights. Nearby is Muncaster Castle and Gardens with its Hawk and Owl Centre, also Ravenglass (a Roman port with remains of a bath house), you can ride up the Eskdale Valley on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (Laal Ratty). Perhaps take a stroll to Stanley Ghyll waterfall. They have a cafe at both terminuses with a museum in Ravenglass where nearby you can sample Ravenglass Ice Cream. Wasdale and Ennerdale are close by both valleys having cafes and pubs.

2. Collierhall Farm

81%

(21)

5 units · Tents · Lanark, Lanarkshire, South Scotland

Very quiet and easily accessible from the motorway (1 mile) The farm is set in 100 acres and has a mixture of caravans, motorhomes and tents. There is a golf course across the road and the world heritage site of New Lanark only 7 miles away. Edinburgh and Glasgow are also easily reached by car or train.

3. Herdie Hideaway

2 units · Glamping · Scotland

Herdie hideaway is run by Charlotte and Alex and is nestled next to rolling hills of the the Lake District overlooking the Solway Firth, our shepherd’s hut offers a haven of tranquility. Lush woodlands surround the property, teeming with wildlife, creating a symphony of sights and sounds for nature enthusiasts. Here, on a working farm, you’ll find a quiet escape unlike any other. We hope you enjoy your stay in this beautiful part of the world which we hope you are able to switch off, unwind and have a relaxing time in this lovely secluded area.

4. Ayrshire Airstream

100%

(2)

1 unit · Glamping · Irvine, Scotland

A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.

Stories from the community

C

Charley

May 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Collierhall Farm

We had a great 2 night camping stay. Myself hubby & 3 kids had a good time. Toilets & shower was clean and tidy. The animals were an added bonus an kept the kids entertained. We would definitely return.

A

Arlene

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Collierhall Farm

Great spot for short stays owner is lovely and helpful will be stopping their again love the chickens walking around.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best farm stays in Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve guide

When to go

While the nature reserve is a pleasure to visit all year-round, June to September are the best months for seeing wildlife. Spring visitors can enjoy the colorful wildflowers and spot wild kid goats. Summer is filled with the cries of young peregrine falcons and ravens. In fall, the golden brown colors of the bracken and the blooming purple heather provide a beautiful backdrop to the sight of red deer stags roaming around. Hen harriers may be spotted in winter, as well as frogs, toads and newts in ditches and ponds.

Know before you go

The nature reserve may seem remote, but it’s surprisingly accessible. The closest bus stop is under a mile (1.5 kilometres) away at Palnure.
There is a visitor center with information about the reserve and its history. It is open 24 hours, year-round and also has wheelchair accessible restrooms.
Visitors should familiarize themselves with, and take care to follow, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.