Baystone Bank Farm Campsite

Baystone Bank Farm has the feel of farm from time gone by. In the south-west of the Lake District, at the foot of White Combe mountain, it’s setting is as English as they come. Traditional Swaledale sheep dot the surrounding slopes and a mighty Shire horse grazes in the neighbouring field, as if an old horse-drawn plough has just been unshackled. This is ‘rural’ defined.

Through the centre of the site runs a small and very paddle-able stream, its waters funnelled down from White Combe and Black Combe, the hulking mountains that rise north of the campsite. Across the stream a collection of non-electric grass pitches are perfect for tent campers, while, on the nearer side, more grass pitches are joined by slate grey hard-standings for campervans or caravans. In total, the campsite still remains a small and peaceful affair, with space for kids to run free and build dams in the stream, while parents enjoy the tranquillity of pitching on one the Lake District's smaller, lesser known campsites.

Those who want the location but without the camping are also catered for. There’s a handful of pre-pitched bell tents, decked out with proper beds and soft furnishings, and a custom-built, timber roundhouse set on the campsites raised terrace area. There’s also a separate orchard, through a gate at the end of the site, which has been specifically set aside for groups of campers, who want to book together and have a space all to themselves.

The campsite is just one of many feathers in Baystone Bank’s hat. Along with continuing to farm Swaledale and Blackfaced sheep on the surrounding fells, it is also home to the Cumbrian Heavy Horses Riding Centre, where you can saddle up on the largest of horse breeds, including shire horses and Clydesdales. There are steeds for all sizes though, and all levels of ability, so campers are welcome to saddle up and head out on one of their guided hacks.

Those who prefer two feet to four need no telling that the walking here is excellent. Several footpaths run right through the farm’s own land and trekking up to the top of White Combe and along the ridge to Black Combe is a must. Standing in isolation as the ridge does, it offers excellent all-round views, of the Irish Sea to the west and across the crinkling mountains of the rest of the national park to the east. In the distance below, the likes of Muncaster Castle, the Esk estuary and the North Walney National Nature Reserve all offer just a glimpse of the many other attractions on the doorstep.