Damson View Glamping

In a national park not short of spectacular scenery, the little-known Lyth Valley is quite the place to discover. It lies between Kendal and Windermere, between the town that’s touted as ‘the gateway to The Lakes’ and the place most people want to go. And yet it’s not a busy spot: all rolling hills, sheep-scattered fields and fruit trees. In April, it’s full of blossom and by September damsons are falling from the trees. Some of them in Crosthwaite, a traditional place with a pretty church, a local inn that once doubled as a blacksmiths and a village school. In days gone by, you might have seen the local farmer’s children here selling damsons from their orchard up the lane. Those kids have long since grown up and instead of sharing fruit, they’re now sharing Damson View instead.

The orchard may be old but the trees here are young, having been planted recently to rejuvenate the place. The other new arrivals are the glamping pods; little timber cabins which are perfect for two. They offer everything you’d expect from a self-catering cottage in miniature: a made-up double bed, a bathroom with towels and toiletries, a kitchenette, sofa, dining table and TV. Outside there’s seating, a fire pit and views of the village and the hills beyond. It’s these limestone uplands, Cartmel and Whitbarrow Scar, which help shelter the valley and give it a mild and sunny microclimate. It’s right for growing juicy fruit and great for glampers too as the west-facing huts are bathed in sun (when it shines) until it dips below the hills.

With such a view and a location in England’s biggest national park, it’s no surprise that the walking, cycling and outdoor activity is world class. And it starts right on site with the family farm’s private fell rising up behind the pods. Climb it to see the cairn created by village kids and views that stretch all the way to Blackpool Tower (on a clear day). Head up nearby Gummer’s How for views of Windermere or make your way to the shores of the lake for a cruise. The Lyth Valley and Damson View pods present one of the Lake District’s tamer faces but whether you’re here to explore the local surrounds or will adventure further afield, they work well as a base. They’re luxurious for people who usually camp, a breath of great-value fresh air for those who are used to self-catering cottages and for glampers? You might say they're the pick of the bunch.