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The Damson Shepherd's Hut

99%
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· Near Kendal, Cumbria, England
1 acre hosted by Jo A.
1 glamping pitch
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All to yourself
100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
Best in North West England: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Jo is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
A shepherd's hut for two in the lesser-known Lyth Valley, four miles from Lake Windermere

In the grounds of a 16th-century water mill with views across the valley, it’s hard to find a more quintessentially English setting for a shepherd’s hut. As the name suggests, this hand-built hut for two is tucked amongst a couple of damson trees that bear purple fruit in summer, while, in spring, daffodils give way to bluebells that blanket the shady area beneath the trees. Beyond, meanwhile, the quiet valley is hidden from the wider delights of the surrounding National Park. The best of the Lake District – Windermere, Ambleside and the mountains of the South Lakes – are on your doorstep but, despite its accessibility, this secret spot in the Lyth Valley is pleasingly lesser known.

The Damson Shepherd’s Hut is the only accommodation on the site, meaning guests have full run of the place, from the south-facing patio where you can sit in the sun, to splashing your feet down in the river (below the hut at the bottom of a steep bank). The hut itself is a self-sufficient home for two. There’s an en-suite shower room, a well-equipped kitchenette and a fitted king-sized bed, while a raised wood burner creates a cosy and warm ambience whatever the time of year. In summer, you may be better off lighting the campfire on the terrace instead, perhaps grilling some sausages from the Lakeland Farm Shop, 15 minutes away.

While it’s nice to ensconce yourself in the privacy of the shepherd’s hut, most people don’t come to this part of the world to sit around and sniff the bluebells. The most immediate walk is over the hill behind the glamping site to the village of Winster (around 25 minutes each way), where a country pub awaits, but for demanding hikes you can drive the 20 minutes to Ambleside, a popular starting point for hikes up Red Screes and High Pike, or continue round Lake Windermere for Grizedale Forest (popular for mountain biking) and the Old Man of Coniston. There are good watersports and sailing opportunities nearby, too, as well as ‘organised fun’ with the Windermere activity centre. It’ll all wear you out nicely for a kip beneath the damson trees at the end of a busy day.

The Damson Shepherd's Hut is set close to the banks of the River Gilpin in the heart of the Lake District, National Park. Situated out of sight and peacefully set amongst damson trees and a spring bed of bluebells, the hut and its patio attract the sun all day long. Perfect for a blue sky breakfast or sundowners and alfresco dining. Having recently been lovingly built, Damson Shepherd's hut offers new and luxurious accommodation to those wishing to rest and enjoy its tranquil surroundings. Included in your stay is a BBQ fire pit, table and chairs, parasol, toaster, induction hob, kettle, saucepans, frying pan, general kitchen utensils including corkscrew, standalone fridge, bed linen, towels, shower gel, hand soap, bottled drinking water, washing up equipment, electricity and an en-suite shower room with flushing toilet. We are an extremely Covid friendly, exclusive hire and a standalone Shepherd's Hut, which is out of sight from anything other than countryside! Please note this is an adults only campsite.
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99%
45 Ratings · 39 reviews
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Erin J.recommends
November 5, 2023
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
We had an amazing stay at Jo’s shepherd’s hut. Everything we could possibly need was provided and Jo gave us some really useful information about local activities. The hut was very comfortable and clean and we would definitely recommend. There is lots to do nearby; a very peaceful getaway.
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Maisie H.recommends
August 21, 2023
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
Beautiful Hut
I loved the Shepherd’s Hut! An absolutely stunning and secluded location and fitted out to a high spec. Within walking distance to 2 pubs!
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Stella P.recommends
August 16, 2023
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
This was our second visit and not our last. Just to get away and switch off is just what we needed. Amazing place. We stayed two nights. We didn't see another sole after checking in till checking out. Complete bliss. We took everything we needed, food and drinks. The fridge just a short walk away is so handy. Thank you Jo.
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Steve L.recommends
August 8, 2023
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
Damson Shepherds Hut
Peaceful, quiet, clean and comfortable. An ideal base for the sider lake district.
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Jon L.
August 1, 2023
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
Jon
Lovely Shepard's hut situated in an idyllic private spot. Had everything we needed for a short break and the owner gave a warm welcome. Takes a bit of finding as remotely located but worth the effort.
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Emma P.recommends
July 14, 2023
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
I absolutely adored my stay in the Shepherd’s Hut on Jo’s charming property. It was peaceful and perfect.
Location
Near Kendal, Cumbria, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Jo A.Joined in May 2021
From the host
Damson Shepherd's Hut is set close to the banks of the River Gilpin in the heart of the Lake District, National Park. Situated out of sight and peacefully set amongst damson trees and a spring bed of bluebells, the hut and its patio attract the sun all day long. Perfect for a blue sky breakfast or sundowners and alfresco dining. Having recently been lovingly built, Damson Shepherd's Hut offers new and luxurious accommodation to those wishing to rest and enjoy its tranquil surroundings.  The hut is located in the forgotten Lyth Valley, just a short drive from Lake Windermere and everything that the South Lakes has to offer. With an abundance of walks or cycling for all levels and gastro pubs available to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice when planning your days.
Nearby attractions

It's four miles to Bowness-on-Windermere, where you can hire boats to take to water on Lake Windermere or hop on one of the regular ferries to Ambleside. Bowness is also the home of the World of Beatrix Potter (015394 88444), if your on the hunt for a little childhood nostalgia, as well as the steamboat museum but, by and large, most people are coming to the Lake District for hiking, biking and outdoor activities. Footpaths immediately from the glamping site lead over the hill to Winster, while another footpath to and through Mitchelland eventually links you up with the Dales Way. Some of the most popular walks within a short drive are those around Kirkstone Pass – High Street, Fiarfield, Helvellyn – as well as taking the ferry from Bowness and driving to Coniston to hike the Old Man of Coniston. For watersports, gorge walking and other organised fun, try Ghyll Head Activity Centre (01539 443751) or Windermere Outdoor Activity Centre (01539 447183).

Food and drink

There are five different pubs within as many minutes drive of the Damson Shepherd's Hut. In particular there's a good walk over the hill to The Brown Horse (01539 443443) in Winster, while The Wild Boar (03332 203108) in Mitchelland is also within walking distance (around 20 minutes each way depending on your fitness). Pick of the lot, however, is The Punchbowl (015395 68237) in Crosthwaite, a former Michelin 'Pub of the Year' with a good outside terrace in summer and log fires in winter. It's not far by car, though, to Bowness-on-Windermere and Windermere, where further restaurants and tearooms abound.

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