The Damson Shepherd's Hut

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.