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The Damson Shepherd's Hut

98%
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· Near Kendal, Cumbria, England
1 acre hosted by Jo A.
1 glamping pitch
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Best glamping: 1st place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.
Best in North West England: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
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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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98%
53 Ratings · 47 reviews
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James P.recommends
September 15, 2024
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
Beautiful accommodation and setting
We stayed 2 nights and the Shepherds Hut was perfect. Very private in a lovely sheltered and picturesque position . The setting was very pretty and natural. Accommodation was very clean and we felt luxurious.. Plenty of fire wood for both the wood burner and fire pit. We were fortunate with the weather ( it only rained overnight) and so we were able to sit outside and enjoy the secluded position. I looked at a lot of huts in the area when booking and this was the best IMO and exceeded our expectations
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Steven F.recommends
August 27, 2024
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
Beautiful place
We had a fantastic stay at the shepherds hut. Jo was an amazing host, very attentive but not intrusive. The shepherds hut was immaculate and very comfortable. We had everything we needed. The firepit bbq fab and a great way to spend time outside to appreciate the idilic countryside.
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Diane B.recommends
July 18, 2024
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
Peaceful and fantastic location
Jo's shepherd's hut was beautiful and secluded. Lambs and deer in the fields and the sound of running water from the mill. A lovely fire pit/ barbecue and well equipped for eating at home. Incredibly peaceful place to rest after a day exploring the lakes, hiking through the beautiful countryside and swimming in the tarns I would definitely recommend and would love to come back. Thank you for a marvellous few days.
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Bethan E.recommends
June 24, 2024
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
A wonderful spot, truly secluded and felt so peaceful with the river running by. The bed is definitely worth a mention - we’re both super fussy with sleeping (bad backs etc!) and honestly I’ve never slept better. Super comfy & cosy. Easy access to fridge / freezer (in a small outhouse nearby) and plenty of fire wood / logs provided. Basic kitchen bits provided - we knew we would be cooking a lot on site so came prepared with some extras (teapot / strainer, cafetière, foil, Tupperware, ice cubes etc). The couple of small issues we found on the first day Jo was quick and thorough in sorting out for us. A great location as well for getting around - local walking as well as easy driving to Kendal / Windermere / Ambleside (and further North & West). Overall a lovely and thoroughly relaxing stay. Thanks Jo!
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Sarah S.
June 8, 2024
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
Lovely place to stay but sadly it wasn't ready on time as the host forgot and we were worried we weren't going to have anywhere to stay. But once we were able to make contact with the host everything was fine and the accommodation was lovely.
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Nicola S.recommends
May 19, 2024
The Damson Shepherd's Hut
Idyllic shepherds hut
Everything was perfect , there was everything we needed . It was easy to find and once we got there it was idyllic. Can’t wait to go back. Thank you so much for a Beautiful stay xx
Location
Near Kendal, Cumbria, England, United KingdomTo 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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