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BaseCamp Tipi

Nr Ambleside, Cumbria, England
1 acre hosted by Base Camp T.
Tipi camping in the heart of the Lake District

The idea behind Basecamp Tipi is altogether rather simple. Take a campsite, one with a sought after location, some of the UK’s finest scenery on it’s doorstep and a National Trust-earned reputation as one of the most welcoming spots around, and then add a trio of tipis in the corner for those without their own tent.Genius right?

Taken from the nomadic Sami people of northern Sweden, the basis for the Tentipi design certainly fits the criteria of ‘tried and tested’. The simple conical shape, with a partial opening at the top to let out campfire smoke, has been used by the Sami for centuries. Basecamp Tipi’s modern day version uses the latest fabrics and techniques (including a raised wooden floor for insulation and a level surface) but there are still pleasant traditional touches, like reindeer skin rugs and a toasty log-burning stove.

Occupying a secluded corner of Great Langdale Campsite (they also have a second site at Hoathwaite, Coniston Water), the tipis cluster together in their own, slightly more private space. Cars are permitted onsite but not allowed on the grassy areas. There's also a reception area with an impressively well-stocked shop. It’s reputation as one of the best sites in the Lake District is certainly well earned, primarily due to its awe-inspiring surroundings. A surprisingly flat, sheep-dotted valley floor ends where the foot of mighty grey rocks begin, topped in browning heather and rising up into some of the Lakes most impressive mountains. To the north, the sublime Langdale Pikes. While to the west Bowfell and Crinkle Crags command the skyline, shielding the great hulk of Scafell Pike – the highest mountain in England – behind them.

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Location
Nr Ambleside, 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
Hosted by Base Camp T.Joined in March 2015
From the host
Your adventure starts here! Experience the beauty of the Lake District from the comfort of our Nordic Tipis. A raised wooden floor, a woodburning stove to keep you toasty on those chilly eves, sheep skins to lounge on and outstanding views in two stunning locations: Great Langdale and Coniston Water. Great Langdale Situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park, at the top of the picturesque Great Langdale valley surrounded by iconic mountains, tarns and climbing routes. The Tipis are on the National Trust, Great Langdale campsite: winner of the TGO magazine awards 2014 for best accommodation and, also best winter camping spots in the Guardian. This is testament not only to the stunning location but also to the dedication of the management team and the campsite rangers. The tipis are in a secluded corner of the campsite with uninterrupted and poetry inspiring views of Bowfell, the Langdale Pikes and only half a mile walk from the legendary Climbers’ bar at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and the National Trust Sticklebarn. Coniston Water Our tipis overlooking Coniston Water are situated on the National Trust’s Hoathwaite Campsite a couple of miles from the village of Coniston. Far-reaching views over the lake and walks up the old Man of Coniston, ambles around Tarn Hows, cycle rides to the Bluebird Cafe, trips on Steam Yacht Gondola or hire of kayaks to explore the waters of Coniston, are just a few of the nearby attractions and activities that this refreshingly simplistic and rural location offers. See and hear the story of Campbell’s world record water speed attempt in the wonderful Ruskin museum, don your sailing caps and spirit of adventure and take a rowing boat to explore the small islands and secluded shorelines: inspiration behind arthur Ransom’s Swallows and Amazons.
Nearby attractions
Easy walks around the valley shown on a map available from reception, while many visitors conquer the renowned Langdale Pikes – the starting-point for which is just a few minutes’ walk from the campsite. For more gentle treks there is Blea Tarn, Stickle Tarn and Cathedral Cave in Little Langdale. Climbers can enjoy some of the most spectacular routes in the UK with myriad routes on Middlefell, White Ghyll, Raven and Gimmer Crags, while cyclists can tackle the notorious Wrynose and Hardknott passes or try the slightly easier family friendly cycle paths along the valley floor to Lake Windermere and beyond.
Food and drink

There are three good pubs within 10 minutes’ walk of the campsite: Sticklebarn (01539 437356), The Old Dungeon Ghyll (015394 37272) and The New Dungeon Ghyll (015394 37213). Like the campsite, Sticklebarn is owned by the National Trust who provide tasty local food and ales and make sure every penny goes back into looking after this incredible valley.

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