An eco-friendly glampsite high in the hills of the Lake District, amid the trees of a traditional working farm.

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Scales Plantation Glamping

UK England North West England Cumbria Penrith

An eco-friendly glampsite high in the hills of the Lake District, amid the trees of a traditional working farm

Much has changed on the remote hill farms of the Lake District. Shepherd’s huts have been overtaken by the hum of quad bikes; bucket and pale are replaced by mechanical milking parlours, and tractors rumble where carts once rolled. The timeless beauty of the place, however, is as awe inspiring as ever and to most it seems life has never changed. The sheep-dotted fields and stone walls rise and fall in an almost alpine landscape, augmented by waterfalls and picturesque villages. One thing's for sure, a mobile phone signal is still a futuristic concept and those hoping for an off-the-grid glamping getaway should head straight for the hills. Once there, just keep on climbing to the forest-clad grounds of Scales Farm, a thousand meters above sea level. Views, ewes and a cosy place to snooze are all guaranteed – exactly what you’re after.

Scales Plantation, a 13 acre woodland in a corner of the working farm, is a campsite that owes a lot the changing world of agriculture. Here the retired shepherd’s huts of yesteryear have been thoughtfully placed by the trees, spruced up with luxury furnishings and equipped for more modern day nomads looking to camp in style. While the Wilson family still rise at the crack of dawn to tend their thousand strong herd of sheep, campers can submerge themselves in the comfort of a double bed warmed by the glow of a log burning stove. When the kettle whistles drag yourself from the duvet, throw open the door and stroll to the kitchen shelter, kitted out with everything you need to whip up a hearty meal. A rustic wooden dining area, also in the shelter, is perfect for days when it’s too wet to sit out around the campfire.

Scales Plantation actually has three different shepherd’s huts onsite. Seclusion, is still the word and each hut has its own ‘camp’ providing a private slice of camping paradise. All camps are in a forest clearing with a central firepit and solar lighting that leads you to a composting loo. Campers are also blessed with a private bathroom – roll back the canvas for a little out-of-doors bathing, or sink into the tub, stoke the log fire and hide from the chilly winter weather.

Whichever of the five camps you favour, you're guaranteed spectacular views across the surrounding landscape to Skiddaw, Bowscale Fell and Carrock. The green slopes and rocky crags call out to anyone who remembered their trusty walking boots. Plenty of good footpaths run through the local fields, while the nearby A66 that zips from Keswick to Penrith provides speedy access to the centre of the National Park and its bounty of outdoor activities. Even the most energetic adventurer will struggle to feel unfulfilled in this patchwork of mountains and lakes and when you’re all tired out there’s no better (or warmer) place to return than the charming abodes of Scales Plantation.

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Details

Facilities

Each shepherd's hut has a double bed at one end and bunk beds at the other. Bunk beds can be folded down into a seating area if not required. Bedding and linen are provided. The huts are fully insulated and have a wood burning stove with adequate wood provided for your stay. A solar power pack provides lighting and a socket for appliances under 300w, such as fans and radios. Solar lights also lead out to the composting toilet. Each camp includes an outside dinning area and a BBQ pit for those die-hard campfire cooks, but there is also a kitchen/dining shelter with a wood burning range cooker, gas hob and gas fridge, well equipped kitchen area and sink. The bathroom shelter leads off from the dinning area and has hot water provided by a LPG boiler with a small wood burner to warm the room. You have the option of rolling back a canvas panel for slightly more open air bathing (your modesty is protected by a small fenced garden, so you are completely private). Towels, but not shampoos, are provided. There is parking for two cars located close to your camp. Additional parking can be arranged, however this will be at a distance from the hut.

Suitable For

The 3 shepherd's huts can accommodate up to 4 people each, well-behaved pets are welcome.

Nearby

All of lifes adventurers are well catered for in the Lake District National Park (01539 724555). To walk from the site head through Greystoke Forest or take on the far more strenuous 9.5 mile Glendermakin Round starting from nearby Mungrisdale and ascending 3,070ft. For the best views without the climbing, a gyroplane Air Experience (017684 83859) with local pilot Roger Savage takes off and lands in a field just round the corner from the campsite. Caldbeck based Savvy Mountain biking (08006 123576) can deliver mountain bikes and safety equipment to the site and also offer guided rides tailored to your fitness and ability. Those striking out on their own can latch onto the Coast to Coast Cycle Route or try some of the other Cumbrian Cycle Routes the lakes are famous for. Rookin House Equestrian Centre (017684 83561) provides a further way to enjoy the hills. Nearby Keswick is the focal point of the North Lakes, situated between Skiddaw and Derwentwater. The town boasts the quirky Pencil Museum (01768 773626), one of England's most innovative theatres (01768 774 411) and boating on Derwent water (01768 772263). Stop off on the way at Castlerigg Stone Circle.

Food & Drink

Cook on an outdoor BBQ pit, a wood burning range or a more instant gas hob. Pots, pans, utensils, crockery and cutlery are all provided. The campsite can organise delivery of local produce from Cocklakes Farm Shop (017684 83885) twice a week. All you have to do is mark items on a list provided and leave it in a post box near your pitch. The shop itself is situated on the A66 and sells a wealth of local produce. The Mill Inn (017687 79632) sits at the foot of Souther Fell and Blencathra in the unspoilt village of Mungrisdale. The 17th century Boot and Shoe (017684 83343) overlooks the village green in Greystoke, while The Old Crown (016974 78288) in Hesket Newmarket boasts a similarly picturesque spot. The latter serves real ales from Hesket Newmarket Brewery (016974 78066) just next door to the pub. Local village shops can be found in Greystoke, Hesket Newmarket and Caldbeck.

Open

All year round.

Pricing

The camps can be booked for a long weekend (Friday evening – Monday morning) or a 4 night midweek stay (Monday – Friday morning). Camps are also available for a full week stay. Prices start from £250 for a mid-week off season break in the shepherds huts.

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Location

Contact Scales Plantation Glamping, Scales Farm, Berrier, Penrith, Cumbria CA11 0XE

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Getting There

Leave the M6 at junction 40, heading west on the A66 towards Keswick. Turn right of the A66, signposted Hutton Roof (at the Sportsman Inn). Take next left, signposted Berrier. Stay on this road through and continue until you reach a crossroad,turn right towards Newsham and Lamonby. Continue up this road until you see a sign for Scales Plantation on the right.

Reviews

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Rated ★★★★★ over 1 reviews

★★★★★

A total treat ... again

This is just a wee gem. As a family we have been a couple of times Many years apart and it didn’t disappoint either time. Rustic and charming, cosy and comfy. Time to look at the stars and get a little bit back to nature. The beds are comfy and warm, the facilities are great, and with a little bath to warm the bones after a long walk , tab runs my favourite glamping place ever.

Oct 19, 2020 by K. Evans