England’s highest mountains may not be on the scale of the Alps, the Andes or the Himalayas, but they are impressive in their own understated way. They also have the advantage of being readily accessible and in most seasons they can be conquered relatively easily with the help of a pair of decent walking boots, favourable weather and a thermos of hot tea.
Several of the country’s highest mountains are clustered around the northern end of Wastwater in the Lakes, where the National Trust has thoughtfully sited a camping ground at Wasdale Head. From here, you can lie in a sleeping bag, head poking out of your tent and as the dawn mist clears, you’re able to survey the surrounding slopes and plan your ascent on these high fells. Alternatively, you may want to reach for the camping stove and kettle, stay snug in your sleeping bag and enjoy this most vertical of views from your horizontal vantage point.
Most visitors come here to get a bit closer and Wasdale Head is a handy base for Scafell Pike, being the start of one of the shorter but steeper ascents on the rock-strewn summit.
Back at base camp there’s a small shop for walking maps, friendly advice and blister-shaped plasters. Aside from the shop and the tidy, wooden shower block, facilities are not over-extravagant. Three small fields scattered with mature and planted trees provide plenty of flat grass for pitching, and with cars restricted to the designated parking areas, it’s a peaceful site. Definitely a high point on England’s campsite circuit.
Treat yourself to some tea room goodies or just a bag of flour at Muncaster Watermill (01229 717232), a traditional village mill that’s been in operation since 1455. Great family days out can be had on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (01229 717171) or at nearby haunted Muncaster Castle (01229 717614).