Top sites for hikers
Great locations to discover on foot
1 Scottish splendour
Take on the splendid Cairngorms from Glenmore Campsite, which has direct access to the shores of Loch Morlich and plenty of scenic trails. Walkers should also keep an eye out for deer, otters and golden eagles. Web www.campingintheforest.co.uk
2 Dawdle around Dartmoor
The adults-only Woodland Springs Touring Park is totally surrounded by farmland in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, where you can stroll the moors accompanied by sheep, ponies and other wandering animals. The site shop can also provide excellent local cider for a refreshing tipple after a long walk!
Web www.woodlandsprings.co.uk
3 Sights of Snowdonia
From your pitch at the charming Graig Wen campsite, there is direct access to the Mawddach Trail, which is perfect for those wanting to explore this beautiful estuary on foot. In addition, the site is surrounded by the stunning scenery of Snowdonia. Touring visitors are usually welcome from March to January.
Web www.graigwen.co.uk
4 Wonderful Wales
You can’t get a better location for the Pembrokeshire Coast Path than Newgale Campsite, which is adjacent to a mile-long sandy beach. Unfortunately, the site isn’t open all year, but you’re sure to enjoy a great summer tour here. Web www.newgalecampsite.co.uk
5 A touch of camping luxury
Perched right on the edge of the South Downs National Park, Concierge Camping has luxury facilities to refresh you after a long day of walking. These include the site’s fabulous Emperor pitches, which also provide guests with day-living Safari tents for more spacious outdoor cooking and lounging, whatever the weather. Web www.conciergecamping.co.uk
6 Child-friendly Cheddar
For a slice of the slow life, pitch up at Petruth Paddocks, a relaxed campsite with the perfect live-and-let-live vibe. Some of the best of Somerset’s glorious walking routes and the stunning vistas of Cheddar Gorge are right on your doorstep when you stay at this site, ready and waiting to be enjoyed all year round.
Web www.petruthpaddocks.co.uk
7 Lovely Loch Lomond
Only a short hop from Glasgow (less than an hour’s drive), Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park combines mountains, lochs and forests. Climbing, fishing, hiking… it has them all. Take your pick from the many lochs, the main attraction being the mighty Lomond, with its bonnie, bonnie banks. This is where you’ll find glorious Cashel Campsite, with great facilities and views, views, views! Web www.campingintheforest.co.uk
8 Kielder Forest’s night skies
With 250 square miles of forest, as well as reservoirs and trails, Kielder Forest is a great spot for walkers and observers of the stars. Bellingham Camping and Caravanning Club Site is well located in the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and has plenty of facilities, including a shop, dog walk, play area, wet room and games room.
Web www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
9 Historic Sherwood Forest
For gentle walks amid ancient oaks (there are said to be 997 of them!), Sherwood Forest has much to commend it. There are plenty of hikes and trails to introduce you to one of England’s greatest, most evocative forests. The beautiful Sherwood Forest Holiday Park is ideally located on the banks of the River Maun, surrounded by woodland.
Web www.sherwoodforestholidaypark.co.uk
10 The mountains of Mourne
Whether you’re planning to scale mighty Slieve Donard (Northern Ireland’s highest peak) or simply enjoy some of the gentler forest walks, such as Tollymore, there’s plenty of hiking choice to be found around the Mournes. You’ll discover variety at Annalong Holiday Park, too, with sea and sky views to admire – and it’s only a short stroll to the pleasant seaside village of Annalong.
Web www.chestnuttholidayparks.com
11 Shropshire’s stunning hills
Lying on the border between England and Wales, Daisy Bank Caravan Park has the backdrop of the Shropshire Hills to provide plenty of great walking trails to choose from. Plus, the site is open all year for those feeling brave enough to face the winter chill.
Web www.daisy-bank.co.uk
12 Walking on the fells
Moss Side Farm is a family-run site in the southern fells of the Lake District National Park, with no shortage of stunning scenery, and footpaths leading from the farm itself. It’s also open all year, and Broughton-in-Furness is a 30-minute walk away. Web www.mosssidefarm.com
13 Farm fresh in a rural heartland
Perfectly placed for hikers, right next to Ullswater and at the foot of Helvellyn, the highest peak in the range of that name, Gillside Farm campsite promises guests a truly rural experience, with the fells of the Lake District providing spectacular views in the background. To complete the experience, you can also buy milk and eggs from the busy working farm.
Web www.gillsidecaravanandcampingsite.co.uk
14 Après-hike entertainment
The Waterloo Inn, at Biggin, is in the heart of Derbyshire’s dramatic Peak District, surrounded by a wide choice of excellent walking routes and adjacent to the Tissington Trail, which runs north from Ashbourne. This welcoming country pub lies just a few steps away from your pitch, so you can enjoy a relaxing pint after a day spent hiking in the surrounding countryside.
Web www.waterlooinnbiggin.com