Dithering over where to camp between 15 June - 11July. Intend spend most time in tent solo camping, few days at a few sites, countryside not seaside. Never been to Lakes but arthritic joints mean can't walk very far especially on sloping ground. I've camped or holidayed in North & South Devon, Cornwall, and most of Wales. Can you help me decide so I can think of booking soon. Thanks.
------------- Mavis
It is easier to smile than frown so share a smile every day
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
There are plenty of places to walk in the Lakes which don't involve hills and would rceommend if you haven't been there before.In Devon, we prefer the Salcombe area of South Devon, but that can be hillier than the Lakes!
Lakes every time, it's stunning up there, you don't need to be able to walk miles to see the scenery, it's all around you and there are some amazing drives over the mountain passes with many lay by's where you can just sit & enjoy the scenery or have a stroll, if you're brave the Hardknott Pass is a fantastic drive.
There are plenty of low level, lakeside walks too and some pretty villages & towns to go around.
If you do decide to go I can recommend Lanefoot Farm as one of your campsites.
The lakes is a definate must do. As previously stated there are many walks that don't involve steep climbs. You can also get a boat from some of the lakes to take you one way and walk back. Nice walk/boat ride from both Windermere and Ullswater - we used our tesco club card vouchers for the boat trips.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
We love the lakes and are going at Easter. We like western lakes as much quieter (roads and attractions) but close to more touristy spots if want. We have a 5 yr old so not up for high hill walking yet so we like walking around lakes...tend to be flatter and great scenery, usually good bird/wildlife/nature watching as well. Whatever you decide..hope you enjoy!
Consider Dorset for a change - just as pretty as Devon but MUCH less crowded IMO. Admittedly, not as pretty as the Lakes but much quieter...
Whichever you choose, you'll probably get wet . Our last non-camping holiday was a cottage in Devon, where we had monsoon-like rain for the entire week (in August)!!
------------- 'In later life, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than with the things you did.' - Mark Twain
This is an interesting one. I spent a few years in North Devon while in the Forces and lived in Keswick for 5 years until 2007. I suggest the Lakes because public transport is fairly good and I think there is a better range of attractions compared to Devon (as much as I like it). As previous posts have said you don't have to walk the fells, there are many low level flat walks and even flat higher ones as well. Devon is quite comercialised where as the Lakes is less so. The beer's better oop North as well !
------------- "People sleep peacefully in their beds at night
because rough men stand ready
to do violence on their behalf."
The Lakes are wonderful, lots of lovely places. The weather is hit and miss. If I lived halfway between I would go to Devon where the weather is probably much better and a bit warmer. I suppose that is because I have been to the Lake District lots of times as it is much closer for us and not often to Devon.
Fred.
Thanks for all the suggestions. Have lived or holidayed in many parts of England and Wales except Lakes so that's where I'll go. Bought a 4wheel walker designed for off road rough ground; has a seat with a basket to carry flask food etc. Makes walking easier, further and faster even on slopes so I'm taking that - even though it takes up valuable camp gear space in the car.
Next job is decide on campsites and book before long.
------------- Mavis
It is easier to smile than frown so share a smile every day
Lowther Park, Penrith is highly recommended by my family. Fairly close to the M6. It could be a stopping point or a base as it is close to Ulswater. We will be staying there for weekends this year.
Fred.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!