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Something different for the blog this time, a bit more of a relaxing experience, nice food and nice views.
A short trip away for my boyfriend’s birthday. We thought of trying something different, so booked a couple of nights stay at Eskdale Campsite in one of the Glamping pods to get away for some quiet and green time.
Eskdale is a glacial valley and civil parish in the western Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. It forms part of the Borough of Copeland, and in 2001 had a population of 264, increasing to 304 at the 2011 Census. One of the Lake District’s most popular tourist attractions, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, runs through the valley, though along with other western valleys of the Lake District, Eskdale is notably quieter during the high summer season than the more accessible eastern areas.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eskdale,_Cumbria
You can book your stay here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/eskdale-campsite-lake-district
Driving to Eskdale Campsite was relaxing, some lovely winding roads with views of the mountains and the weather was clear and warm.
When we got to the campsite the key to the pod we were staying in was in an envelope with details and a map of the area. It was neatly labelled and stacked with others next to the National Trust shop. They were temporarily closed when we got there. Very well organised.
The parking is close to the pods so transporting equipment was made easier.
After settling into the pod and moved everything we needed in, we walked to the nearest pub which was the Brook House Inn to get some food and drinks in after the long drive.
From Manchester to Eskdale it took roughly 3.5 hours.
After food and a few drinks we went for a walk around the area. Walked further down the road and saw a steam railway station. It was closed at the time, got information on the journeys they do and where to book the tickets. The steam railway takes you from Eskdale to Ravenglass at set times, we decided to head into Ravenglass on the steam train the next morning.
We then walked back up towards Brook House Inn and walked towards The Mill. The Eskdale Mill is the Lake District’s oldest working water mill.
We headed back to the campsite and used the facilities. Very well run, the shower room, toilets are clean and whilst we were there, there were no queues to use the facilities.
After refreshing ourselves, we decided to book the tickets online for the steam railway for the next morning at 10:30am. Note: No mobile signal available in the area which was no surprise, however there is free wifi available on the site.
Next morning
The journey to Ravenglass from Eskdale took about 40 minutes through the country side. You could sit in either an open top carriage, partial open top or closed carriage to Ravenglass. We rode in the open top carriage, had great views and feeling the fresh air in your hair and face felt refreshing.
When we arrived in Ravenglass we were very hungry as we skipped breakfast, so we stopped at the nearby pub called The Ratty Arms. The food was lovely, we got fried squid for starters, and both got the fish pie from the specials menu.
After food we had a little walk around the area.
Route to Roman Bath House
Last day
We decided as we were passing on the way back home, we would drop by Muncaster Castle and have a look around. Unfortunately as it was early the castle grounds were not open, you could still walk up to the castle and the surrounding area.
If you have not visited Eskdale before, it is worth taking a look, a little adventure. There are small hikes you can do around the area, the famous Hardknott Pass road is not too far from where we stayed, about a 15 minute drive. You can also see the HardKnott Roman Fort along the way. We skipped it this time around as we are planning to go back with the motorbike to experience the famous route, but definitely worth a visit.
GENERAL EQUIPMENT
- Apple iPhone 12 Pro (for taking photos/videos and mapping using OS Maps)
- Comfy walking shoes (most important)
- Waterproofs (to keep warm and dry)
- Flask with Hot/Cold drink (a good cuppa is always welcome)
- ibuprofen (helping hand if you have any aches and pains)
- Food and snacks (fuel to keep you going)
Amble Around 