Wasdale Head NT campsite

[RedCali]

We stayed at Wasdale over the weekend, so here is a quick review. There are about 10 small hardstandings with ehu for campervans. They are fairly level but rather "rustic" and there isn't much room for an awning on some of them. They are around the edge of the camping fields and the view from them is really of the campsite road and the carpark rather than the fells. The toilet block was of the clean and functional variety - it was unheated but the showers were OK. There isn't a family shower room. The camping fields were rather soggy so wellies were useful. The site shop was well stocked, even at this time of year. Footpaths direct from the site meant walking the dog was easy. The site isn't lit at night ( the toilet block is). The pub is a short mile back up the road - we didn't eat there but other campers said it was OK, just regular pub grub. The site is in a fantastic location for serious fell walking, if the weather was kind you could walk all week without moving the van. In the summer at the weekend the carpark overlooking the campervan pitches
Is very busy all night, but particularly from 5am ish with three peak challenge teams and the noise travels onto the campsite. This is definitely the biggest downside to visiting in the summer.
This is one of our favourite sites in England for walking in the winter.

 

[MattBW]

Last time I was there, we were pretty much alone, the power went out in the valley and we got snowed in for a day or two. Pretty cold without our little radiator.

That little shop saved us and the staff were amazing in making sure we were safe and sound. Even had a little candlelit dinner in the blacked out Wasdale Head Inn.

The water is taken from the lakes and sterilised with a UV system apparently, pretty amazing.

 

[AlisonF]

Fabulous. Never stayed at the campsite but in my gap year camped between Wasdale and Eskdale with a couple of guys with a very memorable hike up Great Gable in the snow (found a deflated toy in the snow???). Then as a summer student I cycled to Wasdale head from St Bees every weekend. Also went to the lakes with big bro and did Scafell Pike and got lost in the mist and had to follow another group to get us down, and we have both done DofE gold, so slightly embarrassing. Then various trips with ex hubby many many years ago. Haven't been back since.
Always promised a mate from gap year that we'd do New Year in Wasdale Head one time. Now I'm getting the camper, that promise can be delivered. Don't think I can organise it this year as likely to be in Belgium finding a man for my young lady. But if anyone's up for New Year 2017/18 - I'm in and happy to organise (remind me next year!!)

 

[TwentyOneThirtyFive]

Lovely campsite, although oddly I prefer to camp there than take the van.

Great walking and decent beer to be had at the Inn too

 

[motacyclist]

Last time I was there, we were pretty much alone, the power went out in the valley and we got snowed in for a day or two. Pretty cold without our little radiator.

That little shop saved us and the staff were amazing in making sure we were safe and sound. Even had a little candlelit dinner in the blacked out Wasdale Head Inn.

The water is taken from the lakes and sterilised with a UV system apparently, pretty amazing.

Like the little movie!

 

[Brian’s Dad]

Everything is rather full next weekend, has anyone wild camped near Wasdale, any issues? Thanks

 

[GrannyJen]

Last time I was there, we were pretty much alone, the power went out in the valley and we got snowed in for a day or two. Pretty cold without our little radiator.

That little shop saved us and the staff were amazing in making sure we were safe and sound. Even had a little candlelit dinner in the blacked out Wasdale Head Inn.

The water is taken from the lakes and sterilised with a UV system apparently, pretty amazing.

Great video Matt xx

 

[John Slater]

Everything is rather full next weekend, has anyone wild camped near Wasdale, any issues? Thanks

There are some options on the road in from Gosforth but the road along the Lake shore has a lot of NT No Overnight Staying signs. Not sure if the NT enforce. It was possible to stay overnight in the car park on the Green just before Wasdale Head

 

[Brian’s Dad]

There are some options on the road in from Gosforth but the road along the Lake shore has a lot of NT No Overnight Staying signs. Not sure if the NT enforce. It was possible to stay overnight in the car park on the Green just before Wasdale Head

Thanks for this, having read around I'm not sure there's much they can do. I'm happy to pay, all the campsites are full etc. fingers crossed!

 

[John Slater]

Yes Easter in the Lakes, way too busy. As residents we escape to somewhere quieter! Have you tried further afield? Ravenglass club site or Dockray Meadow near Ennerdale?

 

[Brian’s Dad]

Yes Easter in the Lakes, way too busy. As residents we escape to somewhere quieter! Have you tried further afield? Ravenglass club site or Dockray Meadow near Ennerdale?

Sadly it's the only free time we've got to head up to the lakes so we'll have to tolerate the tourist trap! We've got 2 nights at the NT coniston site. I'll look up your suggestions, thanks!

 

[John Slater]

Sadly it's the only free time we've got to head up to the lakes so we'll have to tolerate the tourist trap! We've got 2 nights at the NT coniston site. I'll look up your suggestions, thanks!

No problem Matt. Have a great time.

 

[Jason wallace]

Everything is rather full next weekend, has anyone wild camped near Wasdale, any issues? Thanks

Could you not ‘Camp’ at the wasdale head inn?

Pay for a pitch, but just stop in your van?

 

[Brian’s Dad]

Could you not ‘Camp’ at the wasdale head inn?

Pay for a pitch, but just stop in your van?

I gave them a call. Apparently only tents

 

[The Merle]

Everything is rather full next weekend, has anyone wild camped near Wasdale, any issues? Thanks

See my profile pic that was beginning of April about 5/10mins away from campsite, only little one with no sign saying no over night camping. I think it was taken down. I’ve had no probs wild camping around there, tend to park up late and move early.
Campsite is nice too, if you don’t want electric you can park down the bottom.

 

[The Merle]

 

[soulstyledevon]

Last time I was there, we were pretty much alone, the power went out in the valley and we got snowed in for a day or two. Pretty cold without our little radiator.

That little shop saved us and the staff were amazing in making sure we were safe and sound. Even had a little candlelit dinner in the blacked out Wasdale Head Inn.

The water is taken from the lakes and sterilised with a UV system apparently, pretty amazing.

Great edit Matt...

 

[Brian’s Dad]

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You got the peachy campsite there! It was so busy. We stayed up near the pub it did the job and enabled a quick trip up Scafell. We’ve now returned to the NT site at Coniston with is nice and peaceful! Also drove over hardknott pass... that was fun!