Beckthwaite CL Coniston – A Perfect Location!

For our first trip of the year we decided to revisit the Southern Lakes and in particular Coniston.

This was our favourite base in the lakes for many years before we started to drift further North and the pleasures of Borrowdale and Buttermere which seemed to draw us like a magnet every time we mentioned the Lakes. Love can be fickle!!

This year however we decided to go to the lakes for our first trip and because we were going earlier than normal the CC sites we would normally consider using in the northern lakes were closed.

We then decided to revisit our first love and were lucky enough to secure a pitch for the chosen week on the ever popular Beckthwaite CL right in the centre of Coniston Village on Lake Road.

This is a small site and only two of the five pitches would probably be suitable for caravans/motorhomes larger than our 21 foot Bailey. In fact entrance to the site requires a slow approach of the road due the height of the dropped kerb as you enter the sites drive – also on the way out when parked cars – albeit it legally parked – would cause possible problems for bigger outfits.

This site is popular due to its location in the centre of the village, just a five minute stroll from the lakeside, and the wonderful views of Old Man of Coniston and Wetherlam that greet you every morning as you open the caravan blinds. Although only a small site it has EHU, toilets and a shower if a little antiquated. All this for just £13 per night – and in the centre of this wonderful Lakeland village with its selection of pubs, restaurants, fish and chip shop and a selection of food, clothing and gift shops.

Of the site itself it has hard standings and has a stream running along one side and Lake Road on the other. Road noise at peak times of the day – a school is opposite the site – can be a little intrusive but overall the bird song wins. The site is quite sheltered and reasonably level.

The site is perfect for walking straight onto the Cumbrian Fells no need to move the car once you arrive. No matter what level of walking you are up to the site offers a wide choice. The high level walks of Dow Crag, Wetherlam, Black Sail, Swirl How and of course the Old Man of Coniston.  For those you would like an easier challenge then one of the 6 mile round walks to Tarn Hows or just a walk along the shore of the lake to Torver before catching the ferry back to Coniston are all on the door step.

For those who want to venture further afield Ambleside is a short drive away whilst Windermere is easily reached – preferred route being via Hawkshead, Far Sawrey (Famous for Beatrix Potter) and the ferry saving several miles of driving round the Lake Windermere.

All of the above make this is a very busy site especially weekends in season so be warned you will need to book early – but should be lucky enough to get a pitch I’m sure you will have a wonderful time in this perfect location.