For our first trip of 2012 we decided to revisit the southern lakes 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 site is popular due to its location in the centre of the village, just a five minute stroll from the lakeside, and with the wonderful views of Old Man of Coniston and Wetherlam that greet you every morning as you open the caravan blinds. The cost of the pitch - £13 per night – is worth it and more just to be able to sit and have your breakfast whilst admiring the view. Of the site itself it is only small but it has EHU, toilets and a shower if a little antiquated. 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. And our car remained on site for the whole stay. 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 are all easily accessible from the village. 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 (there was never more than one pitch empty all week) 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. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Beckthwaite and Coniston Lake – needless to say it was all over to quickly!