A weekend at Troutbeck Head, Cumbria

A beautiful site with stunning views of Blencathra and a beck (stream) running though. What more could you want from a peaceful touring trip?

Perhaps some sunshine, a local village fair, fantastic cycling routes and an activities centre right next door!

That’s exactly what we got at a our first stay in Troutbeck Head last weekend. After a long and largely uneventful drive (other than a trip to Sainsbury’s – see top tips below) we we’re greeted on site by the lovely staff and chose a pitch right on the beck at the bottom of the site – very picturesque!

There’s so much to do from this site, but we chose to spend our days cycling, cooking and playing board games.

A bike ride to Glenridding on Ullswater took about 40 minutes, some challenging hills (we’re in the Lake District after all) but well worth the effort. Glenridding is a beautiful small town on the water with lots of nice pubs and restaurants. On arrival into Glenridding we spotted a sign for the ‘Ullswater Country Fair’ in Patterdale.

Just ten minutes down the road and we were immersed into local traditions at this charming fair. Very popular with dog owners and lots of competitions anyone can enter – including wrestling, fell racing and dog showing! After a few beers and lunch, we had the challenge of cycling back to the site...with many pit stops on the way!

We didn’t get a chance to use the activities centre next door which is a shame as there’s horse riding, quad biking and clay pigeon shooting.

All in all we had a great first stay at a Club site and in a motorhome. I only wish we had stayed for longer – we’ll just have to come back!!

Next stop...Coniston.

Top tips from this trip:

1. There’s a big Sainsbury’s in Penrith – don’t get stuck in the dead end car park and have to reverse all the way out! Instead...go past Sainsbury’s, just up the road on the left there is a recycling centre and bus park...much more room!

2. At the Ullswater Country Fair they serve local beer in an actual pint glass...much better than the usual plastic cups!

3. Dominion is the perfect board game for two players and doesn’t take up to much room – hours of fun in the evening.