Make Catbells Camping Barn your base to explore this cave and Castle Cragg

Three miles from Catbells Camping barn is the village of Grange. This has two very inviting tea-rooms and is the start point for the walk to Castle Crag, close to the location of Millican Daltons cave.  We found the cave by following the general direction of other hikers.  It was amazing to think someone lived here every summer for 50 years.  Much more cosy is Catbells Camping Barn, a stone barn with a log burner, converted with the support of the YHA over 20 years ago.  For the last 10 years it has been part of Lakeland Camping Barns and the Independent Hostels UK network.  Catbells Camping barn has mattresses for 10, running water and a sink.  You will need your own sleeping bags, stove and cooking  equipment.  Here’s some information about similar camping barns in the UK.

A short, sharp, steep climb from the barn and you will be rewarded by dramatic views of mountains and lakes

Catbells Camping Barn is heated by a solid fuel stove and coal is available on the farm.  There is a shower, hot water and electricity so it is a step up from the stone tent idea.  Catbells camping barn has its own private car park, so its easy to transport your own cooking equipment and sleeping bags.  Sleeping 10 with mattresses provided the barn is ideal for a group get away.  Catbells camping barn is in the Newlands Valley just 4 miles from Keswick on the slopes of the Catbells fell.  A short, sharp, steep climb from the barn and you will be rewarded by dramatic views of lakes and mountains.  A circular walk around Catbells can take a day, an afternoon, or summers evening depending on how long you want to linger.