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.
I’m going to bet its lovely there right now.
Catbells camping barn is part of a network of camping barns across The Lake District. “Imagine you’re camping but you don’t need a tent.” – I quote their website but Catbells also has a woodburning stove and toilet facilities.
I’m really excited to be writing this Natter about Catbells camping barn. Just a few key details evoke some perfect camping experiences. The stove in the barn. Farm produce for sale. The name ‘Catbells’refers to wildcats. Millican Dalton’s cave. I wonder if you share my enthusiasm?
The eponymous hill is well known for its precipitous ridge and fabulous views across Borrowdale and Buttermere. The barn is nested in Newlands Valley. Tranquil is an oft used word for it. I’m going to bet its lovely there right now.
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.