Does anyone know of any small sites in the Lake District which would permit a solo backpacker under the age of 18?
My son is 16, has many years of camping/hiking experience both as a family and with the scouting/explorers movement (that he is still very much involved in) as well as DofE but wants to start solo camping / backpacking in the Lakes to make the most of the long post-gcse summer.
He is extremely sensible and responsible and we have every confidence in his maturity and abilities regarding camping and navigation etc. but before he goes straight to solo wild camping we’d be happier for him to have a few solo camps on a small established site.
I know most sites won’t allow groups at this age but as a solo camper does anyone know of any sites close to good walking or bus routes that might allow him?
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Well, Baysbrown Farm in Chappel Stile is a rare thing these days, a VERY old style camp site with minimal rules! Worth enquiring in advance about a unsupervised 16 year old, but no published explicit rules against. You may be able to exploit the DOE status, as they do accept DOE campers at a discount.
Maybe a downside, they don't take advance bookings (may not apply if accepted as DOE camper!), so it's turn up on the day after lunch and see if any vacancies. Out of peak times, likely a small tent would fit in, as no fixed pitches.
It's very much as camping used to be, 'in a farmers field' (it is a working farm), but with quite decent modern toilet and showers.
I've stayed in nearby cottages, with friends camping at the site, and it's a great location for walkers, numerous hiking routes nearby and some direct from site. Bus route just outside site, Co-Op store in village for most supplies (including camping basics), and it has it's own Cafe if DIY cooking is not favoured. Not sure how appropriate, but a pub in village that does decent meals too.
If the valley has a downside, it's the appalling mobile phone coverage (like so much of the Lake District!), so plans/contacts need making elsewhere where a signal can be found.
If unfamiliar with the Lake District, you need to be prepared for the worst of weather, it can change in minutes from glorious to appalling, and the valley (not just Little Langdale, any valley!) can channel the wind and rain to make it even worse! High quality camping kit and waterproofs are pretty much essential if not to suffer miserably if the weather is unkind.
Lucky lad if he can get in. I love the valley, I love the walks, lots of fond memories from stays in the cottages and hiking the hills, sadly the site can't accept caravans because of difficult access road, but I'd love to pitch my caravan there if I could!
Thanks both - the YHA would be ideal but when you try to book on their website it says must be over 18. I’ve emailed them to confirm though.
Baysbrown also looks good - we did a mum and son day hike from Elterwater last week and he loved the area, it’s pretty accessible too. Will drop them a message 👍🏻
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Gillside Farm at Glenridding may be suitable, I recently stayed there when doing the Ullswater Way. I can't see anything on their website about having to be over 18.
It's fairly near to the bus stop in the village, plenty of walking opportunities too. Decent phone signal too if you want the piece of mind of being in contact.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Lake District Under 18 backpacker
via mobile 31/5/2025 at 1:53pm
