My daughter (10yrs) has expressed an interest in a spot of wild camping. So as an adventure I thought we might give it a go. I need some suggestions for suitable locations.

There is a cave (Priest's Hole) on the North side of Dove Crag which I thought might be suitable - with the added bonus of not having to lug a tent up the hill. Has anyone slept overnight at that place?

 If we are going to lug the tent up the hill I was wondering about next to Angle Tarn (beneath Esk Pike) which looks idyllic or perhaps somewhere near Stickle Tarn. 

Has anyone undertaken such an adventure with a 10 year old? Can anyone help with suitable locations. We are likely to go only for one night in the first instance - and in August.

 Many thanks in advance.

 Peter

peter H wrote (see)

There is a cave (Priest's Hole) on the North side of Dove Crag which I thought might be suitable - with the added bonus of not having to lug a tent up the hill. Has anyone slept overnight at that place?

yes, people do all the time, I was chatting to a couple last week on the path who'd slept there the previous night. Can be a bit tricky to find mind, try googling an image of it from below the path, that might help.

If with a 10 yr old (not that I have experience therewith) it may be better to avoid the Priests Hole as it is often used by foul-mouthed drunken braggats ()...

A nicer experience for your daughter might be a good pitch next to some water (kids like this I guess....but do not know)...and somewhere quiet. 

ed, that's precisely who I feared might use the Priest's Hole. My daughter will experience that type in time but there is no good reason why she needs to experience them at 10 yrs. Many thanks.

Glyn, I will have a look at Grisedale. I know what you mean about both the routes I suggested. 

 Peter

Been checking out some spots myself for later this month. Google earth helps to get an idea of the land, and googling images is really helpful. I fancy blind tarn just off the walna scar and either eel or stoney tarn above Eskdale after a pint in the woolpack.

Don't expect many on here to give up their favoured spots, I've tried before.

Grisedale Tarn gets a bit midgey right now, but it is possible to wild camp slightly lower down on the Grisedale side away from the tarn, fewer midges.

Walna Scar road often has people wild camping at the side in summer. You even get idiots with 4x4's driving along it and parking at the side to car camp! A real shame because it is nice up there.

Try the tarn behind old man of coniston. Can park at top of Walna Scar road so less distance to walk.

Try Little Stand above Cockley Beck, good view down Duddon I think.

BTW still haven't given favoured spots away. I won't be camping at these spots any time soon so I am happy to share. And the "secret" cave should be left to become a secret again. Any Trail writers out there? Take heed.

I'll offer you one, a bit unfashionable perhaps, but quiet and pleasant, and an easy walk in depending what you think your daughter can manage.....

Brownhowe Bottom, up at the end of Longsleddale in the eastern fells. If you park at the road end at Sadgill then it's only 3 or 4km up a good track to walk in. You're heading towards Gatesgarth Pass over to Haweswater, but once the climb eases into the hollow below Branstree there's a spot by the path that'll take a tent. Or else cross the wall on the left (tied up gate, stile just beyond) and take the track into the old levels where you'll find other suitable spots to pitch.  

One thing though, pitch the tent later in the day / evening and strike camp early. Just means you get more of the day walking but also means you are less likely to get anyone complaining or telling you to get orf my land. Not that that happend=s much in the Lakes. If you camp nearer to roads you will also be nearer to the farm and people who might make a comment.

There is a two volume set of books on Lakeland tarns by the Nuttals (husband and wife team of writers). They make a few comments on which ones are good to camp next to. They also make a good read to give new ideas for walks. I got them when I got bored of the usual hill walks and bored of the Lakes in general. Gave me something new to explore and find.

Does anyone else get bored of their local area? I got very bored of the Lakes last year, a strong feeling of been there done that.

Comb ghyll below Glaramara.

Great moss above Eskdale