No need to load up the car, you can just head out for the day from your pod. ©Kenmere Farm Pods
Stunning scenery and a peaceful pace to get away from it all ©Kentmere Farm Pods
The perfect place for children to create their own adventures ©Kentmere Farm Pods
No need to load up the car, you can just head out for the day from your pod. ©Kenmere Farm Pods
Explore From Your Door And Create Your Own Adventures
Walks
There are an amazing variety of routes from the camping pods on our farm in the Lake District to suit all ages and abilities. Wander down the lane to play pooh sticks from the old stone pack horse bridge, or adventure further afield with lots of great walks with truly stunning views. The loop 'Around the Top' is one of our favourites and takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. For longer walks head over Garbon via High Borrans. There are a number of routes that take you to the majestic Kentmere Reservoir or over into the neighbouring valley of Long Sleddale. Why not try Wainwright's favourite walk, the Kentmere Horseshoe, with magnificent views of Ullswater and High Street -approx 7 hours.
There are also some lovely walks from Staveley, which makes a great combination with lunch out in the village
Biking
If you need spare parts or kit, Wheelbase in Staveley is the largest bike shop in the country. We get our bikes fixed here. They also hire bikes including e-bikes for an extra boost http://www.wheelbase.co.uk
If road biking is your thing, the road to Staveley is pretty quiet - 4 miles there and back. Why not call in for coffee or lunch at one the great cafes in Staveley or bike down for a beer at the Hawkshead Brewery. For longer rides, head on the back route to Kendal, via Bowston and Burneside or a loop around Crook and the gated road.
Fishing
We have two fly fishing permits for the River Kent on our land. If you have a National River License (you can purchase one at the Beehive in the village) and a rod please ask us for a permit and you are welcome to try your luck. The River is stocked with trout and salmon return each year to spawn.
Wild Swimming
You can wild swim in the river at Kentmere or paddle/wallow in the river 5 minutes walk from your camping pod in the field by the old pack horse bridge. The water is cold but refreshing! Further afield: Windermere at Millerground, Rydal and Grasmere. Check out conditions & blue-green algae warnings before you go
Alternatively, walk round gathering sticks on your way and play Pooh Sticks on the bridge. Enjoy exploring the stream for crayfish and bugs. You will find White Claw Crayfish sheltering under the rocks. They are fun to find, but please don't take them away, as they are a protected species. Or head up the lane and spend a busy morning trying to dam the beck (stream) there.
Biking
There are Mountain Bike routes directly from our camping pods, so just get on your bike and head out. The 'Three Rivers' mountain bike trail is roughly 4 miles, add Kentmere Hall for a further 2 miles. There are routes that drop over to High Borrans and Ings. For more challenging rides, head over the Garburn Pass for Troutbeck or up to Greenside and over to Longsleddale.
The annual Sam Houghton Challenge has both a 25K and 45K route which follow old pack horse trails over a range of hills. The longer route has great views over lake Windermere. For maps and details of both these routes go to: http://www.samhoughtonchallenge.co.uk
Staying Safe On The Fells
There is nothing more exhilarating than being out on the fells in the Lake District; just be aware when walking or biking, that conditions can change very fast.
Night Skies
Food & Drink
Staveley is only 2 miles away from Kentmere Farm pods, on a quiet country road. Five minutes on a bike and nearly all downhill on the way there! For a small village it really punches above its weight.
There are some great artisan stores and cafes including Wilfs, a really family friendly venue right next to the river serving great breakfasts, lunches and cakes. We love it. https://www.wilfs-cafe.co.uk/. More? Bakery, also in the Millyard, sells delicious bread, pies and award-winning Muddies and has extended their coffee shop into a real hipsters' venue. There is also Mr. Duffins, a specialist coffee shop on the high street and Cafe Eclec and antique shop.
If your wanting a pub lunch, sit in the garden by the river at the Eagle and Child or enjoy real fires indoors in the evening. Sample the local beer and fine snacks at The Hawkshead Brewery It is open during the day and on Friday and Saturday evenings.
With no light pollution, on a clear night, the sky here sparkles with stars. Sit out and enjoy the vast uninterrupted space and look out for your favourite constellations.
Alternatively, why not pick up goodies for a picnic from the Spar. It has a good range of supplies, including delicious locally made ice-cream and stays open until 9pm which is always handy for emergencies. There is also a post office, the Beehive, which sells newspapers, stationary, sandwiches and cakes. A local butcher, perfect for a barbecue and the local chippy.