Newbiggin Farm Certificated Site, Waberthwaite, Lake District

The camping field at Newbiggin Farm Certificated Site is about half an acre, very slightly sloping, with the recently installed slate/shingle hard-stand area at the bottom of the site. As Colin wryly observed, after looking at the puddles which appeared after a night of heavy rain, maybe they'd have been better placing it slightly higher up the site! Never mind, it worked for us and our axles remained firmly above ground the whole time, and we had no problems driving off when it was time to leave.

The site faces west, so enjoys the sun all afternoon and into the evening, with lovely sunsets a couple of times. There are sweeping views from all pitches over the salt marshes towards the tidal estuary, and the sea beyond (not visiable from the site), with the landmark viaduct taking trains into nearby Ravenglass clearly visible in the distance. This is a peaceful part of the world, on the south western edge of the Lake District and well away from the more popular "hotspots" of Windermere and Ambleside. In fact, tucked away in Waberthwaite, it was difficult to image the traffic jams and congestion the other parts of the Lakes were experiencing.

There are 6 electric hook-ups, all at the top of the site, so long cables are required if pitching on the lower part of the site. The loo, electric shower and handwash basin with hot water, located in the same room, are a minute's walk back down the lane and into the farm yard. This is a basic but clean facility, unheated, with the shower costing 20p for 2.5 minutes. A delightful feature is a wooden "engaged /vacant" sign hung on the door, which you turn when you enter or leave the barn-building. It saves you hovering around wondering if there is anyone inside. Take lots of 20p's. Colin will provide them, but sometime he's milking or doing other farm work and may not be around. Helpfully, he leaves a note on the kitchen door as to when to expect him back.

NOTHING is too much trouble for Colin or Bill and they regularly call into the field for a friendly chat to check all is OK or to share their knowledge of the area. These are genuinely friendly, welcoming people, and if there were any problems, they would be more than happy to sort them out quickly.

There had been a rally planned for the Easter weekend, but sadly it had to be cancelled by the rally organiser at short notice. The large rally field has stunning distance mountain views, (see image above) is slightly elevated and well draining, is closer to the farmyard for the facilities, but there is no hook-up. Colin expects this to be very popular in the coming season and says early booking is recommended.

More about what to do in the area in the next blog ........

Image Above: Panoramic view from Newbiggin Farm, April 2010

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