Dalebottom's name describes it perfecdy in a purely physical sense (it's at the valley bottom), but is oh so inadequate when you throw open your tent flaps of a morning and gaze out at the surroundings. In fact, the effect is just as efficacious if performed in the evening, or any time of day, as this simple farm campsite is encircled by nothing but natural Cumbrian beauty; most of it poking skywards.

The farm lies in the small and fairly reclusive Naddle Valley, a few miles from Keswick, not far from Thirlmere, and just off the main Lakeland thoroughfare. A handy spot for exploring the national park, then, and perfect for earless campers who can get about on a green mixture of public transport and Shanks's pony.The transport is supplied in the form of regular bus no. 555, which threads its way right through the Lakes. It'll drop you and your rucksack in any number of places for a lovely return ramble through, on, above, or below the endlessly dramatic and colourful scenery. If even that seems a bit too carbon-heavy, you can just wander from the site into the landscape for a week or more without falling into a familiar footprint.

COOL FACTOR Ditch the car and step out into the immediately astounding surroundings.

WHO'S IN? Tents, vanners, dogs - yes. Groups - no.

ON SITE The main camping field is huge but never gets full, which is just as well as the facilities wouldn't cope. These include toilets; 4 showers (20p pieces); 2 washing-up sinks; 8 hook-ups. The small farmhouse shop sells daily essentials. Ice packs can be refrozen, too, should the Lakeland summer be sweltering. No campfires, but BBQs off the ground allowed.

OFF SITE See Castlerigg Farm (p284) for easily accessible Derwentwater activities. The Quarry and Mining Museum (01768 779747) atThrelkeld is a pleasant walk from the site, with underground tours and a steam train.



FOOD AND DRINK The nearest eateries are 2 miles down the road towards Ambleside: the Kings Head (01768 772393) and the Dale Head Hall Hotel (01768 772478), both at Thirlspot - see opposite.

GETTING THERE Dalebottom Farm is just off the AS91 between Ambleside and Keswick, 3 miles south of Keswick.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT The Stagecoach bus no. 555, from Lancaster to Keswick, passes the site.

OPEN March-October (tents)/end November (campervans).

THE DAMAGE Adult £7 per night; child £3.50.