There's a pitch to suit all tastes at Lanefoot Farm. Love views? Park yourself in the big open field with a stonking vista of Skiddaw.Taking the kids? Head for the cosy family field. Seen the weather forecast and fancy a bit of shelter? Pop into the back garden of the farmhouse and find yourself a quiet spot among the trees.

Wonderfully amiable owners Gareth and Helen took over this campsite, in its little corner near Keswick, a few years ago and injected it with new life (and some free-range chickens).The facilities are the sort you'd be happy to eat your dinner off, there's a little shop on site, chickens roaming free, and a friendly atmosphere.

Cyclists are well catered for - the site is bang on the C2C route and there are mountain bike trails aplenty in the nearby Whmlatter Forest. And if you've turned up to discover you've forgotten to pack your tent (we've all done it) there's a shepherd's hut, with four mattresses, for hire.

Finally, for pub quiz devotees: nearby Bassenthwaite Lake is home to the vendace, Britain's rarest fish. Next question please, landlord.

COOL FACTOR Brill views, and a shelter too.

WHO'S IN? Tents, campervans, caravans, dogs (on leads), big groups (not stag/hen), young groups (activities) - yes.



ON SITE Campfires: £5.50 for a wheel rim, wood, and kindling. Pitches: 60 tents, 12 caravans; 15 hook-ups. Good clean loos (3W, 3M) and 3 bright showers, washing-up area, drying room, huge wall maps, and info. Ice packs (20p), and tiny shop sells basics and meats. There is some traffic noise.

OFF SITE Walks include Crizedale Pike and Skiddaw. Mountain bikers have the mountainous Whinlatter Forest trails (see www.forestry.gov.uk); birders have the hide on Bassenthwaite Lake and the osprey-viewing platform.

FOOD AND DRINK Try a mini pub/hotel crawl in Braithwaite: the Royal Oak (01768 778533), Coledale Inn (01768 778272), and Middle Ruddings (01768 778436).

GETTING THERE From Keswick take the A66 west. Take a left turn northwards ½ mile after the B5292 turning for Braithwaite. Lanefoot Farm is on the left, after ½ mile.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Train to Penrith then bus no. X5 to just beyond Thornthwaite, then a couple of minutes' walk.

OPEN Easter-October.

THE DAMAGE Adult £7.5O-£8.50 per night; child £3.50. Shepherd's hut (sleeping 4 very snugly indeed) £30 per night.