Mandale Campsite

Mandale Campsite is found in The Peak District, England’s oldest national park and where the right-to-roam was first established. It’s an appropriate setting for a great-value site that offers the kind of camping that sorts proper campers from fair weather ones. This is a farm campsite spread across a couple of fields, with another set aside for intrepid Duke of Edinburgh groups. That alone might tell you all you need to know; this place is great for walking and outdoor adventure. Arm yourself with an OS Map and set out from here to find your way into nearby Lathkill Dale. Follow the river, head towards the neolithic Arbor Low Stone Circle or make your way to Bakewell, which is just three miles away.

The main camping field is large, flat and family friendly with the option of electric hook up. The second one is smaller, quieter and sloping with a little more shade round its edges. Whichever you choose, don’t expect much more than a place to pitch your tent – oh, and beautiful countryside views beyond the site’s dry stone walls. You’ll also have access to immaculately clean, traditional facilities. That means flushing loos and coin-operated hot water for showers and washing up. Save your 20ps and pound coins for this – or ask for some at reception. It may seem a little old fashioned but the folk behind Mandale Farm know a thing or two about camping as they’ve been keeping campers happy for more than 20 years. Their old-school pay-for-what-you-use approach ensures a level (ahem) camping field and keeps pitch fees as affordable for a solo walker as they are for a family group with a campervan.

Both types of camper are welcome here. In fact, most types of camper are welcome here. Campers with tents, campervans or motorhomes are all allowed as well as campers with dogs. Only large groups are discouraged from this place. Music and campfires are a no-no as well but barbecues are a-okay. And if you don’t fancy cooking, you can head out to one of the two pubs within two miles or into nearby Bakewell where there are plenty of options.