Photography by Jen Chillingsworth.
In a clearing within Greystoke Forest in England’s Lake District lies Blencathra at Scales Plantation, a tranquil, secluded spot where you can rediscover your wild.
In addition to the shepherd’s hut, there is a composting toilet and a separate wooden cabin housing a kitchen and bathroom.
Located in the North Lakes on a working farm and run by owners Rob and Tab, it is a little off the beaten track yet only a 15-minute drive to the busy market town of Keswick.
Blencathra camp is surrounded by trees and has a large decking area with a garden table, a fire pit for outdoor cooking, huge pots of herbs to cut and add to dishes and even a little pond for some wildlife watching.
Greystoke Forest is a haven for red squirrels, but sadly we didn’t spot any during our stay.
At 1,000 feet above sea level there are stunning views of the North Lake Fells. Hikers, climbers, and cyclists are spoilt for choice of places to go adventuring in the North Lakes.
The kitchen and bathroom are housed in a rustic cabin. In good weather, the canvas doors and windows can be unzipped and opened to offer the experience of cooking or bathing in the woodland.
In the shepherd’s hut, the kitchen has a gas hob, pots, pans, crockery, and a refrigerator. We prepared freshly ground coffee whilst listening to the bird song as we savored the first cup of the day.
Decorated in an easy-going rustic style with a huge table and built-in benches, there is plenty of space for a family to get comfortable. With dark skies and no light pollution, there is joy to be found in simply gazing up at the stars.
After doing a little food shopping at the market in Keswick, we returned to camp to make dinner.
Perfect for couples or small families, three shepherd’s huts each sleep two adults in a double bed and up to two children in separate bunks. The bunks convert to a sofa during the day and a small wood-burning stove provides extra heat.