Winter Camp 2025: Tents
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Our annual Winter Camp is OutdoorLads' birthday event in February each year, and in 2025 we're back at the campsite where it all started in 2006, in the heart of the Lake District.
With the towering Langdale Pikes looming above it, our campsite is a particularly dramatic spot to pitch up for an adventure in the outdoors. The award-winning site offers a wide selection of grassy pitches suitable for families and friends, as well as a collection of wooden camping pods. It boasts two newly upgraded toilet and shower blocks, washing-up areas, a laundry and drying room.
This page is for 'traditional' camping in a tent. If you want to bring your motorhome or campervan click here. If you'd like to stay in one of the luxury pods, click here.
The name should give it away, but this is camping in the winter and so it will be cold! While it's not for the faint hearted, equally it's not out of reach of anyone. It goes without saying that you'll need to make good preparations to keep warm and dry all weekend, but having done that, you'll find that winter camping can be a great experience. Think mountain view, cold, and if you're lucky some snow, but also think roaring fires in great pubs with hearty food, good conversation with new and old friends, all making a memorable weekend.
On the Saturday there'll be two or three walk options of varying difficulties. They will vary depending on the conditions at the time, but in this part of the country, every walk is a stunner and there are lots of options - very likely there will be a harder mountain walk and something a bit easier, but there will still be lots of ascent involved - this is the Lake District after all.
On the Sunday we hope you'll stay around for another, shorter walk. We aim to be finished around mid-afternoon.
Depending on the conditions, there may also be the opportunity to learn/improve your winter walking skills as we have three great winter walking leaders on hand to share their knowledge and experience.
Our campsite has great onsite facilities including a cafe serving early morning breakfast snacks and some truly great showers which are free to use, heated by the onsite Biomass boiler. Truly environmentally friendly! As with most of our camping events, no catering is provided. While you are welcome to cook for yourselves on site, there is a pub nearby and we have a group booking for the Saturday night for those who wish to join us.
Your camping and winter walking leaders, Ant and Matt, are looking forward to hosting you for the weekend.
Dogs: Well behaved dogs are welcome, must remain on a lead on site and owners will need to clean up after them.
Photos: Taken by event leaders and used by OutdoorLads with permission.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
What to bring
You will need to bring all your usual camping gear (tent, sleeping and cooking equipment etc). However, as it will be February you will need to give some thought to the various types of weather which we could encounter. In particular, bear in mind that it will be cold at night. You will need a sleeping mat/bed which insulates you from the ground and a good sleeping bag. The event leaders will be happy to advise you on tips for camping in the winter - just drop us a message.
If you will be walking with us during the weekend, again, bear in mind the likely weather - in previous years we have had sun, rain, snow, ice, fog - basically anything can happen in February! Therefore, you will need to be prepared. The mountain walks kit list below will help you, but again, feel free to ask any questions about what you might need.
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Walking Poles: always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Emergency equipment: the walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire (either storm proof matches or a firelighter
Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea
Food & drink
If you wish to cook on site, then please ensure you bring your camping stove, gas and cooking utensils/implements.
You will need your own lunch bits for Saturday walking - though there aren't fridges on site, the outside temperature should be around that of a domestic fridge so food will keep fine if that is the case.
There is a small shop on site serving basic goods and hot food but its opening times are limited.
Located nearby are three pubs; The Old Dungeon Ghyll, The New Dungeon Ghyll and The Stickle Barn, all within a half to just under 1 mile walk on tarmac road. All serve food and a great selection of ales, wines and spirits. We will confirm our planned pub for meeting each night in so that everyone knows where we will be.
On Saturday night, we normally book into one of the pubs for a meal together, this isn't mandatory but if you want to join, then let the leader know when asked, closer to the time.