Could anyone suggest a campsite in the south half of the lakes within walking of a good pub with reasonable grub. Ideally, with walking and riding from the campsite.

Coniston old hall.

No further questions.

http://www.grizedale-camping.co.uk/?Home
http://www.hawkshead-croft.com/campsite/
http://www.hawkshead-village.co.uk/camping.html
http://www.lakedistrictcamping.co.uk/southeast.htm

http://www.hollinsfarmcampsite.co.uk/

Really nice campsite and couple of mins walk from a really good pub

Fisherground in Eskdale,good ride over by Burnmoor tarn,and down into Wasdale Head,or over Hardknott.
Ian

Don’t expect any sleep at coniston hall.

national trust at langdale, Old & New Dungeon Ghyll within staggering distance

We stayed here with two young kids. Was a two minute walk into town and easy access to Skiddaw and other routes just outside Keswick.

Not sure there’s enough riding from the door to keep you busy for more than a few days though.

Edit: Just realised you asked for South Lakes, sorry!

What’s the problem with Coniston Hall? Are there any sites that are reliably free of the antisocial pricks that often descend on the Lakes through summer? I’ve seen running battles between pissed-up gangs the last couple of times I’ve pitched up on an official site.

coniston old hall is rowdy but you wont see pitched battles

Thanks for all the advice.

You’re better off wild camping if you want any sleep at all; people don’t respect anybody else nowadays.

Angle Tarn above Patterdale is a lovely place and you can skinny-dip in the tarn.