Lower Wensleydale Club Campsite

We are caravanning novices. We were warned about the difficult access to the site, but we thought we’d give it a go! We’re glad we did, but it was a challenge. More experienced caravanners might think nothing of the steep, bendy single track access road, but it was a first for us. On arrival the site was quiet and we were invited to drive around and pick any pitch we fancied. We chose a sheltered spot directly opposite the lime kilns. It was close to all facilities and actually had quite good, albeit intermittent, Wi-Fi and phone signal. Unfortunately, Gordon the resident peacock also liked this spot. Now, Gordon is beautiful and exotic and nobody would wish any harm to come to him…..but he is NOISY! He completely disregarded the notices about the ‘quiet time’ from 10.00pm. The toilet and shower facilities were clean and adequate. It took a bit of planning to shower and dress without getting your clothes all wet, but it was do-able. The site is very pretty and peaceful, with a natural woodland feel. I liked the fact that there were little groups of pitches, rather than endless rows. The wardens work hard to make everything look nice and keep the site safe. They were helpful when we told them we were novices and gave advice about pitching safely. The location was perfect for us. The local pub (no food, just drinks) is a five minute walk. Cross the road and you can get to a stunning waterfall with lovely walks. Leyburn has lots of independent shops, including a super independent supermarket - Campbells - which sells everything imaginable. Further afield, Richmond is beautiful and Reeth is also well worth a visit for walks and cakes. Tl;Dr - a pretty and well located site with just a few minor issues that didn’t spoil our holiday.

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Just over a mile east of Leyburn. Good, polite, efficient check-in. Absolutely stunning position in a very peaceful area. They have their own ‘wild’ Peacock, Gerald. A pearl for a relaxing stay and still within easy reach of interesting places. Would probably say it was the most beautiful, tranquil site I have ever stayed at. Amazing lay out, well maintained. Watch out for sticky sap (actually honeydew) from the trees though. Despite my enthusiasm for this site, the last few hours turned out rather disappointedly. A friend had problems disconnecting the lead from the electric bollard. We tried to contact the warden; office was closed and no reply on their mobile emergency number. Found one cleaning in the toilet block. He could not disconnect the lead either and tried to blame my friend’s lead or usage, despite the site had a history of problems with the bollards, especially the old type bollards, which was the type my friend had used. Electricians had been on site for several days to sort out the electrics. The warden even had the cheek to threaten my friend that if anything was wrong with my friend’s connections, they would charge £ 1,000 for the bollard. This could then in turn be claimed on my friend’s insurance. This threat despite their obvious history of electrical problems, which the warden was well aware of and actually did refer to. As we had to leave on this day, my friend had to leave the hook-up cable, and buy a new one (£ 45.-). Another friend would be coming this way a few days later, hence we requested to pick up the cable, so my friend at least could have it back. The warden refused to hand it over, as something was wrong. This smells of exploiting the situation to own benefit to make a few bucks. I sincerely hope and expect the CAMC management will look into this incident and report back.

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Beautiful wooded site built into an old quarry with tiered pitches. Reminded us of Coniston Coppice but on a small scale. The kilns are still there and lit up at night. Very natural, non-pretentious site. We had a huge pitch with no other vans or MHs around us. Lots of rabbits which were a joy to watch when they were feeding. Many birds too and there is an added bonus of Gerald the peacock. He is quite vocal at dawn and dusk, but for us this just added to the charm of the site. He can often be found roosting in the trees adjacent to the shower block. The entry road is single track but shouldn't pose a problem if you keep your speed down and look well ahead (there are also mirrors to help). Don't get there before 1 pm, which is arrival time. Departure is at 11 am so if you stick to the rules you shouldn't meet anyone on the road. Once you're on-site if you're planning to go out and about by car make sure you're off-site before 1 pm so you don't meet new arrivals. The wardens, Kath and Eddie, along with the assistant wardens, Janice and Peter, are very professional and very helpful. When we arrived Kath was very kind to walk with me to show the available pitches. They all go about their business in an unobtrusive manner but are always ready to help when needed. Good selection of things in the Reception shop plus OS maps etc. The shower block is clean and has plenty showers, loos, wash basins and hot water, plus a couple of hair dryers. It might not be bang up to date but does the job very respectably and is well maintained. You can walk into Leyburn along a permissive way past the cottage which then takes you onto the main road from Wensley to Leyburn. It's only about a mile. There is a lovely 4.5 mile circular walk up from Campbell's shop over the Leyburn Shawl (there is a longer 8 mile walk too). Instructions can be found in Reception. Great views over to Middleham Moor, Pen Hill and towards Castle Bolton. Leyburn has a large, well stocked Co-op. Most parking in Leyburn runs on an honesty system and recommended donation is £2. We ate Sunday lunch at The Three Horseshoes in Wensley (where there is also a candle factory and waterfall). The food was very, very good and very reasonably priced. Choice of topside of beef or pork loin with the most amazing Yorkshire puddings, lots of roast potatoes, mash, great selection of perfectly cooked veggies and plenty of meat. One of the best Sunday lunches we've had in a long time. Booking recommended and is dog friendly. Just outside the site, across from The Pheasant Inn, is the pretty Harmby waterfall. The pub is charming, no food and just accepts cash but very welcoming and friendly. Middleham Castle is well worth a visit if you like history as is the Church of St Mary and St Alkelda. We will definitely be back and so will our neighbours who recommended the site to us.

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A nice, wooded location in a quarry on different levels. Small pitches, rather close together and, for us, a bit of a stretch to the nearest EHU. Toilets and shower block are rather old fashioned- no separate mens’ wash cubicles, no bench or stool in showers - but spotlessly clean. Dedicated, fenced dog exercise area - good! No drive-over grey waste for campervan/motorhomes. A longish walk into Leyburn along the road (path closed). Fish and chip shop in Leyburn (Fryer Tuck) not the best. Overall OK for an overnight stop but wouldn’t hurry back.

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Access is via quite along narrow road (note the three corner road mirrors that you should check whilst driving down/up). It is a quiet location but the pitches are quite small and close together. We were last here in 2014 and the facilities have not been updated since then. It could probably do with a re-vamp. However, the wardens do a very good job of maintaining what they have and the shared stuff is clean and tidy. Was quite happy with the set-up overall but this site wouldn't rate in the top 10 of our CAMH sites. We may return as part of a tour but wouldn't necessarily plan to go there on a solo trip (esp when York & Knaresborough are so close).

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