Camping in Clayton Le Dale

Clayton-le-Dale sits within the Ribble Valley, an area of gentle farmland, wooded river corridors and, further north, the rising moorland of the Forest of Bowland, making it a pleasant if understated base for a camping trip. As with anywhere in England, wild camping without the landowner's permission is not legal here, so a proper campsite or a farm pitch arranged directly with the owner is the way to go; there is no equivalent of Dartmoor's limited right-to-roam camping in this part of Lancashire.

The valley's mix of working farms and diversified rural businesses, several of which have branched into tourism in the years since the foot-and-mouth outbreak of 2001, means there are small-scale campsites and farm stays scattered through the area around Clayton-le-Dale, Salesbury, Ribchester and Whalley. These tend to be quieter and more low-key than the larger sites further north in the Trough of Bowland, suiting those who want a peaceful base rather than a bustling holiday park. Being close to the River Ribble also means some sites make the most of riverside pitches, though as ever it pays to check ground conditions after wet weather, since the valley floor here can be soft.

The best camping season runs from late spring through to early autumn, when the valley is at its greenest and driest and the surrounding walking routes, including the paths up towards Pendle Hill and along the Ribble and Calder valleys, are most enjoyable. Lancashire weather can turn quickly even in summer, so it is worth packing for rain regardless of the forecast. For those who would rather have a fixed roof without giving up the countryside setting, glamping options such as shepherd's huts and pods have grown across the wider Ribble Valley in recent years, offering an easier way to enjoy the same scenery, the nearby historic sites at Whalley and Stonyhurst, and the area's food and drink without needing your own tent and full kit.