Camping in Earby

The countryside around Earby, where the last folds of Lancashire's mill towns meet the southern fringe of the Yorkshire Dales, is well suited to campers who want quiet, unfussy sites within reach of good walking. As everywhere in England, wild camping on open moorland or farmland here is illegal without the landowner's explicit permission, so stick to established campsites and the handful of farms in the area that permit camping by arrangement — a quick call ahead is always worth it given how much of this land is working farmland or grouse moor.

The terrain is gentler than the high Dales further north: rolling sheep pasture, drystone-walled lanes and the broad shoulders of hills like Pendle and Sharp Haw rather than dramatic limestone scenery, which makes it comfortable ground for family camping and shorter walks as well as more serious hill days. Sites tend to be small and farm-based rather than large holiday parks, often with basic facilities and a friendly, unpretentious feel that suits the area's character. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath nearby also makes for level, easy cycling and walking straight from a tent door, which is handy for campers who want a rest day between hill walks.

Late spring through early autumn is the best window, when the moorland tracks are driest and the evenings long enough to enjoy the views from a pitch looking towards Pendle Hill. Midges and boggy ground can be an issue after wet spells, so waterproof groundsheets and decent boots are worth packing whatever the forecast. For those who prefer a roof over their heads without giving up the outdoor feel, glamping options such as shepherd's huts and safari tents are increasingly common on farms in the wider Pendle and Craven area, offering a comfortable alternative that still puts you within a short walk of open countryside.