Facilities
There are several pitches spread over approximately 15 acres, providing space for around 120 campers in total. Due to the ruggedness of the grounds the site is ideally suited to patrol or lightweight camping.
Use our interactive site plan to help you plan your visit. Clicking the highlighted areas will provide you with images and a little more information about the camping pitches and the facilities onsite.
A downloadable PDF copy of plan is also available.
Our Booking pages contain information on how to get the most out of your visit; and we ask that all visitors abide by the site rules.
Site L1
Site L1 is located on the lower part of the site, close the activity field and barn. This flat, grassy site includes a fire base, camp oven and stone seating area and has a water tap nearby.
The pitch is suitable for 4 hike tents.
Site L3
Site L3 is located close to the campfire circle and tree climbing activity area on the lower part of the site. The pitch is suitable for a single patrol and includes a fire base.
Site L2
Site L2 is located close to the activity field on the lower part of the site. The pitch is suitable for a single patrol and includes a fire base.
Site A
Site A is located behind the customer store and close to the carpark. The pitch could accommodate 1 or 2 patrols and around 10-12 campers. A firebase is located adjacent to the pitch in the trees and a camp oven is also provided.
Site C
Site C is the largest pitch at Thornthwaite and can accommodate up to 20 campers and when used in conjunction with site B provides camping for around 30 people. The pitch includes a firebase at its southern end.
Site B
Site B is located a short walk from the car park and provides a fire base. This pitch would suit a single patrol.
Site P1
Site P1 is one of a collection of patrol-sized sites located in the birch wood around the middle the site. The pitch provides a fire base and camping for one patrol.
Site P2
Located in the birch wood, site P2 provides camping for 1 patrol and includes a fire base.
Site P4
Located in the birch wood on the upper part of the site, pitch P4 provides camping for 1 patrol and has a fire base and seating.
Site P5
This pitch is located in the birch wood, close to the toilet unit. It provides camping for one patrol and includes a fire base.
Site P6
This site is located adjacent to the drive in the birch wood and provides camping for one patrol. The pitch also includes a fire base and a camp oven.
Site P8
Site P8 is located close to the car park and provides a fire base and camping for 1 patrol.
Site 1
Located in the Cat Crag Ridge area of the site, this pitch is suitable for a single patrol and includes a fire base.
Site 2
Located in the Cat Crag Ridge area of the site, this pitch is suitable for a single patrol and includes a fire base.
Site 3
Pitch 3 is one of the larger sites on Cat Crag Ridge and includes a fire base and camp oven as well as a stone seating area.
Site 4a
Located in the Cat Crag Ridge area of the site, close to the Activity area, this pitch is suitable for a single patrol and includes a firebase
Site 4b
Located in the Cat Crag Ridge area of the site, close to the Activity area, this pitch is suitable for a single patrol and includes a firebase
Toilet & Shower Block
The shower and toilet block provides both male and female toilet and shower facilities and also includes an outdoor washing up area.
Barn & Traversing Wall
The barn is located adjacent to the activity field and acts as a storm shelter in the event of severe weather. The traversing wall and anchorages and belay points for the wobble pole and caving ladder are also housed in the barn.
The barn has a number of electrical sockets and includes electric lighting. It is enclosed on 3 sides, with the 4th having a curtain side, which can be drawn shut.
The barn is a shared facility and if multiple groups are on-site then we trust it will be shared amongst users.
Camp Fire Circle
Located between the activity field and the crags the campfire circle provides a large space, with plenty of natural seating for group events.
Activity Field
The activity field is a shared resource and provides ample space for games and other activities. A flag pole is also provided.
Indoor Centre
The purpose-built Centre includes full facilities for self-catering, a large activity hall and leaders lounge and drying room. Up to 38 people can be accommodated in bunk rooms of varying sizes. For more information and pictures of the building see out centre pages
Tree Climbing
Archery Range
Located in the pine wood at the top the site the archery range provides an exciting resource for the site. Equipment hire is available, if required and with sufficient notes, and at an additional charge, instructors can also be arranged.
It is also possible to use the range as a self led activity provided the person running the activity has a suitable qualification/permit.
Crate Stacking
Tomahawk Throwing
Located close the archery range in the pine wood the tomahawk range provides and exhilarating experience and can be hired along with all equipment.
The range can be used by adults, and explorer, scout and cub sections and with sufficient notice instructors can also be provided for an additional charge.
We also offer tomahawk throwing as a self-led activity provided the person running the activity has a suitable permit or qualification.