Thornthwaite Scout Campsite

Where to start? Used to be a great back to basics campsite where kids could learn Scouting principles. Camping, cooking, fire lighting team work etc. It is now billed as an activity centre but with only average activities. The whole campsite is in a state of decline. A lot of the trees have been cut down. There is very little firewood. The campsites are often very boggy. There is a site at the top which has had half fenced off for years now. The ovens are in such a state that they carnt be used. The toilet block needs knocking down. It's a health hazard. Kids and adults shower in the same block - this is a safeguaring problem. Have never been inside the accommodation block - but we did look through the windows. It looks like German POW camp accommodation. But at least they have got electronic door locks now...priorities? Maybe it's because it does'nt get used much, or maybe there has been a change of management - but a site we used frequently for 15 years is now longer on our list. There are better run scout campsites out there. It's a shame - it used to be a well run highlight of our camping calendar.

Had a cub scout activity day here. The weather was great, thankfully, as it was all outside, but I think the cubs all enjoyed the day and probably went home very tired. Very safe environment for young people to learn new skills and build friendships. Not too disabled friendly for any child or adult as most of it is on a slope. The footpaths would be treacherous when wet and muddy, and scouts is supposed to be an inclusive organisation. Hence 3*.

As always this site has an embarrassment of riches be it woodland, rocks, barn, river or fields. The indoor centre is our go-to winter venue with plenty of dorms to allow lots of permutations of young people and adults. We love it!

Excellent place great facilities.. given 3 stars as upon arrival we were informed we couldn't use the 3 plots we had reserved and had to split the group up to fit them in to random spaces between the between the trees. This caused a slight problem with leader distribution. Luckily we had brought spare tents but still prior warning would have been nice not just the by the way we got on arrival.... Matt beaver leader. Adel Methodist scout Group

Great facilities for Scout, Guide and youth group activities of all ages. Update March 2022. Site has faired the pandemic lockdown well. Maintenance team have kept it all together. Still the same great place. Update 2 May 2022. Crate Stacking has now been signed off and operational again for those with a renewed permit.