Cumbria Way: Hostels and Bunkhouses

Hawse End Centre

Hawse End Centre sits at the head of the magnificent Borrowdale Valley on the shores of Derwentwater with easy access to Keswick via launch or lakeside walk. The house is a large, comfortable, country mansion, ideal for large groups, while the Cottage is more suited to smaller group, families and individuals. For the more adventurous there are two yurts with stunning views and transparent domes for star gazing. Catering & outdoor activities with instruction can be booked in advance.

Skiddaw House

The highest hostel in Britain! Escape the crowds at this remote mountain hostel. No roads, no other buildings, and no phone signal; just uninterrupted views of beautiful mountain wilderness. But there's no need to compromise on comfort, with wood burning stoves, hot showers, a well-stocked bar and your bed made up for you. We're half way up Skiddaw but an easy walk or mountain bike ride from Keswick or Threlkeld.

Bowderstone Bothy

The Bowderstone Bothy is situated along the Borrowdale Valley by the famous Bowderstone – a massive boulder that has lain precariously on one side for the last 10,000 years! It has a kitchen, accessible shower-room and communal area, plus running water, electricity and drainage, but linen and mattresses not provided. Please note, the Bowderstone Bothy is only for use by clubs, educational groups or other organisations such as the Scouts, as it is on National Trust land and has certain restrictions to its use.

Great Langdale Bunkhouse

Great Langdale Bunkhouse offers simple, clean and welcoming accommodation. Situated amidst some of the finest mountain scenery in England with access to mountain biking, cycling, walking, fell running and climbing. The bunkhouse has 20 single beds divided into 3 twin rooms, one room of 6 and one room of 8 (all bunk beds). The rooms are simple but comfortable and each room has a double plug socket. The bunkhouse has biomass central heating throughout so its toasty warm with an endless supply of hot water with powerful showers.

Fell End Camping Barn

Fell End is a traditional 18th century Lakeland stone barn, located within its own grass courtyard approximately ½ mile from the farm. It is within easy distance of Coniston (6 miles) and the Duddon Valley (5 miles). Come and stay and witness the star filled skies, a truly breathtaking sight. Experience the 'Sound of Silence' in the tranquil and calming Fell End Barn. BYO your own cooking equipment, torches, bedding and mat.

Catbells Camping Barn

Catbells Camping Barns sits on the slopes of Catbells in the tranquil Newlands Valley, with magnificent views over the Lake District. The Cumberland Way passes through the farmyard. Keswick is only 4 miles away and both Borrowdale and Buttermere are within walking distance. The camping barn has mattresses, bring your own sleeping bag, and is heated with a multi-fuel stove (not suitable for cooking). In the adjacent building is a toilet and a cooking area BYO stove and equipment). It is possible to walk to a pub which serves food.

The Coach House at Old Windebrowe

Situated on the outskirts of Keswick. the dog friendly Coach House sleeps up to 14 people in 2 dormitoriesand incorporates a kitchen, dining area and lounge. To the front there is parking and an outside south-facing seating area in the cobbled area and to the rear a shared utility room with washing machine, tumble dryer and drying racks. All the amenities of Keswick are 5 minutes away by car, or 20 minutes by foot. Bed linen & mattresses provided.

High Wray Basecamp

Situated in the heart of South Lakeland, in secluded woodland, 4 miles from the village of Ambleside, High Wray Basecamp provides an ideal base for groups wishing to explore the Lake District. Local attractions include rambling, fell walking, climbing and water sports. The Basecamp ranger will happily assist on local walks and activities. The Longland block has two dormitories each sleeping 8, while the Acland block has two dormitories sleeping 10 each.

Thorney How

Thorney How offers clean, comfortable accommodation in Grasmere. Family-run and welcoming it provides en suite, B&B and self-catering accommodation. Close to the Coast to Coast path, local village and lake it is your perfect Lake District base. A bar, restaurant and spacious grounds complete the experience.

Carlisle Diocesan Youth Centre

Near St John's-in-the-Vale and just four miles from Keswick. The centre offers flexible accommodation for groups in modern en suite bunkrooms. With fell walking, climbing, orienteering, geo-caching and cycling on the doorstep and amazing views from the two buildings. Perfect for a group retreat, large family get-together or field trips. The buildings can be hire separately or together. BYO sleeping bag, pillowcase and towel.

Lowick School Bunkhouse

Within the old primary school at Lowick Green, which is nestled between Coniston (4 miles) and Ulverston, the bunkhouse has a lounge with wood-burning stove, large kitchen/dining room, great views of the mountains and an outdoor area with campfire. River Deep Mountain High Activity Centre provides a wide variety of outdoor activities. Group and family packages include activities in the price.

Denton House

Denton House is a purpose built hostel and outdoor centre in the Lake District offering bunkhouse accommodation. Warm and well equipped for self-catering, the centre was designed for groups with parking for 40 cars. A variety of outdoor activities can be arranged on site. There is equipment storage and access to the River Greta across the road.

Elterwater Hostel

Located in the peaceful village of Elterwater, in the Langdale valley, 15 mins' drive from Ambleside. The area has many walks for people of all abilities, from gentle riverside meanders to the challenge presented by the Langdale Pikes, Bowfell and Scafell. Pubs, shops and other amenities are nearby. The area is popular for both on and off-road cycling, rock climbing and other outdoor activities. An ideal overnight stop on the Cumbria Way.

Carlisle City Hostel

Carlisle's only independent hostel. Located on picturesque Abbey Street, the building is an old Georgian terrace accommodating up to 20 guests. There is a communal kitchen, lounge with TV, DVDs and book swap and a dining room. Free tea, coffee and WiFi in communal areas. Prices include basic breakfast. A great place from which to explore Carlisle, The Tuille House MuseumThe Eden Valley, Hadrien's Wall and more The staff look forward to welcoming you as their guest to hostel and the city.

Hudscales Camping Barn

Hudscales Camping Barn perches at 1000ft on the northern-most flank of the Lakeland Fells. It overlooks the villages of Caldbeck and Hesket Newmarket and is on the Cumbria Way. BYO sleeping bags, mats, stove & utensils. There is a separate toilet and wash basin and a metered shower. A wood-burning stove provides added comfort (logs extra), there is electric lighting plus metered power points, (electric heaters are provided if required). There's also a games room with pool table/dart board.

Grasmere Hostel

This small deluxe 4* hostel, is situated on a farm in the heart of the Lake District National Park and a short stroll from the idyllic village of Grasmere. It is ideal for individuals, couples, families and groups, especially if you want sole use for a club, school or special event. For groups requiring more space, 4 luxury cottages and a Micro Lodge Pod are also available. The hostel, recommended by the Guardian and the Rough Guide, has first class facilities including a sauna.

Dinah Hoggus Camping Barn

Dinah Hoggus Camping Barn lies on the old Packhorse route to Watendlath on the edge of the village of Rosthwaite in the Borrowdale valley. For walkers it is perfectly located right on the Cumbria Way and the Coast to Coast walk. It sleeps 12 on mattresses (BYO sleeping bag) & has a cooking/dining area. Basic cooking equipment is provided and there's an electric shower. The pub and village shop are just 300m away.

The White Horse Inn Bunkhouse

The White Horse Inn has 2 bunkhouses, the stables of this traditional Lake District inn at the foot of Blencathra. Guests are welcome to socialise in the Inn which has great pub food, open fires, local ales and is open from 11am to 11pm. Each bunkhouse has a basic kitchen, dining area and bunkrooms sleeping between 4 and 6. Paths to the mountains from the garden & the C2C route passes the door.