Elterwater is one of the Lake District’s gems, A cluster of houses, an Independent Hostel and a pub in the Langdale Valley. The hostel provides a warm welcome for individuals and groups.

Elterwater  Hostel has just achieved the Gold Green Tourism Award for their eco hostel self catering accommodation.  They have worked on improving sustainability steadily since buying the hostel off the YHA as a Bronze GTBS graded hostel. The goal is to operate in a low-key way and facilitate green living for guests.  New this year they are encouraging guests to make a donation towards the Fix the Fells project and Lakes Red Squirrels.

Elterwater is one of the Lake District’s true gems: a cluster of houses, an Independent Hostel and a pub lying in the Langdale Valley, just half a mile from Elterwater lake . As well as its quaintness, the village is ideally placed for exploring some of the Central Lakes’ most appealing fells. From here, you can head off to Stickle Tarn and the wonderful Langdale Pikes with views over the Langdale Valley.

But at Elterwater Hostel they have come on in leaps and bounds towards their Carbon Zero destination.

Over Winter, Christine and Nick have been working hard to rejuvinate their hostel with the goal of reaching Carbon Zero, making the hostel comfier and improving guest experience.

They have revamped their self-catering kitchen with brand new work surfaces, sinks, shelves and an extra fridge. They’ve replaced sheets, duvet covers, pillow cases and sofas and added thermal lined curtains. Instead of throwing away the old chairs they have donated them to local allotment holders so they can sit and admire their growing veggies. They also donated some chairs to a local ice cream stall so people can  sit and enjoy their ice creams.

To read the full story of their endeavors to update make Elterwater Hostel more environmentally friendly, click here. 

Located in the iconic Langdale valley, just 4.5 miles from Ambleside, staffed by passionate and welcoming people its no wonder the Elterwater Hostel won bronze in ‘ Great Outdoors Magazine Readers’ Awards Best Hostel or Bunkhouse 2021′ and was shortlisted in 2019.

The hostel is a perfect base for those seeking adventure on the fells of the Lake District or those looking for a quiet escape surrounded by beautiful scenery. With several cafes and pubs, including the Britannia Inn which is one of the country’s oldest, there are many places to unwind after a long day on the hillside . You don’t have far to go to reach them with the hills and trails perfect for walkers and cyclists alike right outside the front door as well as winding roads for those cyclists who prefer to avoid getting to muddy.

The Elterwater Hostel is extremely proud of its Bottom Bunk Club which caters to those who aren’t as keen to participate in the race to the ladders on the bunkbeds. You can learn more about the club on their fantastic website.