Skiddaw House Hostel, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QX

Hostel on the Cumbria Way near Skiddaw and Keswick

Skiddaw House is a remote mountain hostel, accessible only on foot or by mountain bike. Make the most of the tranquil location by hiring the whole hostel with a small group of friends or family. At 1550 feet (470m), it is the highest hostel in Britain and is an ideal base for reaching the summit of Skiddaw or exploring the quiet Northern Fells. A former shooting lodge and shepherd's bothy on the Cumbria Way, the hostel offers simple yet comfortable accommodation. Solar panels provide hot water and lighting, whilst wood-burning stoves provide the only heating. There is no mains electricity, phone signal, internet or TV to distract from the beautiful surroundings. The hostel is self-catering, but our small licensed shop stocks everything you need to make a simple meal. The nearest road is 3.5 miles away. Guests are advised to bring a map and torch.
The highest hostel in Britain! Escape the crowds at this remote mountain hostel. Hire the whole place for a small group of friends and family, or book a room or bed. No roads, no other buildings, no phone signal: just uninterrupted beautiful mountain views. An easy walk or mountain bike ride from Keswick or Threlkeld. Rustic but comfortable with a wood burning stove, hot showers, a well-stocked shop/bar and full bedding provided.
Skiddaw House is a remote mountain hostel, accessible only on foot or by mountain bike. Make the most of the tranquil location by hiring the whole hostel with a small group of friends or family. At 1550 feet (470m), it is the highest hostel in Britain and is an ideal base for reaching the summit of Skiddaw or exploring the quiet Northern Fells. A former shooting lodge and shepherd's bothy on the Cumbria Way, the hostel offers simple yet comfortable accommodation. Solar panels provide hot water and lighting, whilst wood-burning stoves provide the only heating. There is no mains electricity, phone signal, internet or TV to distract from the beautiful surroundings. The hostel is self-catering, but our small licensed shop stocks everything you need to make a simple meal. The nearest road is 3.5 miles away. Guests are advised to bring a map and torch.

This accommodation is featured on our map of the Lake District and here is its own website.

Details

  • Beds & Rooms:

    20 : 1x8, 2x5, 1x2
  • Open:

    Open from April 2023. Check in from 5pm; please contact the hostel if you would prefer to arrive a little earlier.
  • Price per night:

    Enquire for individuals. Sole use from £500 per night. Min of 2 nights in winter. (YHA discounts apply).
  • Directions:

    Grid reference: NY 288 291. No access for cars, nearest road 3½ miles. Vehicles can be left at Fell car park by Blencathra Centre above Threlkeld, at Lattrigg car park (end of Gale Rd near Applethwaite) or at Whitewater Dash Falls south of Bassenthwaite.
  • Public Transport :

    Nearest trains and National Express coaches at Penrith. From Penrith take X4 or X5 bus to Keswick. From Keswick it is a 5 mile walk to the hostel.
  • Walks :

    Long Distance Walkers AssociationLong Distance Walks Cumbria Way
This accommodation is featured on the following pages
Eco Hostels Mountains Individuals welcome Youth Hostels Camping Hostels with log burners and open fires Retreats Accommodation for Cyclists IHUK Signage

Facilities

bSingle sex dormitories
cPrivate rooms
&Family rooms
dBedding provided
hSome areas heated
kSelf catering facilities
'Bike/equipment store (lockable)
jShowers
lShop
uWithin 3 miles of NCN
yYHA Affiliated

Map

Map showing the location of Skiddaw House Hostel

News & Offers from Skiddaw House Hostel

Skiddaw House Hostel: a worthy nominee in the TGO Best Hostel Awards.

January 16th 2024

Little wonder that the unique and magical Skiddaw House Hostel has been nominated fro BEST HOSTEL in The Great Outdoors 2024 awards. Situated in wonderful isolation, 3.5 miles from the nearest road on the side of Skiddaw in the Lake District, it is the highest hostel in the country. The perfect base for walkers on their way to the summit of Skiddaw, for those doing the Cumbria Way or others wanting to explore the northern fells.

Vote for Skiddaw House Hostel here

TGO 2024 awards
Latest News

Sophie Morgan from Channel 4’s programme Living Wild visits “Englands Loneliest House”

March 7th 2023

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Skiddaw House has been dubbed “England’s loneliest house.” It’s an enchanting, remote property that has recently garnered much media attention after being featured on Channel 4’s Living Wild program presented by Sophie Morgan.

The house sits at an altitude of 1,500ft on the northern slopes of Skiddaw, one of England’s highest mountains. The house has been standing for over 200 years and was originally used as a hunting lodge. Later, it became a shepherds’ bothy before being converted into a hostel in 1930. Today, it’s the highest hostel in Britain, and it offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.

Skiddaw House is only accessible on foot, and the walk to get there is a challenge. The nearest road is 3.5 miles away. Despite the difficulty of the trek, visitors are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Once they arrive at Skiddaw House, they can enjoy a warm welcome from the warden, Sue, who runs the hostel.

Living Wild presenter Sophie Morgan visited Skiddaw House to experience what it’s like to live in such a remote location. During her stay, she explored the surrounding area and interviewed the warden to learn about the challenges of living in such an isolated spot.

The Living Wild program showcased the unique qualities that Skiddaw House has to offer. The house’s location, deep in the heart of the Lake District, provides visitors with the opportunity to disconnect from modern life and connect with nature. It’s an ideal location for hikers, nature lovers, and those seeking solitude.

The hostel can accommodate up to 20 guests and has basic amenities, including a communal kitchen and shared sleeping quarters. Solar panels provide hot water and lighting, whilst wood-burning stoves provide the only heating. There is no mains electricity, phone signal, internet or TV to distract from the beautiful surroundings. The hostel is self-catering, but has a small licensed shop that stocks everything you need to make a simple meal. Guests are advised to bring a map and torch.

In conclusion, Skiddaw House is a unique destination that provides visitors with a rare opportunity to experience life in one of England’s most remote locations. Its location, history, and breathtaking surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. The recent Living Wild program presented by Sophie Morgan has helped to raise awareness of Skiddaw House, and it’s likely to become an even more popular destination in the coming years.

Latest News

Latest Blog about Skiddaw House Hostel

Skiddaw House – Music on the Mountain

August 10th 2017

I had seen maps of Skiddaw Mountain showing the lonely Skiddaw House 1500m up on the mountainside miles from any road. I have admired photos of this old keepers house it its isolation but I was still unprepared for my first sighting of it.

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Skiddaw House Eco Hostel
Latest Blog
skiddaw house hostel on skiddaw mountain

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