The Wild Wool Barn
Nestled in the Ennerdale Valley overlooking Ennerdale Water, The Wild Wool Barn offers luxury accommodation and camping in the Western Lake District.
The Wild Wool Barn, Routen Cottage, Ennerdale, CA23 3AU
Call Susan Denham-Smith on 01946 861270
Luxury Bunk Barn, in stunningly remote Ennerdale.
The Wild Wool Barn is the perfect base for walkers, climbers, mountaineers, cyclists and families wanting to escape from it all to explore the western edge of the Lake District National Park. Surrounded by the stunning Great Bourne and Crag Fell, overlooking Ennerdale Water, this lovely bunk-barn is a great base for a holiday in the un-spoilt Western Lake District.
The Wild Wool Barn offers 3 overnight options + camping: The Byre, The Spinning Barn and The Bothy
This Wild Wool Bunkhouse provides atmospheric, simple, group accommodation in 3 rooms. The bedroom sleeps 6 in 4 bunk beds and 1 double. (+ option to add pull out sofa bed). The comfortable living and dining area is well furnished with traditional wood burning stove and fireplace, built with traditional slate from the nearby Honister Slate mine, and has electric heaters for extra warmth.
The kitchen has a 2-ring electric cooker, oven and microwave. Slate-clad electric shower and toilets complete the traditional feel. All crockery and utensils are provided. Bed linen is included, and towels can be hired on request. Toilet and shower are under the same room.
The Spinning Barn is a 4 bed mixed dormitory and living area. Beds can be booked on an individual basis. The kitchen area has a single electric ring, fridge, microwave and kettle. Toilet and shower are shared with campers and The Bothy in the same building.
The Bothy is a private double room (pull out bed/sofa) with stunning view of the lake. Facilities are shared with The Spinning Barn and campers and are in the same building.
An outside patio and camping field overlooking the lake are the perfect place for an evening BBQ or to enjoy a drink as the sun sets over the water.
The farm is no longer active but houses The Wild Wool Workshop, where Susan spins and weaves Herdwick wool, from the oldest flocks in the country, from which, it is rumoured, that Beatrix Potter originated her famous flocks. You can visit the workshop some weekday afternoons by appointment and see the traditional processes in action. Spinning tuition is available to book for private groups.
The Wild Wool Barn is a perfect group or individaul stop off on day 1 of the Coast to Coast, or as a family/walking or running group base to wander the fells of this hidden gem of the Lake District. It is also only 2 miles from the route of the cycling C2C and a perfect starting point to explore the 15 peaks of the Ennerdale Horseshoe.
Ennerdale Bridge is just 2.5 miles away with two pubs and a cafe. For provisions Whitehaven, Workington, and Cockermouth are 25 mins' drive. Local attractions such as Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass railway, Maryport Aquarium, The Beacon museum and the Cumbrian Coast are a short car drive away.
Mobile and 4G signals are patchy to non-existent, and there is no WiFi. The Wild Wool Barn is truly a place to get away from it all.
To rent the Wild Wool Barn Byre/Spinning Barn/Bothy and camping individually book on line. Or for exclusive use for a group of up to 12 + 6 camping contact Susan via the website or contact form.
The Wild Wool Barn offers 3 overnight options + camping: The Byre, The Spinning Barn and The Bothy
This Wild Wool Bunkhouse provides atmospheric, simple, group accommodation in 3 rooms. The bedroom sleeps 6 in 4 bunk beds and 1 double. (+ option to add pull out sofa bed). The comfortable living and dining area is well furnished with traditional wood burning stove and fireplace, built with traditional slate from the nearby Honister Slate mine, and has electric heaters for extra warmth.
The kitchen has a 2-ring electric cooker, oven and microwave. Slate-clad electric shower and toilets complete the traditional feel. All crockery and utensils are provided. Bed linen is included, and towels can be hired on request. Toilet and shower are under the same room.
The Spinning Barn is a 4 bed mixed dormitory and living area. Beds can be booked on an individual basis. The kitchen area has a single electric ring, fridge, microwave and kettle. Toilet and shower are shared with campers and The Bothy in the same building.
The Bothy is a private double room (pull out bed/sofa) with stunning view of the lake. Facilities are shared with The Spinning Barn and campers and are in the same building.
An outside patio and camping field overlooking the lake are the perfect place for an evening BBQ or to enjoy a drink as the sun sets over the water.
The farm is no longer active but houses The Wild Wool Workshop, where Susan spins and weaves Herdwick wool, from the oldest flocks in the country, from which, it is rumoured, that Beatrix Potter originated her famous flocks. You can visit the workshop some weekday afternoons by appointment and see the traditional processes in action. Spinning tuition is available to book for private groups.
The Wild Wool Barn is a perfect group or individaul stop off on day 1 of the Coast to Coast, or as a family/walking or running group base to wander the fells of this hidden gem of the Lake District. It is also only 2 miles from the route of the cycling C2C and a perfect starting point to explore the 15 peaks of the Ennerdale Horseshoe.
Ennerdale Bridge is just 2.5 miles away with two pubs and a cafe. For provisions Whitehaven, Workington, and Cockermouth are 25 mins' drive. Local attractions such as Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass railway, Maryport Aquarium, The Beacon museum and the Cumbrian Coast are a short car drive away.
Mobile and 4G signals are patchy to non-existent, and there is no WiFi. The Wild Wool Barn is truly a place to get away from it all.
To rent the Wild Wool Barn Byre/Spinning Barn/Bothy and camping individually book on line. Or for exclusive use for a group of up to 12 + 6 camping contact Susan via the website or contact form.
The Wild Wool Barn nestles in the peace of the Ennerdale Valley, overlooking Ennerdale Water. It offers 3 overnight options + camping. The Byre sleeps 6 in bunks & a double bed & is sole use only. The Spinning Barn sleeps 4 & can be booked by the bed. The Bothy has a pull-out double bed. The Bothy & Spinning Barn share WC/shower with the campers. With no mobile signal/WiFi, you can escape & explore the rarely visited Western Lakes.
The Wild Wool Barn is the perfect base for walkers, climbers, mountaineers, cyclists and families wanting to escape from it all to explore the western edge of the Lake District National Park. Surrounded by the stunning Great Bourne and Crag Fell, overlooking Ennerdale Water, this lovely bunk-barn is a great base for a holiday in the un-spoilt Western Lake District.
The Wild Wool Barn offers 3 overnight options + camping: The Byre, The Spinning Barn and The Bothy
This Wild Wool Bunkhouse provides atmospheric, simple, group accommodation in 3 rooms. The bedroom sleeps 6 in 4 bunk beds and 1 double. (+ option to add pull out sofa bed). The comfortable living and dining area is well furnished with traditional wood burning stove and fireplace, built with traditional slate from the nearby Honister Slate mine, and has electric heaters for extra warmth.
The kitchen has a 2-ring electric cooker, oven and microwave. Slate-clad electric shower and toilets complete the traditional feel. All crockery and utensils are provided. Bed linen is included, and towels can be hired on request. Toilet and shower are under the same room.
The Spinning Barn is a 4 bed mixed dormitory and living area. Beds can be booked on an individual basis. The kitchen area has a single electric ring, fridge, microwave and kettle. Toilet and shower are shared with campers and The Bothy in the same building.
The Bothy is a private double room (pull out bed/sofa) with stunning view of the lake. Facilities are shared with The Spinning Barn and campers and are in the same building.
An outside patio and camping field overlooking the lake are the perfect place for an evening BBQ or to enjoy a drink as the sun sets over the water.
The farm is no longer active but houses The Wild Wool Workshop, where Susan spins and weaves Herdwick wool, from the oldest flocks in the country, from which, it is rumoured, that Beatrix Potter originated her famous flocks. You can visit the workshop some weekday afternoons by appointment and see the traditional processes in action. Spinning tuition is available to book for private groups.
The Wild Wool Barn is a perfect group or individaul stop off on day 1 of the Coast to Coast, or as a family/walking or running group base to wander the fells of this hidden gem of the Lake District. It is also only 2 miles from the route of the cycling C2C and a perfect starting point to explore the 15 peaks of the Ennerdale Horseshoe.
Ennerdale Bridge is just 2.5 miles away with two pubs and a cafe. For provisions Whitehaven, Workington, and Cockermouth are 25 mins' drive. Local attractions such as Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass railway, Maryport Aquarium, The Beacon museum and the Cumbrian Coast are a short car drive away.
Mobile and 4G signals are patchy to non-existent, and there is no WiFi. The Wild Wool Barn is truly a place to get away from it all.
To rent the Wild Wool Barn Byre/Spinning Barn/Bothy and camping individually book on line. Or for exclusive use for a group of up to 12 + 6 camping contact Susan via the website or contact form.
The Wild Wool Barn offers 3 overnight options + camping: The Byre, The Spinning Barn and The Bothy
This Wild Wool Bunkhouse provides atmospheric, simple, group accommodation in 3 rooms. The bedroom sleeps 6 in 4 bunk beds and 1 double. (+ option to add pull out sofa bed). The comfortable living and dining area is well furnished with traditional wood burning stove and fireplace, built with traditional slate from the nearby Honister Slate mine, and has electric heaters for extra warmth.
The kitchen has a 2-ring electric cooker, oven and microwave. Slate-clad electric shower and toilets complete the traditional feel. All crockery and utensils are provided. Bed linen is included, and towels can be hired on request. Toilet and shower are under the same room.
The Spinning Barn is a 4 bed mixed dormitory and living area. Beds can be booked on an individual basis. The kitchen area has a single electric ring, fridge, microwave and kettle. Toilet and shower are shared with campers and The Bothy in the same building.
The Bothy is a private double room (pull out bed/sofa) with stunning view of the lake. Facilities are shared with The Spinning Barn and campers and are in the same building.
An outside patio and camping field overlooking the lake are the perfect place for an evening BBQ or to enjoy a drink as the sun sets over the water.
The farm is no longer active but houses The Wild Wool Workshop, where Susan spins and weaves Herdwick wool, from the oldest flocks in the country, from which, it is rumoured, that Beatrix Potter originated her famous flocks. You can visit the workshop some weekday afternoons by appointment and see the traditional processes in action. Spinning tuition is available to book for private groups.
The Wild Wool Barn is a perfect group or individaul stop off on day 1 of the Coast to Coast, or as a family/walking or running group base to wander the fells of this hidden gem of the Lake District. It is also only 2 miles from the route of the cycling C2C and a perfect starting point to explore the 15 peaks of the Ennerdale Horseshoe.
Ennerdale Bridge is just 2.5 miles away with two pubs and a cafe. For provisions Whitehaven, Workington, and Cockermouth are 25 mins' drive. Local attractions such as Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass railway, Maryport Aquarium, The Beacon museum and the Cumbrian Coast are a short car drive away.
Mobile and 4G signals are patchy to non-existent, and there is no WiFi. The Wild Wool Barn is truly a place to get away from it all.
To rent the Wild Wool Barn Byre/Spinning Barn/Bothy and camping individually book on line. Or for exclusive use for a group of up to 12 + 6 camping contact Susan via the website or contact form.
This accommodation is featured on our map of the Lake District and here is its own website.
Availability
Details
Beds & Rooms:
12: 1x6, 1x4,1x2 + 6 campingOpen:
All year.Price per night:
Spinning Barn; £27pp. Bothy: £30pp. B/house: £160 to 7 nights £890. Camping £12pp. Enquire for sole use. Bank hols min 3 nights.Booking:
See link and Ts&CsDirections:
Grid reference 104163. What 3 Words hazy.rooks.scarves. Situated on the north side of Ennerdale Water. 15 miles south of Cockermouth. ON FOOT From Ennerdale Bridge, head to the lake shore path. Turn left and follow the North Shore to a sharp right turn after a gate, this turn leads down to the lake. DO NOT turn right but head straight on to pass Beckfoot (house) on your left. You can see Routen Farm straight ahead over the field. Turn left and follow track to road, turn right, arrive 400m on right. BY CAR: From Cockermouth drive south 8 miles on the A5086, turn left at the sign for Lamplugh Green, drive past the church and then turn left at sign Ennerdale Lake. Drive 2.5 miles, between 2 caravan parks then up and then down a very steep hill (not recommended in snow or ice) to Croasdale. Turn left we are 1 mile on the right. From Cleator Moor: to Ennerdale Bridge, turn right at the school. Drive for approx' 3 miles (don't turn off anywhere - the road is very winding) it's on the RH side 1 mile past Croasdale.Public Transport :
No direct public transport to Ennerdale Valley. For the hardy, in summer, the 77 and 77a from Keswick can drop you in Buttermere, then a 6 mile hike over Floutern Tarn to The Wild Wool Barn. Or take a train to Whitehaven and bus to Frizington followed by a 7 mile road walk.Walks :
Long Distance Walks Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk C2C Cycle Route Mountain Bike Coast to Coast Trans Euro Trail
Long Distance WalksFamily Friendly Dog Friendly Mountains Small Hostels Eco Hostels Individuals welcome Camping Hostels with log burners and open fires Dark Sky Areas IHUK Community Valantines Day
This accommodation is available at the following peak times
Available May Day Bank Holiday 2026 Available October Half Term 2026 Available for Christmas 2026 Available New Year 2026 / 2027 Available February Half Term 2027Facilities
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News & Offers from The Wild Wool Barn
Nature Walks from the door in Ennerdale
March 11th 2026
The Wild Wool Barn is a unique small hostel for groups and individuals nestled in the remote Ennerdale valley. It has stunning views of Ennerdale Water. Direct access to the Western Fells from the door. Heating, luxury shower and bedding all included. Book now on 01946 861270 to ensure you have the Lake District to yourself this holiday.
Bunkhouse and Camping Accommodation in the “Wild Valley” of Ennerdale.
The Wild Wool Barn on Routen Farm is a luxury bunkhouse in Ennerdale providing accommodation for individuals, groups or families of up to 12, staying in a recently converted Lakeland barn. The barn is overshadowed by Great Bourne, and overlooks Ennerdale Water and Crag Fell, placing it in the heart of fells of the Lake District isolated from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The picturesque campsite (for maximum of 6 campers) offers a rare opportunity to camp in isolation overlooking the stunning views of Ennerdale Water. Individuals, families or small groups, are welcome for short or long breaks, or the whole site can be booked as as part of an exclusive group booking, giving barn and camping accommodation for larger groups.
Close to Nature in Ennerdale
March 5th 2026
The Wild Wool Barn is a unique small-group hostel with its own micro organic vegetable garden and a 5-acre field featuring a series of ponds. It is nestled in the remote Ennerdale Valley, offering stunning views of Ennerdale Water and direct access to the Western Fells from the door. We invite you to get closer to nature and explore our ponds, teeming with life—frogspawn, water skaters, and water plants. What else will you discover on your stay at The Wild Wool Barn?
Heating, luxury shower and bedding all included.
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