Trips on steamers across Ullswater, kayak tours, walking, (strenuous routes up mountains or gentle strolls on the flat), scrambling, cycling, visits to castles, quaint high street shops and distillery tours. Just a few of the exciting days out you could plan on your Lake District mini break.
The Lake District National Park is world famous for its scenery and at Wayfarers you’re right on the doorstep. We provide accommodation for walkers and hikers looking to explore this beautiful part of the world. If you are looking for a low cost mini break, look no further that Wayfarers Independent Hostel.
Wayfarers is a family run, independent hostel who pride themselves on providing excellent value, unique accommodation in Penrith. Perfect for a mini break or a longer holiday. There’s a cosy lounge for playing games and watching TV, a large well-equipped kitchen, lovely outdoor terrace for BBQs and picnics and every bedroom is en suite.
There is such a variety of terrain in the Lake District that there is something for everyone to enjoy, no matter what your level of fitness or experience. This can range from flat valley and lakeside walks to full days out scrambling some of the UK’s most demanding ridges.
Ullswater, Kayaking & Steamers
Wayfarers Hostel is only a 10 minute drive away from the north shore of Ullswater. Voted England’s most beautiful lake, once you are there it is easy to understand why. Throughout the year there is a regular steamer service on the lake operating between Pooley Bridge, Glenridding and Howe Town (visit their page here). This is not only a fantastic way to take in the scenery but also provides the opportunity for some excellent walks between the steamer stations.
These walks between the steamer stations can range from gentle shore side strolls to tougher, more mountainous routes. The best part being when you reach the end of your route you can hop on the steamer and cruise the lake back to where you started. A regular bus service operates from Penrith down the length of Ullswater making it an accessible day out for all who stay at Wayfarers.
There are also plenty of opportunities for water sports on the lake during your mini break or holiday. Check out Tall Bloke Adventures for some great Kayak Tours! There’s also great boat hire at St. Patrick Boat Landing and Glenridding Sailing Centre.
Skiddaw, Blencathra, Helvellyn
Some of the country’s biggest and best mountains are located in the north lakes, close to your overnight accommodation at Wayfarers Hostel. Overlooking Glenridding, Helvellyn provides an exciting day out for walkers visiting the Lakes. With a choice of routes including the iconic Striding Edge, Helvellyn provides stunning views of Thirlmere in the west, and Ullswater to the east.
Blencathra and Skiddaw are two more giants of the North Lakes, and along with Helvellyn stand at over 850m tall. These two mountains are located to the north of the A66 and once again provide ample opportunities for post card quality pictures as you look out across what appears to be an endless range of mountains to the south.
Pinnacle Ridge
The countries toughest scramble? It’s not far from Wayfarers Hostel! Scrambling offers the opportunity for more adventurous walkers to get their hands on the rock, without it being a full blown climbing expedition. It doesn’t have to be difficult and can provide an excellent distraction when gaining height. Often you can be at the top of the mountain before you realise you’re going uphill!
If you’re looking for more relaxing strolls you can do part of Ullswater Way, Aira Force Waterfall, CatBells and many more great shorter walks. For more walking ideas in the Lake District head over to WalkLakes for inspiration.
Cycling
We are all set up for cyclists with secure bike storage, a maintenance bay, drying room and bikes to hire! From our doorstep you can enjoy many cycle routes passing castles, lakes, villages, tea rooms through endless beautiful scenery. We are 50 metres from the national cycle route and the on the Coast2Coast route-a challenging 140 mile cycle across the country. What better reason do you need to organise a cycling mini break?
Penrith & Other Sights
Beautiful Brougham castle, Lowther castle and Shap Abbey also make for fantastic days out. Lowther castle is fantastic for families with a great play area and café.
We’re only a few minutes’ walk away from Penrith’s high street, you can enjoy old timey sweet shops, boutique shops, lovely tea-rooms and cafes, antique yards with specialist wine merchant Black Hand Wine (be sure to visit Brunswick Yard), check out an old castle, fantastic locally brewed beer and a choice of independent restaurants. There’s even a short stroll up to Penrith’s Beacon which has lovely views over the town and surrounding fells.
Gin and Whisky Distillery.
Finally if you need something a bit different on the last day of your Lake District mini-break, look not further than the Lakes Distillery. Situated on the shore of Basasenthwaite lake it has a great bistro and you can book tours and tastings. Then to work off a delicious lunch, or maybe a sip too many (!) there is a choice of long and short walks around Bassenthwaite lake.
After each long, adventurous day Wayfarers will welcome you back. Hot showers and a comfortable lounge await you. Is there any wonder that guests return again and again to this special hostel in this extraordinary part of the world?