Hostel and Bunkhouse Accommodation on the Settle to Carlisle Railway
Settle to Carlisle is famous for the iconic 73 mile railway line which goes between these two northern towns. Crossing some of the most remote and scenic regions of the Yorkshire Dales and the North Pennines, not only is it an eco-friendly means of transport for the locals but also a major tourist attraction for visitors from home and abroad.
Accommodation along the Settle to Carlisle Railway
This 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom B&B & hostel offers comfortable, friendly, accommodation with delicious food. Shap is in the Eden Valley, just off the M6, on the edge of the Lake District National Park. The Howgills & the Pennine Fells are close by. On Wainwright's Coast to Coast, the Westmorland Way & the Miller's Way it's perfect for large groups or individuals.
Slack House Farm is a working, organic farm overlooking Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall. On the NCN 72 cycle trail and bordering the dark-skies of Kielder and the Northumberland National Park. Half a km from Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. The bunkbarn is adjacent to the farm’s cheese dairy. It is heated and has basic self-catering facilities and an outdoor cooking/barbecue cabin. Breakfasts, farmhouse suppers, ready meals and packed lunches available.
Birdoswald Bunkhouse is a 17th century farmhouse built into the remains of Birdoswald Roman Fort on the best preserved stretch of Hadrian’s Wall. Set within an English Heritage estate, the bunkhouse is an ideal base for wild walks with breathtaking views and discovering the area’s Roman heritage. The bunkhouse provides group accommodation for groups of between 15 and 37 people, with seven bedrooms, a large farmhouse kitchen and a dining room with views over the fort.
The Den is a cosy, quirky self catering barn next to Gauber Bunk Barn, offering accommodation for up to 4 people.
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Simple, comfortable accommodation in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Hornby Laith Bunkhouse Barn occupies a secluded position within easy walking distance of the pretty village of Stainforth and the market town of Settle. It is within easy access of a wide variety of routes for walkers and climbers. Sleeping up to 5O, there is a separate barn containing a recreational area, extra camping and space for a marquee for events/weddings & ample parking. There’s a self-catering kitchen and full catering can be organised by arrangement.
In the Three Peaks area of the Yorkshire Dales, The Dalesbridge has 8 stylish B&B rooms, 8 cabins with bunks, 4 glamping pods & over 100 camping pitches. There’s a cosy bar with log burner & wood fired pizzas at weekends. Two large conference rooms, catering services & a unique event tent makes Dalesbridge ideal for many events and conferences. The stunning local area is perfect for walking, caving & climbing.
Kendal Hostel, a Georgian townhouse in the historic market town of Kendal, is next to the well known Brewery Arts Centre and only a stone’s throw from the town centre. Facilities include 13 bedrooms for up to 65 guests, kitchen, lounge, dining room, bike shed and free WiFi. Single/double/family/group rooms plus mixed & single sex dorms.
The Rose Award winning Kettlewell Hostel is a stylish Independent Youth Hostel in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Serving hearty, great value homemade meals & local beer in our large dining room. There's a cosy lounge with woodburner, a lovely garden, self-catering kitchen & big bike shed! Sleeps up to 42 in 11 bedrooms. Great walking and cycling routes on the doorstep.
The White Horse Inn has 2 bunkhouses in the converted stables of this traditional Lake District inn at the foot of Blencathra. Guests are welcome 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.
In the stunning North Pennines AONB, England’s last wilderness, perfect for lovers of the great outdoors such as walkers and cyclists. Isaac’s Tea Trail passes through the site, directly on the C2C and with bicycle hire (including electric bikes) available nearby. Pre-booked breakfast and evening meals can be provided for larger groups. The campsite has tiered pitches to enhance the views across the Nent valley. Electric hook-ups available in the car park.
Former Methodist Church with a range of accommodation for individuals, families and groups amongst beautiful authentic features; stained glass, arches and panels. There's a large dining room & kitchen and a quiet lounge in the gallery. Kirkby Stephen is a market town in the upper Eden valley. On Wainwright's Coast to Coast path with easy access to the Pennine Journey, the W2W cycle route, the Howgill Hills, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.
With spectacular views of Wharfedale, Grassington Bunkbarn offers comfortable accommodation for individuals and groups. Featuring a well equipped kitchen and a lounge/games area with Freeview TV, WiFi, good mobile signal & a BBQ area. Walking, cycling, climbing, fishing, horse riding, archaeology, bird watching, geology, botany & golf nearby. There's something for everyone.
Nearby to the Brontë country, where the controversial and empowering 19th century female writers took their inspiration.
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Yealand Old School provides newly refurbished, self-catering accommodation with en suite bedrooms and group dorms. Relax in the grounds of the Quaker Meeting House. A short stroll from Summerhouse Hill and Warton Crag amidst spectacular limestone scenery and nature reserves. LEJOG passes the front door on Route 6. Quiet village location with pub serving food.
Nestling at the foot of Blencathra, with paths to the mountains from the doorstep Lowside Farm Camping Barn & Pods are your perfect Lake District base.
Sleeping groups of up to 14, the newly converted camping barn is modern & comfortable, The six, 4 berth luxury camping pods, provide extra accommodation for larger groups, older family members and those with small chilldren. All bedding is provided.
On the very eastern edge of Cumbria, nestled in the North Pennines and within the historic town of Alston, is Alston Youth Hostel. Not only is the hostel about halfway on the very popular Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle route but it is also located directly on the Pennine Way. The perfect stop-over for walkers and cyclists. You’ll receive a warm welcome, We’re also available for exclusive hire!
Close to Penrith town centre and perfect for the C2C cycle route.
Excellent value accommodation to those visiting Penrith, the Eden Valley and the North Lake District National Park. Bike cleaning and maintenance facilities and bike hire on site. Full kitchen and dining facilities, en suite rooms with made up beds, lockers, bedside lights. Individuals, small parties and groups welcome.
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 & book swap and a dining room. Free tea, coffee and WiFi . Prices include a basic breakfast. A great place from which to explore Carlisle, the Tuille House Museum, the Eden Valley, Hadrian’s Wall and more. The staff look forward to welcoming you as their guest to the hostel & the city.
Howgills Barn offers a beautifully renovated self-catering barn in Sedbergh Yorkshire. Breathtaking views, plenty to see and do on the doorstep & set in a private location where the children can enjoy some freedom. A five minute walk into Sedbergh to nearby pubs, cafés and restaurants. Dogs welcome too. Hot tub available. Five stars on Trip Advisor from over 100 reviews gives a flavour of the quality of the accommodation.
Situated near Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales, on the Yorkshire Three Peaks route, The Old School Bunkhouse sleeps up to 28. It has a comfortable lounge, with TV, DVD & WiFi, a large kitchen diner, 4 bathrooms & a drying room with washing machine. Outside is parking for 12 cars and great views of Ingleborough and Whernside. The pub over the road is ideal for that celebratory drink.
A converted traditional barn on the edge of Morland in Cumbria’s rolling Eden Valley. Close to the Lake District and handy for the M6. Great for gatherings of family or friends wanting to visit the Lake District, the Pennines, the Yorkshire Dales and the Borders. There is a large, fully equipped kitchen/dining room and a large, two-storey games room. On NCR 71 and Wiggo’s Loop on C2C. Good local walking and easy access to lakes & fells. Local café and pub for meals & ale.
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, surrounded by magnificent countryside with caves, waterfalls and mountains, Ingleton is dominated by Ingleborough, the best known of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks (this is a great base for The Challenge). Known for its walking routes and waterfall trail, the area has plenty for walkers, climbers, mountain bikers and cavers. Licensed and serving tasty meals there is also a self-catering kitchen. Perfect for families and school trips.
A Georgian farmstead, still a working farm, right on Hadrian’s Wall National Trail and Cycleway near the Solway Coast AONB. Stunning views over the Solway Firth marshes towards Scotland. Bunkbarn or B&B rooms available. The bunkbarn, in a converted stable block, has cooking facilities & hot showers. Towels and sleeping bags can be hired. The bunk barn is heated with a bio mass boiler. Breakfast or bacon sandwiches available with notice. Walking, cycling and family groups are most welcome.
At the foot of Souther Fell, within easy reach of Blencathra, Blakebeck Farm is set amidst the wildflower meadows of Mungrisdale. On the C2C cycle route & the Cumbrian Way. Perfect as a weekend break for walkers. The large upstairs room has bunk beds for 10 people (BYO sleeping bags) & a large farmhouse table. The kitchen has all you need to cook a simple meal, electric hob, microwave, toaster, fridge & kettle. One dog with sole use only by prior arrangement. Not suitable for parties.
Nestling between the 3 National Parks of Forest of Bowland, Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District The Punch Bowl Hotel in Bentham provides B&B and camping.
Glamping tents and glamping pods will be also available early in 2020 and by the end of the year a new 20 bed bunkhouse will be open.
Day six of the Ride to Stride Walking Festival 2019, is based around Horton in Ribblesdale, less then a mile from some great walkers accommodation at Broadrake Bunkbarn.
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Perfect for the Pennine Way or C2C cycle route. In the lovely village of Garrigill, the bunkroom above the village hall sleeps 8 with bedding hire available. Larger groups can BYO bedding and use the hall itself where 12 camp beds are available. There is free WiFi, a well equipped kitchen, showers and drying room. It makes the ideal long distance walk/C2C stop over.
Settle to Carlisle country is also a paradise for walkers with numerous walks from the various stations along the route. What fun to combine journeys on this stunning railway with a walking holiday or mini-break. There is also the annual Settle to Carlisle Ride2Stride Walking and Music Festival. Taking place each Spring, it is a week long festival of walks, talks and music along the Settle to Carlisle line. Growing in popularity with visitors from the far corners of the world, it was listed in the top 10 walking festivals by The Telegraph in 2017.
There are independent hostels and bunkhouses all along the route of the Settle to Carlisle line. The map below shows you where they all are and further down you will find each individual accommodation provider is listed with a brief description. Providing flexible and great value self-catering accommodation with no minimum length of stay, Independent Hostels have long been firm favourites with so many outdoor enthusiasts. From small and simple camping barns to large and very well appointed hostels there is something for everybody and every budget.
ride2stride
The Settle-Carlisle Walking & Music Festival
30th April to 6th May 2019
ride2stride is a festival of walks, talks and music along the fabulous Settle-Carlisle railway line.
It’s a week long celebration of the wonderful landscape and culture of the western Dales and Eden Valley.
The festival is made up of lots of events and activities and things will be happening along the length of the line. Walks will be led from stations by experienced walk leaders. Speakers will share their local knowledge and love of the area, and the pubs will be buzzing with music and song.
ride2stride is for everyone who loves the Yorkshire Dales. With independent hostels, bunkhouses and camping barns all along the route there’s no reason not to treat yourself to a few days of great walking, wonderful music and stunning scenery in the company of like minded people. For more information go to the ride2stride website.
