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YHA Skiddaw House
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About
5.0
#3 of 6 hostels in KeswickLocation
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If you're looking for some peace and quiet then YHA Skiddaw Bunkhouse is the perfect location for you. Standing in a traffic free valley, between Skiddaw and Blencathra, this former shooting lodge and shepherd's bothy, complete with coal and log fires, is the highest YHA bunkhouse in Britain. It offers simple but comfortable accommodation in the beautiful northern fells of the Lake District, surrounded by moors, valleys and breath-taking views. This unique 22 bed bunkhouse offers a truly rural retreat for walkers cyclists and those wanting to escape the pressures of modern living and get away from the crowds in the towns of the central Lake District.
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Property amenities
Hiking
Darts
Board games / puzzles
Books, DVDs, music for children
Highchairs available
Currency exchange
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Room features
Fireplace
Coffee / tea maker
Oven
Stovetop
Kitchenware
Bath / shower
Room types
Mountain view
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Quirky Hotels
Budget
Location
Bassenthwaite, Keswick CA12 4QX England
Getting there
Carlisle Lake District Airport
23 mi•
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Newcastle Airport
62.5 mi•
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Car Hire
118 Restaurants
within 5 miles
79Reviews1Q+A20Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
What a fantastic experience at Skiddaw House, from start to finish. I can’t enthuse enough! A warm friendly welcome awaits, from Sue, the business owner, as you walk through the door. Nothing is too much trouble, you only have to ask. ‘The House’ has log burning stoves in the kitchen and lounge, plus very hot showers, which are great after a cold wet day on the fells. The beds are very comfortable, with duvets, spare blankets and hot water bottles – Nobody should be cold. There is a small well stocked shop for ALL your meals, including alcoholic and soft drinks.
For those walking The Cumbria Way, it is a MUST to schedule a night here and go for the 6-day option. You are on holiday, why rush it, enjoy the experience and meet other like-minded folk. For those using baggage transfers, most companies will store your bag overnight, so all you need extra is a change of clothes and toiletries, as towels can be hired. Go for it: I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
For those walking The Cumbria Way, it is a MUST to schedule a night here and go for the 6-day option. You are on holiday, why rush it, enjoy the experience and meet other like-minded folk. For those using baggage transfers, most companies will store your bag overnight, so all you need extra is a change of clothes and toiletries, as towels can be hired. Go for it: I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â On a clear night the sky is fabulous with thousands of stars and WOW when there's a full moon...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What an amazing hostel. Half way up the mountain, no car access, wild and wonderful. But it's warm, cosy and welcoming, you can buy food and beer, get your clothes dry, hire a towel and sleep under a warm duvet. There are not many special places like this left. Fantastic!
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Walk up the track from Keswick
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The perfect place to get away from it all and walk in the Lake District. There's no phone signal at the house so you can relax properly, the facilities are all you will need and the other people you meet are friendly and helpful. The warden we met was really knowledgeable and had great ideas for local walks.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The most comfortable night's sleep in a while for us and the children. Spectacular views! It's warm, cosy and welcoming, you can make (or buy) food (and drinks), get your clothes dry by the fire, and sleep under a warm duvet. Fantastic host.
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Review collected in partnership with YHA (England & Wales)
Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amazing location and brilliant accommodation. After climbing Little Man and Skiddaw during Storm Betty with 70mph winds and driving rain it was a godsend to just have to drop over Sale How to Skiddaw Bunkhouse. Rustic but extremely comfortable with brilliant, hot showers and great food and drink, I would definitely go again. The reception we got from Fran, Jan and Ann was lovely and the rest of the guests were really friendly and we spent the whole evening chatting, a brilliant way to get away from the noise of life!
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We took a group of 12 people on a leadership course and it was life changing. Much of this was down to the inspirational remote environment and the very helpful support given by Sue who runs the hostel. Be prepared to roll your sleeves up and embrace its quirky nature and then you wont be disappointed. Well situated for a peaceful and remote walk up Skiddaw.
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Â Enjoy the walk in and lack of interference from mobile phone calls
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The stay at Skiddaw House was the highlight of the Cumbria Way, following the climb out of Keswick over bare fells and seeing the hostel appear in an oasis of trees. A warm reception from Sue who runs it, a comfortable night's sleep and spectacular views, all made this a special place. It reminded me of staying in simple grade hostels in the past.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â I carried food there with me but in fact you can buy food and drink at the hostel.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In years to come places like Skiddaw House will be replicated in museums. I felt like I'd been transported back to my youth c 1980 and almost expected to be allocated a chore in the morning. Thanks to all involved for keeping it going and as it is. My son and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Don't bring:
- Indoor footwear. Crocs are provided.
- Towels. You can hire one for just £1.50.
- Breakfast and packed lunch. Again easier to buy @ £3.50 each at the hostel.
- Perishable food. There isn't a fridge.
Do bring:
- Headtorch for reading. The power is solar so lights are the strength only of a security light and dim to read by.
- Something to wear in bed, perhaps. There's no heating in the bedrooms but duvets, blankets and hot water bottles are provided.
- Supper? You can buy a simple meal at the hostel to cook yourself [and I'm sure they're fab] but you can't beat an M&S curry after a day in the fells in my view!
One other thing:
If walking up from Keswick/Latrigg bear in mind that a coffee van ['Bean on the Fells'] often parks up at the Gale Road car park in the afternoon. A great way to start a micro-adventure into the wilds!
For a four-minute film about our stay search YouTube for 'paul kirkwood skiddaw'.
Don't bring:
- Indoor footwear. Crocs are provided.
- Towels. You can hire one for just £1.50.
- Breakfast and packed lunch. Again easier to buy @ £3.50 each at the hostel.
- Perishable food. There isn't a fridge.
Do bring:
- Headtorch for reading. The power is solar so lights are the strength only of a security light and dim to read by.
- Something to wear in bed, perhaps. There's no heating in the bedrooms but duvets, blankets and hot water bottles are provided.
- Supper? You can buy a simple meal at the hostel to cook yourself [and I'm sure they're fab] but you can't beat an M&S curry after a day in the fells in my view!
One other thing:
If walking up from Keswick/Latrigg bear in mind that a coffee van ['Bean on the Fells'] often parks up at the Gale Road car park in the afternoon. A great way to start a micro-adventure into the wilds!
For a four-minute film about our stay search YouTube for 'paul kirkwood skiddaw'.
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Date of stay: April 2017Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from SkiddawHouse, Manager at YHA Skiddaw House
Responded 4 May 2017
Thanks for such a thorough review Paul, I'm sure this will be useful for other guests. We're glad that you enjoyed the traditional hostelling experience here; perhaps we'll think up a chore for you next time!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Camped here for one night while walking the Cumbria way, and was met with a warm smile and a hot cup of tea from Marie. The hostel was lovely and even though I was camping I had full use of the facilities. After having a hot shower I was met by Marie's partner Martin who was also very welcoming and I shared a couple of welcomed beers with him. I really would recommend Skiddaw House not to everybody but to those who like piece and quiet and don't need TV and mobile phones for entertainment. All in all a fantastic retreat and I will definitely be visiting more frequently. Marie and Martin are fantastic and really make you feel like you are their guest and nothing is too much trouble for them.
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Date of stay: May 2015Trip type: Travelled solo
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I selected to stay at Skiddaw House because its remoteness appealed to me.I thought that the necessary 3 .5 mile hike from the nearest road to the front door of the hostel would filter out those who are less adventurous. I was right.
I camped in the ruins of the out buildings, slightly down the track form the Youth Hostel itself. It was a bonus to discover that if you camp at Skiddaw House you are welcome to 'hang out' inside the hostel as well. I cooked and ate with the other hostellers in what was a welcoming atmosphere. The proprietors told me about the history of their hostel and their vision for the future and I whish them the best of luck.
Skiddaw is a different and fairly unique experience and a get away from the relentless tread mill of modern living.
Charlie
I camped in the ruins of the out buildings, slightly down the track form the Youth Hostel itself. It was a bonus to discover that if you camp at Skiddaw House you are welcome to 'hang out' inside the hostel as well. I cooked and ate with the other hostellers in what was a welcoming atmosphere. The proprietors told me about the history of their hostel and their vision for the future and I whish them the best of luck.
Skiddaw is a different and fairly unique experience and a get away from the relentless tread mill of modern living.
Charlie
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Date of stay: May 2013Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello. Great to hear you are thinking of making a visit to Skiddaw House. If you have never walked the route to the hostel before, I wouldn't recommend doing it in the dark the first time, unless you are confident at night navigation. The walk should only take 1 hour 20 minutes from the fell side car park near the Blencathra centre in Threlkeld, so you may be able to make it in the light if you visit in summer.
"I carried food there with me but in fact you can buy food and drink at the hostel."Read full review
"On a clear night the sky is fabulous with thousands of stars and WOW when there's a full moon lighting up The Fells"Read full review
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandCumbriaLake DistrictKeswick
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about YHA Skiddaw House
Which popular attractions are close to YHA Skiddaw House?
Nearby attractions include Alpacaly Ever After (4.9 miles), Keswick Alhambra Cinema (3.8 miles), and Walla Crag (3.9 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at YHA Skiddaw House?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include books, DVDs and music available for children, currency exchange, and darts.
Which room amenities are available at YHA Skiddaw House?
Top room amenities include a fireplace, a view of the mountains, and an oven.
What are some restaurants close to YHA Skiddaw House?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Keswick Kitchen, eS Bar, and Lake Road Brunch.
Are there any historical sites close to YHA Skiddaw House?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Castlerigg Stone Circle (3.4 miles), Mirehouse & Gardens (3.3 miles), and Crosthwaite Parish Church (3.7 miles).