From Cornwall to Kent and from Sussex to the Scottish borders, wherever you’re exploring there’s likely to be a YHA hostel nearby. Affordable, comfortable and located in some of the most stunning locations in England and Wales, we are a reliable choice for a warm bed and a good breakfast.
One of the UK’s most popular getaways, the Lake District is a favourite for family summer holidays and adventurous bank holiday breaks. It combines beautiful scenery with dog friendly countryside, daring climbs and plenty of picturesque lake views.
With 19 hostels spread across the Lake District, whatever you’re looking for from your Lakes visit, there’s bound to be a property to suit. YHA Coniston Coppermines, for example, is remotely located 500M up the Old Man of Coniston. Meanwhile, YHA Ambleside puts you in the heart of the action, on the shores of Lake Windermere with access to all the amenities of Ambleside village.
A great way to make the most of the proliferation of our hostels in this area is with a hostel to hostel walk. Here are some of our favourites.
YHA Eskdale to YHA Coniston Holly How
A hike created by Visorando users, this off the beaten track trip is suitable only for the most experienced of walkers. Your effort is rewarded with views from peaks including the Old Man of Coniston and Harter Fell. At both YHA Eskdale and YHA Coniston Holly How, you’ll sleep comfortably and enjoy glorious surroundings. Both offer dog friendly camping and glamping options too.
The route
Get started bright and early for this eight hour trek out from YHA Eskdale, heading over Bleabeck Bridge and towards Kepple Crag. From here you’ll begin climbing towards the summit of Harter Fell, one of three Wainwright approved peaks on this walk. After taking in the views here you’ll follow a steep path down to Maiden Castle, passing Dunnerdale Forest and crossing River Duddon. A climb up Foss How takes you close to Tarn Beck as it noisily exits Seathwaite Tarn.
Following the edge of Seathwaite Tarn, you’ll pass abandoned mines and tackle the crossing of Tarn Head Beck. It’s then upwards again, looking down on Goat’s Water as you crest Brim Fell, closely followed by the Old Man of Coniston, the highest point of this walk at 802M and an ideal time to take a picnic break while drinking in far-reaching Lake District views.
After a rest you’ll be ready to begin the stride downwards towards Low Water and through disused slate quarries, eventually reaching Levers Water Beck where you’ll see YHA Coniston Coppermines (an alternative stay 30 minutes or so outside of town). From here, the centre of Coniston is only a little farther, with the option to swing straight off the road and into YHA Coniston Holly How to get some rest before exploring this lovely lakeside town.
The hostels
YHA Eskdale: located in one of the region’s most extraordinary areas, this hostel is set in 15 beautiful acres, complete with landpods for easy, all mod-cons camping. This environmentally friendly hostel serves both breakfast and dinner but is also within easy reach of local pubs if you prefer to hang out with the locals.
YHA Coniston Holly How: you’re spoilt for choice at Holly How, with shared and private accommodation available alongside pitch-up camping spots and tipi glamping. Offering easy access to Coniston water and the town centre, it’s worth booking a couple of nights to make the most of your visit.
YHA Skiddaw Bunkhouse to YHA Keswick to YHA Buttermere
A challenging walk with three overnight stays at affordable YHA hostels, this two day ramble ends in the lakeside village of Buttermere, an ideal place to unwind and recover after two tough days of hiking. If you have time and energy, Wainwright’s famous Cat Bells walk is accessible from Keswick or Buttermere.
The route
Walking distance: 17.8 miles total
Beginning at YHA Skiddaw Bunkhouse, you’ll head NW towards the Cumbria Way for an optional peek at the spectacular Whitewater Dash with its 246ft of cascading water. It’s then southbound on the Northern Skiddaw Track, taking in imposing views of Skiddaw, the sixth highest peak in England. When leaving the Skiddaw Path to join the Cumbria Way you have the option to leave the main route and cross to the summit of Latrigg, a gentle climb with stunning views of Keswick before descending into the town itself.
The next morning, re-join the Cumbria Way as it leaves Keswick for the village of Portinscale. Here you’ll cross the River Derwent before skimming the edge of Derwentwater. A detour here takes you into Fawe Park, where Beatrix Potter made early sketches for The Tale of Benjamin Bunny.
Continuing south you’ll walk in the shadow of Cat Bells, following Rigg Beck stream through the Newlands Valley before taking Newlands Pass (beware of cars on this narrow road) towards Buttermere. Before reaching Buttermere you’ll turn a sharp corner on the pass and encounter a small roadside car park. Follow the path here to experience the spectacular Moss Force waterfall. On return to the main walking route you’re just 30 minutes from YHA Buttermere.
The hostels
YHA Skiddaw Bunkhouse: Britain’s highest hostel is located on the flanks of Skiddaw, accessible only by foot or bike. With a pitch-up camping option, no Wi-Fi, phone signal or electricity, this bunkhouse is a true getaway.
YHA Keswick: with its onsite bar and restaurant, YHA Keswick is the ideal place to pull off your walking boots and relax between hikes. Private ensuite rooms make getting a good night’s sleep and a decent shower easy.
YHA Buttermere: overlooking Lake Buttermere, this hostel is a cosy spot with landpod and pitch up camping options if you can’t get enough of the great outdoors. With free parking and breakfast and dinner served on site, this comfy property is close to numerous walks and wild swimming at Crummock Water.
YHA Black Sail to YHA Wasdale Hall
How many peaks can you scale? Depending on your experience, there are two walks between the remote YHA Black Sail and YHA Wasdale Hall on the edge of Wast Water to choose from. The easiest takes you on a relatively flat and direct wander, taking four hours allowing for breaks. The more challenging hits six Wainwright peaks and takes up to nine hours, so an early start is a must.
The routes
An easy-ish stroll, walking distance: 7.5 miles
Leaving YHA Black Sail you’ll follow a direct path through countryside, rounding Kirk Fell to meet Gatherstone Beck as it becomes the glorious Ritson’s Force, the perfect stop for a cuppa and a few photos. It’s then onwards to Wasdale Head, overlooked by the steep fell of Yewbarrow. Before long you’ll find yourself skirting Wast Water, England’s deepest lake and entering the woodlands that surrounds YHA Wasdale Hall.
A moderately difficult roundabout hike, walking distance: 12 miles
Following Black Sail Pass away from the hostel, this route takes you up Proud Knott before ascending Robinson’s Cairn and the 892M Pillar, a tough climb with rewarding views. Onwards from this peak you’ll reach the heights of Scoat Fell and then Steeple before turning back to Haywall, the fourth of your walk’s Wainwrights.
From Haycock, it’s a short journey south and a little climb up to Seatallan before a craggy walk to the final peak of the day, Buckbarrow, a comparatively small fell at just 423M but with nonetheless impressive views towards Wast Water.
With the most difficult bit of your journey complete, you might choose to stop in at one of the pubs at Nether Wasdale for a well-earned pint of local ale. Alternatively, continue on over the River Irt and through the fields to Low Woods, a trail that eventually brings you to lakeside Wasdale Hall.
The hostels
YHA Black Sail: located at the head of the Ennerdale Valley, the YHA’s most remote hostel is accessible only by foot. Surprisingly comfortable despite its lack of internet connection and intermittent phone signal, this hostel offers a licensed bar as well as catered breakfasts and dinners.
YHA Wasdale Hall: looking out over what has been voted ‘Britain’s favourite view’, this Victorian manor house is a grand place to spend a comfortable night. Surrounded by trees and on the edge of Wast Water, this property is ideally located for local sights and offers the convenience of parking and free Wi-Fi.
Explore more in the Lake District
Whether it’s a lakeside stroll around Windermere or an arduous climb up Scafell Pike or Helvellyn, you’ll find a YHA property nearby. The ideal combination of comfort and convenience, our hostels help to make the Lake District more accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities.
Or why not try wild swimming? Our friends at Ordnance Survey have listed some great hidden swimming spots in this beautiful national park.
Visit our complete guide to YHA Lake District stays for a comprehensive overview of local hostels, guides to Lake District’s best sights and even more walks to tackle in this wild and wonderful corner of England.
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