Where to stay for a walk in the Lakes
Walk this way for a great Lake District escape
There’s no better time for a jaunt to the Lakes than spring. After the long, cold winter, the fields and fells burst into life: wild flowers bloom on the hillsides, lambs appear on the farms, and Wordsworth’s beloved daffodils light up the lakeshores like signal beacons. Even better, with Easter long gone, crowds are still thin on the ground, making this the ideal time of year to hike in solitude. Here’s my pick of five of the best hotels and inns for walkers.
1 Drunken Duck
Best for Grasmere and Coniston area
The inn sits on an old crossroads between Hawkshead and Coniston, surrounded by fields and just a short stroll away from the beauty spot of Tarn Hows. Though the inn dates back to the 18th century, inside it’s the epitome of rustic-chic. There’s a hefty beamed bar and walls covered with sporting prints, fox’s heads and vintage beer adverts, but the neat blackboard menus and neutral colour schemes feel more London gastropub than Lakeland inn. Opt for a superior room in a renovated outbuilding across the courtyard, featuring luxurious touches such as Herdwick wool carpets, rococo-style furniture, Roberts radios and walk-in showers. The restaurant menu revolves around British classics such as pig’s cheek, cherry-glazed duck and pork belly with faggots, washed down with ales from the attached Barngates Brewery.
Doubles £105 telegraph.co.uk/drunkenduck
2 Brimstone at Langdale
Best for the Langdale Fells
Langdale is one of the Lake District’s most picturesque valleys: small, but dramatic, quiet yet with plenty of life, it is home to some of the finest walking in the country. Standing boldly among the conifers and pines, Brimstone is intentionally reminiscent of a large ski chalet, constructed using beautiful blue-grey Lakeland stone. Inside, it’s all glowing stoves and muted tones – Farrow and Ball greys, deep carpets and smart wood finishes. Furnishings are spotless, smart, and carry the kind of design detail and finish you’d expect at this level. The estate’s pub – Wainwright’s Inn – is a short stroll up the road for hearty and well-crafted grub, ideal after a day on the fells.
Doubles £250 telegraph.co.uk/brimstone
3 Rampsbeck Hotel
Best for Ullswater Fells and Helvellyn
The hotel stands in 18 acres, with private access to the shores of Ullswater. There are fells galore to explore nearby – including the Lakes’ third-highest peak, Helvellyn, plus lesserknown ones such as High Street, Nethermost Pike and Dollywaggon Pike. Lodged inside a grand Georgian country residence built during the 1700s, the hotel’s style marries heritage and contemporary. Rooms feature luxurious fabrics, comfy beds and lovely views. Staff can arrange guided walks on the fells, horse-riding and numerous lakebased pursuits, from paddleboarding to canoeing.
Doubles £189 telegraph.co.uk/rampsbeck
4 Wasdale Head Inn
Best for Wasdale Fells and Scafell Pike
Miles from anywhere, the inn sits at the end of Wasdale’s only road, a good half-hour drive from the nearest village (Gosforth). Just as a Lakeland inn should be: snug lounges warmed by crackling fires, a lively walkers’ bar lined in slate, hallways lined with climbing kit and mountaineering photos. There are nine standard rooms in the main inn, plus three spacious suites and six self-catering apartments in an adjacent barn. Recent refurbishment has stripped out the old floral fabrics, although the style is still quaint rather than contemporary. Ritson’s Bar is for steaks, pies and bangers and mash; the wood-panelled dining room serves more upmarket dishes of roast guinea-fowl and duck confit. Beers
are supplied by the inn’s own Great Gable Brewing Company. Doubles £118 telegraph.co.uk/wasdaleheadinn
5 Langstrath Inn
Best for Borrowdale Fells
It’s a great location for hikers – there’s a lesserknown route to Scafell Pike from the nearby village of Seathwaite, and the dramatic Langstrath Valley is on the doorstep. The original building was built around 1590, and has been steadily extended over the centuries. Outside, there’s a typical slate roof, sash windows and whitewashed façade; inside, the inn is divided between a homely bar, an excellent bistro and a cosy resident’s lounge. Guest rooms are modern and all boast white linen, pine furniture and smart bathrooms. The Langstrath’s bistro is Borrowdale’s best. Beers are sourced from Keswick and Jennings Breweries, and the wine list is very decent.
Doubles £104 telegraph.co.uk/langstrathinn