House that - iconic bunkhouse returns

07/06/2007 11:07:00

Legendary Lakeland fell-walkers favourite YHA Skiddaw House is back in business after a five year break.

The former shepherd and gamekeepers cottage built in 1840 - England’s most remote bunkhouse – has reopened and returned to the YHA fold.

YHA Skiddaw House stands 1,550 feet above sea level in the shadow of Skiddaw, near Keswick, and is a three-mile walk from the nearest road.
 
It is now providing great value self-catering accommodation once again for walkers and cyclists looking to explore the unique Back o’ Skiddaw area.

The cottage incorporates 15 beds in four dormitories and has flush toilets, gas ring cookers and wood burning stoves as well as great access into the Skiddaw Massif - including Skiddaw, Lonscale Fell, Great Calva and Blencathra.

The property was originally opened in 1987 but was withdrawn from YHA by the landlord in late 2002.

It is now being run by former manager Martin Webster and Marie-Pierre Gaudez, supported by the newly formed Skiddaw House Foundation, which has recently been accepted as a Registered Charity.

The property has undergone some repairs and maintenance work but still has no mains electricity so remember to take a torch.

A night at YHA Skiddaw House costs £10 per person for over 21s, £8 for guests aged between 16 and 21 and £6 for under 16s for members.

Bookings can be made by emailing skiddawhouse@yahoo.co.uk or by phone on 07747 174293. For more information click here.