Cycling in Eskdale
The fantastic Hardknott Pass circuit takes you over one of the highest and hardest cycle passes in Britain, then cycle down the Duddon Valley and return to the hostel via Birker Moor.
YHA Eskdale
Boot, Cumbria, CA19 1THOverview
Situated on the edge of arguably the Lake District's most awe-inspiring wilderness area, but with a choice of good pubs within simple walking distance, YHA Eskdale has the best of both worlds. Set in 15 acres of private grounds, the hostel is on the doorstep of the highest and most challenging Lakeland peaks.
YHA Eskdale is an environmentally friendly hostel and uses renewable energy. We have a reduced carbon footprint as a result of work to provide heating and electricity via renewable energy, in the form of biomass and solar panels.
Why guests love YHA Eskdale
Accommodation at YHA Eskdale
Bed in a shared room
Dorm rooms have multiple beds and are shared with other people who may not be travelling together. They are usually more affordable than private rooms as you'll be booking a bed rather than the whole room.
A typical shared dorm room includes bunk beds, a reading light and a storage cupboard for each guest.
Children aged between 12 and 15 can stay in dorm rooms as long as an adult of the same gender accompanies them.
Shared shower and toilet facilities are located near to the room. None of our dorm rooms have en-suite facilities.
Private rooms
Want some privacy? With a private room, you'll be booking the whole room for your stay.
Private rooms typically include a storage cupboard and reading light for each bed, plus a wash hand basin.
Shared shower and toilet facilities are located near to the room. None of our private rooms have en-suite facilities.
Landpods
Like camping but with a few added extras! Our Landpods sleep up to 4 people, on two double mattresses and a single futon mattress, which doubles up as the seating area. All bedding is included, plus duvets and LED lighting.
Landpods don't have heating, so are more suited to the those who like a traditional camping experience. Even in the colder months, it’s nothing a couple of warm, cosy blankets can’t fix! There is a bench and BBQ firepit outside, so make the most of the great outdoors and dine al fresco.
Guests have access to the hostel's facilities during the day including the self-catering kitchen and showers. Toilet access is available throughout the night.
Pitch-up camping
Camping is sold per person and not per pitch. During the booking process, you will need to select the number of people who you wish to camp.
There are two small, private pitches available beside a beautiful stream and two more over the bridge, which were lovingly prepared by volunteers from the Bolsover Woodland Trust. These small pitches are suitable for two-person tents. This is wild camping, but with great facilities!
Guests have access to the hostel's facilities during the day including the self-catering kitchen and showers. Toilet access is available throughout the night.
Parking is available in the hostel car park, around 30m from the camping pitches. Campfires are strictly prohibited and there are no BBQ facilities.
Hire the whole place
Planning an overdue get-together or celebrating a birthday/anniversary? Looking for a base for your group's next adventure? Make your special occasion extra special with YHA Exclusive Hire.
You can hire the whole building at YHA Eskdale and, with sole use of the property, come and go as you please. This property has stunning views and a cosy wood burning stove - perfect for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. Dogs are welcome too!
Food and drink at YHA Eskdale
Things to do around YHA Eskdale
Whitehaven
Lovely, heritage Georgian town - the starting point on the C2C route. Don't miss the Beacon visitors centre and The Rum Story.
Eskdale Mill
1 mile The mill with its historic working machinery, is one of the oldest water powered corn mills in England.
Walking and Rambling in Eskdale
If you fancy a challenge then try the high peaks of Scafell, Scafell Pike, Bowfell and Harter Fell just a stone's throw from the hostel door.
Mountain biking in Eskdale
For those with energy to burn, and a certain amount of experience, there is the trickier mountain route into the neighbouring valley of Wasdale and coming back to the hostel by Burnmoor into Wasdale v
Muncaster Castle
Historic haunted castle, with 70 acres of stunning Gardens, set against the back drop of the fells. Home to the Hawk and Owl Centre, where from Easter through to min-Oct there are daily flying d
Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway
Travel for seven miles from a delightful coastal village, through two glorious valleys to the foot of England’s highest mountains. Visit the Railway website
Hostel facilities
- Breakfast
- Classroom(s)
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Extra-large garden/grounds
- Free parking on premises
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Licensed bar
- Minibus parking on premises
- Mountain view
- No mobile coverage
- Outdoor play area
- Outdoor seating
- Packed lunch
- Restaurant
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared lounge
- Sole use
- Water refill station
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Reception opening hours: From 07:30 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 22:00.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests daily from 07:30 – 09:00. Meals are also available from 17:00 - 20:00.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: There is parking at the hostel.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Eskdale, except in our Camping & Cabins accommodation or when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
YHA Eskdale - Access Statement
(PDF download - 48.49 KB)
YHA School Trips
YHA Eskdale is an ideal base for outdoor pursuits or educational study. YHA Eskdale is situated in spacious grounds with a lawn, ponds, nature trail and outdoor classroom. With group catering available, this is a great location for a school trip.
Book your YHA School Trip.
Volunteering
Volunteering with YHA is a fantastic way to have fun, learn new skills, boost your CV and travel to different places. We have a variety of different opportunities to choose from and volunteering roles to suit everyone.
The tasks are varied and in return you will meet some great people, who both work and stay in our hostels, as well as enjoying your time off discovering the local area and attractions.
Find out more and apply to volunteer at this hostel through YHA volunteering.
History
The hostel was purpose built using local pink granite in the 1930s by John Downer. The hostel stayed open throughout the war years, with hefty improvements being made to the building each year to keep it looking its best- it definitely helped the hostel peak in popularity.
In 2008, YHA commissioned solar panels and a biomass wood fuelled boiler to help reduce the hostel's carbon footprint and establish it as one of YHA’s leading sustainable premises. Young people would be able to learn more about sustainability in the solar garden, opened in 2010.
Meet the team
YHA Eskdale manager: "I've been at Eskdale for over 10 years. I go out on the hills every day with Moss, the hostel dog, but am still finding new routes and places to explore. In my spare time I paint landscapes and wood carve, inspired by Eskdale’s textures and patterns of trees, rocks, rivers and clouds."
Manager recommends: Don't miss the hostel's wildlife garden and nature trail - a relaxing contrast to the high adrenaline activity breaks or energetic walking holidays. The 15 acres of grounds at this rural retreat are a microcosm of the Lake District and are great for learning about Eskdale’s wildlife - great for school trips too.
