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
The hostel
Thee hostel is made up of 35 beds. Private rooms are available for families or groups of friends. Most of the rooms have fabulous views across the surrounding fields and mountains. Family rooms and safe outdoor play areas make Eskdale great for children.
The dining room and lounge is equipped with oak furniture, sofas, and an open fire, allowing guests to dine and relax in comfort. On a summer's evening, throw open the dining room bay windows and have a meal or a drink on our picnic terrace surrounded by the amphitheatre of hills. In winter, stay inside and cosy in front of a roaring log fire. Although YHA Eskdale has a full catering service we also provide a fully equipped self-catering kitchen.
Camping
YHA Eskdale has limited camping space. There are two small, private pitches available beside a beautiful stream and then two more over the bridge which were lovingly prepared by volunteers from the Bolsover Woodland Trust. These pitches are suitable for two person tents only as they are too small for family tents. This is wild camping - but with great facilities!
Facilities
Camping guests have daytime access to all in-hostel facilities including the self-catering kitchen and showers. There is also night time access to toilets.
Parking
Car parking is available in the hostel car park, around 30m from the camping pitches.
Important Information
Campfires are strictly prohibited and there are no BBQ facilities.
Land Pods
These brand new Landpods, upgraded for 2019, are fully waterproof and sleep up to four adults. They are slightly elevated off the ground for a comfortable night’s sleep under the stars – you can even open the roof for a better view! With LED lighting these cosy pods include all beds and bedding. There is a table, bench and BBQ firepit outside so you can make the most of the great outdoors and dine al fresco.
The new larger Landpod sleeps up to 4 people, on two small double mattresses (one above the other) and a single futon mattress, which doubles up as the seating area. They’re even tall enough to stand up in!
Please note that there is no heating in our Landpods.
Hire the whole place
This hostel is occasionally made available for hire on an exclusive basis. This means that you can have the place to yourself and choose how many of your friends, family, club mates, etc., join you. We allocate availability for exclusive use in blocks, typically up to 90 days in the future. If you are looking for space to stay with us on a normal shared basis, and can’t see any availability three months or more into the future, then this hostel may be being held for Exclusive Hire. You can check availability for Exclusive Hire on our dedicated website.
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
Facilities
General
- Classroom
- Cot available
- Cycle store
- Free wi-fi
- Garden / grounds
Essentials
- Drying room
- Laundry
- Lounge
Entertainment
- Board games
- Library/Quiet room
Accommodation options
- Private rooms available
- Camping and Cabins
Food & drink
- BBQ area
- Group catering available
- Licensed bar
- Meals available
- Self-catering kitchen
Transportation & parking
- Parking
Other YHA products
- Trade bookings
- YHA Exclusive Hire
- YHA School Trips
Need to know
Check in: 17.00 - 22.00
Check out: Before 10.00
Open every day?: Yes
Towels and toiletries: Towels and toilets are not provided but are available to hire or purchase from reception. Bedding is supplied.
Parking: Free parking on site.
Pets: Dogs can stay on our campsite. You can bring your dog for free if you are camping in your own tent. Pets are not permitted in the hostel accommodation at YHA Eskdale however, assistance dogs are welcome throughout, please advise upon booking.
Breakfast: Breakfast is served from 7.30 til 9am
YHA Eskdale - Access Statement
(PDF download - 48.49 KB)
YHA Exclusive Hire
To enjoy YHA Eskdale for just you, your friends and family visit our YHA Exclusive Hire website and hire out the whole property. Open for group reservations from the autumn half term to the Easter Holidays.
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 and space for 49 people, this is a great location for a school trip.
Visit the YHA School Trips website for more information.
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.
You can find out more and apply to volunteer at this hostel on the volunteering website.
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.
