Wasdale Head Inn and Self Catering Apartments

Wasdale Head, Gosforth, Cumbria, CA20 1EX
Telephone: 019467 26229
Fax: 019467 26334

Wasdale Head Inn, Wasdale, Front of Hotel

Welcome to this world famous Inn - the birthplace of climbing - dramatically surrounded by Englands tallest mountains, making it the finest base for walking and climbing.

The Inn is situated at the head of remote and unspoiled Wasdale, and if you are seeking the superlative this is where you will find it. Englands highest mountain, the deepest lake, the smallest Church, and the original worlds biggest liar can all be found in this tranquil corner of the Lake District.

Scafell. Great Gable. Pillar. Kirkfell. Lingmell. The mountains beckon. If you are an experienced mountaineer, that's fine. But if not, there are many easier walks in the area, or the Inn can organise a guide to help you explore.

In a super and unrivalled setting, this is the perfect place to put your feet up, and consider your feat of the day!

At Wasdale, the oak panelled walls ooze history with their magnificent collection of climbing photographs, mostly from the camera of the famous Abraham brothers, showing the early days of climbing. Even those visitors who do not climb will love the ambience that pervades this traditional mountain Inn, where modern day stress is left behind at the entrance to the Vale.

Sink into the deeply comfortable sofas in the residents lounge, and relax in peace without the disturbance of television. Rediscover favourite books and pastimes, or enjoy the company of old and new found friends.

The residents' bar is everything that a "theme bar" tries to be, but this is the original, and simply the best place to have an aperitif while ordering dinner, or relax afterwards in good company with a rare malt whisky.

The dining room will provide for the heartiest appetite but in a style that has won consecutive RAC Merit Awards, and particular acclamation for breakfast. Service is relaxed and dress codes are informal. High standards of cuisine aremaintained by long serving, award winning executive chef - Mike Nixon.

Ritsons Bar is named after the first landlord, Will Ritson - huntsman, wrestler, farmer, fells, guide, raconteur, and the first "Worlds Biggest Liar". Today the bar is where everyone congregates after a day on the fells, to talk and enjoy the good wholesome bar meals and up to nine real ales. In summerthey spill out into the garden and beckside tables, while in winter they keep warm beside the log burning stove. Many of the ales are brewed especiallty for the Inn, and a new on site micro brewery is now open.

The Inn offers a variety of accommodation, with all bedrooms en-suite. In the main Inn there are six double rooms, three single, one twin and one three bedded room. With the exception of one ground floor double room with a four posterbed, all are on the first floor. One of the self catering apartments has now been created into a family suite and is available to let on a nightly basis. It has two bedrooms to sleep four, but an extra bed can be provided on request.

There is an efficient drying room on the first floor for the occasional wet days.

In the adjacent traditional stonebuilt Lakeland Barn six self catering apartments have been created to provide all modern amenities, including central heating, and a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and microwave.

In the old farmhouse next to the Barn are three spacious superior rooms, rather like hotel suites, with the added attraction of a small dining room and kitchenette. These suites are ideal for guests looking for extra comfort and seclusion.

Wasdale Head Inn, Wasdale, View of the Lake District

William Ritsons

The far famed Hotel, so convenient for Tourists and Travellers, which is so commandingly and romantically situated at the head of Wastwater, and as it were, at the very feet of Scafell, Scafell Pikes, Great Gable, Kirkfell, and Yewbarrow, and several other lofty and equally rugged mountains, is now fitted up and furnished to afford all the comforts and conveniences of a first class Hotel, and at reasonable charges.

Choice Spirituous and Malt Liquors always on hand.

Comfortable sitting rooms and well aired beds, Post Horses, Mountain Ponies, Wheeled Carriages Boats, Guides, Postboys, Boatmen and always in readiness.

This was in 1869 now in 2002

The Wasdale Head Inn

Untouched by progress - well almost!!

A rare find - a genuine old mountain inn retaining a unique traditional atmosphere.

How to get there

The Wasdale Head Inn takes just a little longer to get to, but the remote and unspoiled location has helped to retain its character. The drive along the banks of Wastwater, Englands deepest lake, is spectacular - especially just before sunset, or by the light of a full moon. Many visitors do not need to use their cars during their stay, and a courtesy pick up service is available from the nearest railway station.