Wasdale Head Inn
Wasdale Head, near Gosforth · Inn
View on Google MapsPhoto: Jamie Eaglen
Historic climbers' inn at the head of Wasdale, beneath Scafell Pike, with hotel rooms, self-catering apartments and a campsite.
Photos
Photos via Google
About Wasdale Head Inn
The Wasdale Head Inn stands at the very end of the Wasdale valley, beneath Scafell Pike and beside Wastwater, and is widely described as the birthplace of British climbing. Will Ritson, the nineteenth-century landlord, presided over the first generation of English rock climbers who used the inn as a base, and the walls still carry their photographs. The building is long, low and slate-roofed, and there is nothing else at the head of the valley apart from a farm and the small church.
Accommodation comes in three forms. The inn itself has traditional en-suite hotel rooms, simply furnished and warm, most looking out at the surrounding fells. A row of converted self-catering apartments sits alongside for families and groups who want their own kitchen, and there is a campsite on the flat ground nearby. None of it is luxurious and none of it pretends to be; the priority is a dry bed, a hot bath and a large breakfast.
Ritson's Bar is the social centre, with a wide range of Cumbrian cask ales, a fire and a good deal of muddy boot traffic. The dining room serves substantial food built for people who have been out all day, and packed lunches can be ordered the night before. The inn adds a small per-person donation to the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team to every accommodation booking.
This is a walkers' and climbers' base above all. Scafell Pike, Great Gable, Pillar and the Mosedale Horseshoe all start from the valley head, and Wastwater is the deepest lake in England. The drive in is long and single-track in places, and mobile signal is poor, which is part of the appeal. It suits hillwalkers, climbers and anyone who wants the emptiest corner of the Lake District rather than the busiest.
What guests say
Arrived here on a Sunday afternoon after a 7 hour drive from South Wales. Sophie on the front desk was so welcoming and went above and beyond in greeting us and showing us our room. We stayed in the Pillar room which was spacious, clean and had everything you needed. We then went to eat at Ritsons Bar which is a proper homely pub with a great variety of tasty meals. We returned to the room for a peaceful nights sleep with the window open, listening to the nearby stream. Next morning we got up early to conquer Scafell Pike, which can be accessed right from the hotel itself. Upon returning - absolutely soaking wet from the walk - the lovely lady on reception (whose name I unfortunately didn’t get) allowed us to get changed in the nearby dining room, which was a real lifesaver. Overall this was an amazing and unforgettable experience, made possible by the Wasdale Head Inn and its brilliant staff. Thank you so much.
2 months ago · via Google
A wonderful place to camp, the field is well-prepared, the location is fantastic, and the pub is good. My very positive impressions are marred only by the limited access to toilets (only two) and only one shower with a disabled toilet, with an additional £1 charge for 6 minutes of hot water. And the price for a tent on their website isn't updated. It's currently £10, not £6 (it's not about the price, but about the lack of updates).
2 months ago · via Google
They offer a variety of rooms available to stay, we stayed in the Haycock next to the shop. Important to note that for those looking to pitch a tent in the field outside, it is usually £10 per person, which is a wonderful deal. The views on the valley are incredible, and the shop, bar, and inn feel like a little haven. The Inn is open 24/7, great news for hikers who come trudging down from the mountains at night like we did trying to avoid a storm. Thank you to Nigel and all the staff for being so kind and hospitable to us during our stay :)
2 months ago · via Google
We've been in the area before but this was the first time we used the pub. It was excellent. In March it was warm enough to sit outside, so we did. Ordered at the bar, food and drinks(tea) were brought out without a long wait. Both excellent on both occasions we used it. The staff were friendly and polite. No issues, would recommend and will revisit.
4 months ago · via Google
People say this inn offers delicious pub food, including steak and ale pie and chicken shawarma, with generous portions. They also highlight the friendly and helpful staff, who create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the reasonable prices for camping and food, especially after a long hike.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Wasdale Head, Gosforth, CA20 1EX Get directions
- Property type
- Inn
- Location
- Wasdale Head, near Gosforth
- Star rating
- 3 star
- Guest score
- 8.5 / 10 (690 reviews)
- Prices from
- £110 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Lake District