Skiddaw House
Highest Hostel in Britain
Surrounded by mountains, with no other buildings in sight, Skiddaw House offers a real escape.
Accessible only on foot or by mountain bike, Britain’s highest hostel is perfect for fell-walkers, adventurous families and lovers of wild and remote places. Skiddaw House is situated at 470m/1550ft on the flanks of Skiddaw and is 3.5 miles from the nearest road. This traditional independent hostel, which is affiliated to the YHA, sits on the Cumbria Way and offers simple, yet comfortable accommodation.
Stay here for a real escape from it all - with no mains electricity, phone signal, TV or internet to detract from the wilderness. Solar panels provide the energy for the lights and plenty of hot water for the showers; heating is provided by wood-burning stoves.
We welcome enquiries for group bookings, sole use and schools.
School Group Residential
Skiddaw House is perfect for your school group residential.
Whether one night or more, we can accommodate 18 people inside and up to 15 camping outside.
Prices start from £350 per night for educational/youth groups.
To discuss how we can help your group stay here in this beautifully peaceful and unique part of the world, drop us an email at skiddaw@yha.org.uk.
Need to Know
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Skiddaw House is not accessible by car.
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Advance booking is essential.
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The shop and bar are cash only. The nearest ATMs are in Keswick.
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Guests or visitors are not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages to the hostel, except in the case of sole use hire.
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There is no mobile signal or Internet access at the hostel.
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Skiddaw House is completely off-grid, with no electric sockets.
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There are 20 beds over 4 bedrooms: 1 x twin (2 single beds), 1 x 4 bed (double and bunk), 1 x 6 bed (double and 2 bunks) and 1 x 8 bed (4 bunks).
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Skiddaw House is open from Easter to the end of October half-term for room bookings, and all year round for sole use hire.
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The hostel opens at 5pm.
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Camping is available at £10 per person. Please email the hostel direct for availability at skiddaw@yha.org.uk.
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Dogs are only allowed in the hostel for sole use bookings.
Guest Reviews
“Came here to get away from the city noises and to connect with the mountains. It was an amazing experience, all the way from the walk to Skiddaw House, the stay, lovely Sue who always has a smile on her face and is superhelpful and, of course, the hiking trails and the wonderful views. Will definitely be coming here soon again.”
“Thank you for a fantastic stay in Skiddaw House. We loved every minute -from playing games in front of the fire to having a wee dram before heading off to our beds. Our 10 year old thought it was too warm!”
“Such a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Lake District.
We had a very nice stay in Skiddaw House, amazing sunset, amazing sunrise. Thanks for the hospitality.”
“ ‘Twas a windy slog over Skiddaw peak
On the route down, our knees were weak.
We met a canine paw,
But craved the fire’s roar
At Skiddaw House, to conclude our week!”
“What a fantastic place made even better by a lack of mobile signal. Walking, board games and chat about mountains – what could be better? Oh and Izzy (11 ) and Will’s (9) first scramble up Sharp Edge.”
“On a sleety day, a mountain biker promised us coffee ahead at Skiddaw House. We thought he might be a mountain demon, luring us to our deaths, but it turned out to be true! Thank you, Skiddaw House, for this amazing facility.”
“Despite the inclement weather, we have had a fantastic stay. We have loved the warm welcome, games of chess, chat around the fireside and even walks in the driving rain – knowing there is such a refuge to return to. Our boys’ first experience of hiking in to a hostel, and a truly memorable one.”
“Camped here overnight while walking the Cumbria Way. So grateful to be able to stay in such an iconic building! Perfect Setting!! I look forward to being able to visit again.”