YHA Skiddaw House is a century-old cottage, formerly used by shepherds & gamekeepers. It is the highest hostel in Britain - at 1550 feet above sea level - and is three miles from the nearest road.

It opened in May 1991 to provide simple accomodation for walkers & cyclists, and after a period of closure, mainly due to the Foot and Mouth outbreak, has now re-opened to offer users a unique accomodation experience. It is located in the shadow of Skiddaw, and near Keswick, in the English Lake District National Park.

The hostel re-opened for self catering accomodation on April 6th 2007. The location, at the Back O' Skiddaw is ideal for many outdoor pursuits. It is an ideal base for walkers & moutain bikers as it is well served by public bridleways from Keswick, Bassenthwaite and Mungrisedale. The location is great for access into the Skiddaw Massif - including Skiddaw, Lonscale Fell, Great Calva and Blencathra.

The rustic & cosy self catering hostel includes 20 beds in 4 dormitories, flush toilets, gas ring cookers, limited hot water and wood burning stoves. All of which help create a very special atmosphere in a unique landscape.

The hostel is open for most of the year, but it is recommended that you make sure it is open before travelling, or make a reservation. Please see the Booking and Contact page on this site for details of how to do this.

Skiddaw House also has an active group of supporters known as the "Friends of Skiddaw House", and welcomes people who want to help out, or even become voluntary relief wardens. Find out more here.

We look forward to seeing you up at Skiddaw House soon!