"If you like walking, cycling, fishing or just a get together with friends then this is the perfect spot."
- Trip Advisor Review
Fun For All
The Western Lakes is the quieter area of the Lake District, away from the crowds at Ambleside, however that doesn't mean there isn't loads to do.
There's loads to do for families close to the Felldyke location, listed below are just a few within striking distance of the bunkhouse.
"The location is good for walking, activities (we did ghyll scrambling and rock climbing through a company the owners recommended) and probably group activities with an educational element as there is a large open downstairs area."
- Trip Advisor Review
Mountain Biking
Whether its the Forest Tracks of Ennerdale valley, the man-made mayhem of Whinlatter or the extensive and more technically challenging bridle paths in and around Ennerdale, Buttermere and Borrowdale, the Lake District is heaven for Mountain Bikers. Also try searching for "the Borrowdale Bash" a circular and really enjoyable day-out on both high mountain and lower level bridle paths.
Climbing and Walking
Directly adjacent to the fells, Felldyke is well situated to enjoy the quieter Western Fells. Access to some of the best climbing and walking in the UK in: Borrowdale; Wasdale; Buttermere / Lorton Valley and Ennerdale Valley (Pillar Rock). All are within easy reach.
We can personally provide: Guided walking and scrambling; navigation and mountain craft coaching by qualified Mountain Leaders.
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For bespoke mountain adventures and training qualifications training towards formal qualifications contact John Brooks at Open Ascents, or Andy Brown:
Fishing
10 minutes walk from Felldyke bunkhouse is Cogra Moss, where Cockermouth Angling Association stock trout, Flyfishing is available via a permit issued by Cockermouth Angling Association.
Fishing in the Lakes is also possible, with Course and Fly fishing on day permits. The best resource for checking where, when and how is:
Climbing
Keswick has two indoor climbing walls, which is a great bad wet weather option: Keswick Climbing Wall and Kong Climbing Wall. They can provide instructors and all the gear you need.
If you fancy a less serious climbing experience, Maryport has got a clip and climb where kids and adults can all have go, without the need for prior experience or an instructor.
Walking
It might seem a bit obvious, but kids can walk for miles, with the right incentive and occasional distraction.
Flat Lake side walks include circuits of Buttermere (4-5 miles) but you don't have to go all the way round.
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... and then there are the Fells. There are hills to suit all ages and aspirations from donders up Sale Fell or Low Fell (one of the best views in the lakes) and Binsey Beacon, to full on mountain Days on Pillar Rock.
Whatever you plan on doing, check the weather before going and carry a map, compass and decent waterproofs for everybody.
Cycling
Ennerdale has miles of quiet, wide, gravel forest tracks with gentle gradients, brilliant for children gaining confidence and needing a few miles under their belts or just a nice way to spend the day.
Cyling Keswick to Threlkeld is brilliant, there's gentle gradients and loads of interest in the scenery and a pub to aim for in Thelkeld. Once you finish, its a short walk into Keswick for a bite to eat.
For bigger kids....Whinlatter Forest has fantastic mountain bike trails including an easier Blue Trail suitable for older children
Lake Cruises
Jump on and off the Steamers which carry-out circular routes, stopping at a number of stops around Derwent Water.
Walking between stops is within the capability of even the smallest children and Nickel End Marina does fantastic (and big) home baked scones, which are fresh out of the oven at around 11am.
Swimming
Outdoor Swimming- If you are feeling adventurous, Crummock Water is a great place to swim, it has parking at the northern end (closest to Cockermouth) near to the beaches with gently sloping sides.
Indoor Swimming - Workington and Cockermouth Pools are traditional swimming pools, but good for learning or practising. Both can be found here:
The Countryman Pub
Stunning country pub serving quality homemade food & drinks. At our pub and restaurant, you will not only get great food and drinks but also a cosy environment. Contact them today for enquiries or reservations at
St Bees Beach
St. Bees is a village on the western coast of Cumbria, at the end of a long valley, four miles south of Whitehaven. It has a long sandy beach, and is a popular holiday resort. Nearby, the rocky promontory of St. Bees Head, the westernmost point of Cumbria, is the start of the ‘Coast to Coast walk’.