Who wouldn’t want to stay here?

Published 27 April 2014

Black Sail YHA

Tucked in Ennerdale, near the head of the valley, sits an old stone building. There’s not much around it. Just trees and fells.

You wouldn’t think it, but this is YHA Black Sail, one of the YHA’s more isolated hostels. There’s no road access – the only way there is by foot. And don’t even think about popping out for a pint at the pub as it’s a four mile hike to the nearest.

But this is a place plenty want to stay in, thanks to its amazing location, right in the heart of the Lakeland fells. It has all the attractions a fell walker could possibly want. Haystacks. Great Gable. High Stile. Pillar. And a skyline to boot.

Sadly I’ve yet to stay the night at Black Sail. I’ve only visited it during the day. It’s on my list of “things to do.” For to be able to sit outside it on a fine evening, with a beer in my hand, well that is one of the finest things I can imagine.

Have your say