Lake District Weekend Break – Eskdale
If you’re after a quieter corner of the Lake District that still packs in plenty of adventure, Eskdale is a brilliant choice for a hiking weekend. It’s a bit tucked away compared to the busier central lakes, but that’s half the charm – you get rugged fells, hidden waterfalls, and peaceful villages without the crowds, perfect for a chilled Lake District weekend break.
Why Eskdale?
Eskdale feels like one of those places that hasn’t been overly polished for tourism – and I mean that in the best possible way. You’ve got dramatic fells on the doorstep, wooded valleys to wander, and history everywhere you look (including one of the best-preserved Roman forts in the Lakes). It’s the kind of base where you can do a big mountain day or just bimble about and still feel like you’ve had an adventure.
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Where We Stayed – Irton Hall
We stayed at Irton Hall, and I’d happily go back tomorrow. We had a family room in the main hall, which was HUGE. Breakfast was spot on, with a choice of continental or cooked breakfasts, and the whole place has this relaxed country house feel without being stuffy. And I can’t not mention the cats and the peacocks – they were ridiculously friendly and basically sealed the deal for me. Who doesn’t love a friendly hotel cat?
The hotel is also dog-friendly and has a range of self catering cottages if that’s more your thing.
Other Places to Stay in Eskdale
If Irton Hall isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other options around Eskdale:
- Brook House Inn – a cosy inn with hearty food and a good pub atmosphere, right in the valley.
- Stanley House – a friendly B&B with easy access to local trails.
- Eskdale Campsite – if you’d rather be under canvas, this National Trust campsite is a great base.
Eskdale Weekend Break Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + Pub Tea
We arrived on Friday after a long drive up. We went straight to the room, dumped our things then headed out to the Bridge Inn for some tea.
Day 2: Big Hike Day – Harter Fell & Hard Knott
This was our big hike for the weekend – a 6-mile hike up Harter Fell (the views from this Wainwright are amazing!) and over to Hard Knott, before heading down past Hard Knott Roman Fort. It was definitely a challenging route, but worth it for the sweeping views of Eskdale and the surrounding fells. I’ve shared the full route, GPX, and map on the blog if you fancy giving it a go.
Day 3: Stanley Ghyll Waterfall
On our last morning we kept things easier with a walk to Stanley Ghyll Waterfall. It’s a short hike through a lovely wooded gorge which is like something from Jurassic Park, and the waterfall itself is stunning – especially after rain.
Handy Tips for a Hiking Weekend in Eskdale
- Travel: The roads into Eskdale are narrow and can be a bit scary to drive on (looking at you, Hardknott Pass) – so take it steady.
- Food & drink: The valley has some great pubs – the Bridge Inn and Brook House Inn are both good bets. There is a village shop in Eskdale Green which sells the basics.
- Weather: Eskdale can be just as unpredictable as the rest of the Lakes, so bring full waterproofs even if the forecast looks clear.
- Crowds: One of Eskdale’s big selling points is that it’s quieter than places like Ambleside or Keswick – perfect if you like your hikes peaceful.
We loved our weekend in Eskdale – the mix of big fell days and smaller, more relaxed walks was just right. Staying at Irton Hall gave us a comfy base to come back to, and now I don’t think I can stay at a hotel without a friendly cat. It’s definitely a corner of the Lake District we love returning to.
