Threlkeld Lake District Pub Stay and Walking Guide
Threlkeld is one of those villages that puts you right in the thick of the Lake District without needing to base yourself somewhere busier or pricier. Sitting at the foot of Blencathra with the Dodds and Thirlmere close by, it’s a brilliant spot for a walking weekend, whether you want a big ridge day or something shorter and gentler. We spent a weekend here, working through three very different hikes and eating well along the way. Here’s a Threlkeld, Lake District pub stay and walking guide, if you fancy a weekend hiking in the Lakes!
Quick Look
- Location: Threlkeld, Cumbria, Lake District
- Stay: Salutation Inn (part of the same group as the Horse and Farrier)
- Good for: walkers wanting a mix of big ridge days and shorter, easier routes
- Nearest town: Keswick, a short drive away for shops and supplies
Where we stayed
We booked in at the Horse and Farrier and were a bit surprised when we were shown to our room across the road in the Salutation Inn (Sally Bedrooms). It turns out they’re both part of the same group. We slept in one pub and went across to the other for meals!
We were given the room called Ash Ghyll (3) as we’d asked for a family room for 3 of us. The room itself was on the small side, and the bathroom felt a bit dated (and really tiny), but the rest of the room was perfectly comfortable for a weekend of walking, where you’re not spending much time indoors anyway. The room was dog friendly too, with water bowls in the wardrobe.
The room had tea and coffee facilities, two TVs and extra blankets for those chilly nights. We ate at the Horse and Farrier for breakfast, which was a really hearty Lakeland fry up or continental breakfast, and ate in the pub for both nights of our stay, just because it was easy. We also had a lunch at the Threlkeld Village Hall which was lovely.
There is free car parking in the Horse and Farrier car park for guests.
Weekend Hiking Itinerary
Walk 1: Wren Crag and High Rigg (5 miles)
A great one to start the weekend with, this route takes in Wren Crag and High Rigg, giving brilliant views without demanding too much in terms of effort. Our cat is called Wren, so we had to climb this one!
Walk 2: Stybarrow Dodd, Watson’s Dodd, Great Dodd and Clough Head (8 miles)
The big day of the weekend. Linking four summits along this stretch of the Dodds, this is a proper ridge walk with sustained climbing and wide open views across the Eastern Fells. It’s a longer, tougher day than the other two, so worth tackling when you’ve got the legs for it. Watch out for the goose at Fornside Farm as well – he gave me a bite!
Walk 3: Raven Crag (2 miles)
A short, easy walk to finish the weekend, perfect for tired legs after the Dodds the day before. Raven Crag has stunning views in a really short steep route, with a great outlook over Thirlmere (if you ignore the ‘fly camping’ scars).
Another nearby walk is Blencathra via Sharp Edge.
Know before you go
- Book meals ahead if eating at the Horse and Farrier – since it serves both pubs, it’s worth checking availability, especially on a weekend.
- Pace the weekend around the big day – put the Dodds walk in the middle or towards the end once you’re warmed up, rather than starting with it.
- Pack for all weathers – the weather in the Lake District can change really quickly. If you’re heading onto the hills, make sure you have enough layers to keep warm, decent footwear and plenty of snacks. Make sure you know where you’re going as well – I recommend the OS Maps app.
For more pub stays in the Lake District check out:
