YHA Black Sail

Possibly the most remote hostel I've ever stayed in - there's nothing except wild nature for miles around! Accessed by foot only by trekking up the Ennerdale valley or coming in from over the fells, this hostel offers the most basic accommodation,but in the most stunning of locations. I visited during Storm Amy and particularly loved the atmosphere this bought to the hostel. Ross and Mike work tirelessly to keep the generator/solar powered Black Sail fit for purpose and I can only imagine what it must be like to be stationed there 24/7! They're managing every aspect as well as preparing evening meals and breakfasts for guests, so hats off to them. Tremendous walks in the area and I highly recommend watching the evening and morning light illuminate the valley. No phone signal and WiFi is switched off at 10pm, but the shower is hot with good pressure and the bedrooms are comfy and warm! The hostel has a fascinating history and it was a pleasure to learn about it from the staff. 10/10 I highly recommend this place if you're doing the coast to coast walk or just looking for a tranquil break from the riffraff!

Amazing place. Good welcome from Steve, outstanding knowledge of the area from Ross as well as great cooking and overall hospitality and true commitment from Mike in chatting to guests even on his day off. Thank you all! The location couldn't be better - go and stay at this hostel if you like to wake up to one of the best views in Britain! Can't recommend enough.

What a fantastic, isolated, back to basics, escape from it all location. My husband and myself booked not knowing what to expect, but it far exceeded our expectations. It was such a welcome sight heading down the Black Sail pass after a full day in the fells, to be welcomed by Mike and Ross, check in was easy, just make sure you take photo Id,and enough cash for the duration of your stay, and you will not be disappointed. In the good old traditional way of hosteling you will be informed of your chores (just wash your own pots). The quality of the food for evening meal, dessert and breakfast was amazing, Do not expect a meal choice, a set menu is in place, and you are informed in advance of your stay what it will be, so if it is not to your liking, I recommend taking your own food and cook it in the well equipped self catering kitchen. Do not expect a microwave or toaster, you have to cook or grill your food. Mike explained that because the hut is off grid, modern day appliances drain the solar powered batteries. Our fellow guests were all nice and we sat out gazing at the stars for hours, and chatting, mainly about walking the fells. We loved it, well done YHA, can’t wait to return.

stayed at black sail what wonderful place and the care the wardens Mike and Ros gave was second to none. one problem we all faced was being unable to use the cooker for our break fast as it was needed to make the toast etc for the cooked breakfasters we were having continental. we understood this was due to a broken oven in the staff cooking area please restore the oven to working order, so us punters can get off sharpist up the fells. these wardens make the stay so unique please care for them and their mental health and well being because they provide such flavour to our visits ||kind regards Jenny Ratcliffe

Black Sail is just the most wonderful place to stay - the location is stunning of course. Don't expect spa baths and massages but the facilities are clean and the shower is actually better than mine at home! One of the best things about the place is the staff - Mike the current warden is great and obviously really cares about the place (he also has a good sense of humour which I think you need at Black Sail!), Steve and Ross, his helpers, were also just brilliant. It takes a special person to be a warden of a Youth Hostel and Mike and his team have just the right level of humour and hospitality to make Black Sail a fabulous place to stay whether you like breathtaking scenery or not!

Remote, one shower, no WiFi, jobs to do in the old tradition (very easy jobs but it makes you feel good). But Steve and the rest of the staff are so friendly and efficient, food is fantastic, every comfort is available, great beer and the breakfast would outdo many a top hotel. Add to that good company and a sky full of stars.

Camped just the other side of the hut. About 6-7 mile walk from Bowness car park following the river. The scenery is amazing, stunning & great to see a snake & deer 🦌

One of the very best places to stay in the English Lake District. |A wonderful location surrounded by mountains where you can enjoy the camaraderie of fellow walkers.