Location
The YHA Honister Hause is one of the highest situated accommodations in the Lakes District. From Keswick, take the B5289 up along Borrowdale. The climb will be rather gradual until you reach Seatoller, then be prepared for a twenty-five percent grade (not a joke) for a stretch, which levels off as you reach the pass. The mountain air is very clear up here, but keep your nose open for a whiff of burning brake pads or overworked engines. It will be obvious when you've made it to the pass, and the hostel will be impossible to miss -- it's the former miners' residence at the Honister Slate mine.
Common Areas
Reception at the hostel is open until 11 p.m., and they try to get everyone checked out by 10 a.m., although if you're a bit tardy, no harm will probably come of it since there's some cleaning activities going on before the hostel is locked up for the day. If you arrive in the off-hours during the day, the front entryway will be open and you can temporarily store your luggage before the hostel reopens in the evening. The hostel common areas are very clean and cozy, and the bedrooms and bathrooms are functional as well. Bathroom windows may be left open for air circulation, be aware of the potential for a blast of cold air before you set foot in the completely enclosed showers.
The only real shortcoming of this hostel is its underpowered drying room. In a climate this wet it's a vital necessity to be able to dry your clothes and shoes, so be sure to inquire whether the heat in the room is turned up to maximum. Basic foodstuffs, beverages (including alcohol), and breakfast are all available for purchase up here, and that's a definitely a good thing considering the remote location.
This will probably be one of the quietest stays of your entire trip. All of the other guests will probably be seeking that quiet solitude themselves, and as such will respect your own right to it. That's not to say that you can't strike up a conversation -- the host and the other travelers will most likely be eager to trade stories of adventures in the Lakes District.
Summary
For those budget travelers seeking out the Lakes District at their most rugged, the YHA Honister Hause should be at the top of your list of accommodations! Rates at the YHA Honister House are very competitive with other British hostels, and that's good news when you realize there aren't any other alternatives up on the pass!
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
January 2009
Location/Contact
