Lodge details

The essentials of what you need to know (hopefully). Any questions or requests don’t hesitate to contact us

Sleeps 28

in 4 rooms (you could probably sneak a couple more in too)

Plenty of parking

nearest to Helvellyn and the glorious surrounding fells

Strong Wifi in every room

but turn it off if you want to escape totally

a bit quirky

indoor grass and a foosball table and some hidden gems

4 showers

jet boosted loveliness

yes a Bath!

soak tired legs after the fells

5 unisex loos

this is the 2020s!

easy controlled heating

& hot water (and plenty of it)

It’s a fantastic building which from the 1840s was Greenside lead and silver mine offices and workshops. It has been a hostel since the 1970s, but wasn’t used for the last 10 years and needed some (a lot) of love. We bought it a couple of years ago and have completely renovated it – it’s modern where it needs to be, harks back to its origins where it can, and has a few quirks here and there.

The idea is to provide an ideal place for groups of trekkers, climbers, runners, swimmers, cyclists and triathletes (and other groups) to come and have group accommodation without slumming it – it is the antithesis to the drab and functional hostels and bunkhouses that remind you of 80s school changing rooms and doctors waiting rooms…

useful info:

Sleeps 28 in 4 bedrooms. All have bathroom facilities either in the room or immediately adjacent (see the layout above) – there is even a bath

All 28 bunks have full size single mattresses (not thin, short things you find elsewhere!) – you need to bring your own bedding – most people find a fitted sheet works well and bring either a duvet or sleeping bag, and a pillow or two

The commercial style kitchen is fully equipped with pots, pans, crockery, cutlery for up to 30. There is a cooker and hob(s), microwave (which is also a grill/conventional oven), slow/pressure cooker, rice cooker, 2 fridges and a freezer – there is even a dishwasher!

There is an amazing log burner – and there will be enough kindling and wood supplied for a couple of good fires should you wish – but you may also want to bring more

If the weather is kind there is outside space and seating for all – you can even have a fire (if you are sensible about it)

Awesome trails for hiking, biking and running right off the doorstep – great location for open water swimming too

Dog friendly – but please let us know if any four paw friends are going to be staying at booking time – please keep off any soft furnishings & clean up after them

We say it’s a ‘bunkhouse for grown ups’ because the decor and layout etc. is not stripped down and plain and so doesn’t resemble school changing rooms the way many hostels/bunk houses do – we don’t ban kids though (they’ll love it) – just please keep off any soft furnishings & clean up after them 🙂

Note: There are a couple of shops in the village for essentials – and the whole compliment of supermarkets in Penrith a 30 min drive away (you’ll also find that some of them do online delivery all the way to the Lodge). The village also boasts a variety good pubs and restaurants if you don’t fancy cooking one night

Once again, thank you we had an amazing stay, and everyone loved the lodge it was even better than we were expecting. It definitely was not the perfect weather but still we managed to get some great walks in. It really helped that we were staying halfway up the mountain!

Owen Lowery-Pearson

Newcastle University Fellwalking Society

Everything you could want from a Lakeland hostel and a lot more besides. Great location, extremely well equipped, loads of space and easy access to huge swathes of incredible countryside. Brilliant location for a large gathering of friends, family or work colleagues - highly recommended and can’t wait to go back.

Julian Christopher

Family gathering, Northumberland

My favourite place I've stayed in the Lake District. In an amazing location perfect for hiking up Helvellyn, but even if that doesn't take your fancy, the views are to die for and the nearby walks are stunning. The lodge is also walking distance from Glenridding. I visited with a large group of friends and the lodge itself is very comfortable, with the dining area and living area perfect places to hang out, have meals, play board games. There's also WiFi, and the kitchen is incredibly well equipped. Highly, highly recommend.

Mansoor Ahmad

Group of friends

Thank you so much for booking us at such short notice for our stay. We had an amazing time and everyone said the same thing… almond lodge was the best place to stay with such a big family

Yasmin

Large family group, Bradford

Huge thanks for your lodge, our group had a great time and to be honest it is the best bunkhouse we ever experienced for a climbing/mountaineering trip! (The dishwasher and rice cooker were very much appreciated)

Clara

UCL Climbing & Mountaineering club

I’ve used the lodge 3 times now. The location is perfect to be used as a base for multiple trips around the area. The path outside leads straight to Helvellyn via the edges, or a more grounded route via the zig zags. Another path takes you to sticks pass and towards the Dodds. It’s close to Ullswater for boat tours or hiring of canoes. The lodge itself is huge inside, plenty of beds, and bathrooms, a games room, and plenty of books. WiFi is fantastic, and kitchen big enough to feed an army of hungry mouths. I'll be going back as great value for money. Great for charity events or business away days.

Brian Tinker

Group Leader

Great bunkhouse in an amazing location - the perfect spot for a weekend away with our running group. Communication with Jon (the owner) was fantastic too

Rob Cullinaine

Manchester Road Runners

We had a fabulous weekend at Almond Lodge a group of 30 with 5 families and 15 kids. Kids loved the table football and massive beanbag in the map room. Wood burner in the lounge is really nice as well.. Really nice finish in all the bathrooms and throughout even a drying room. Location is a bit special too right at the foot of the mountain.

Simon Hoe

5 x Families for a celebration

Amazing spot to come with a big group of friends, at the base of Helvellyn, surrounded by beautiful nature and right over a beck! We made all types of meals because the kitchen was very well equipped (particularly loved the rice cooker!) and enjoyed playing boardgames and table-footy in the eves! Will definitely be back!

Hannah

Active Friends, Edinburgh University