Elterwater Park

The parking sign pointed me down the wrong way and my car got stuck. There was nobody around, so I checked the different buildings and found some ramps in the main guest house that helped me move it. I was in the middle of nowhere and didn’t have many options. Afterward I came across a man cleaning the house, who was polite, friendly and understanding. I thought that was the end of it, but while taking a few photos of the area before leaving, I was confronted by a very angry woman accusing me of trespassing. Hikers were passing through nearby. She didn’t give me a chance to explain and threatened to call the police. If I was somewhere I shouldn’t have been, a polite request to move would have been enough. Instead, she seemed to want an argument, keeping me in a conversation while also telling me to leave immediately. I got wound up and swore back, which I regret. I rarely get pulled into other people’s drama, but she was determined to make it happen, and I suppose she got her way. I dread to think what the service is like for guests. When I needed help, I was made to feel unsafe, like some kind of illegal alien. There was no hospitality or basic humanity in the way I was treated.

The little self-serve ‘Muddy Boots’ cafe was a fun extra, and I can see it being a handy stop for walkers. We stayed in ‘The Byre’ with our children, aged 7 and 10, and it worked really well for us as a family. My partner and son enjoyed getting out for early morning walks while the rest of us explored the lakes. The accommodation was clean, and the place is beautiful with plenty more to see. We had a lovely stay and hope to return.

We barely noticed the other guests, even though the converted barn was mostly booked while we were there. It’s a separate building for self-catering, and we had a really peaceful, relaxing stay. The location also makes it easy to get around the Lake District. We’ll look at coming back on our next trip.

Running over the fells with my club and like-minded friends makes for a brilliant weekend here. It’s also a lovely place for families to make memories. Andy and Charlie make you feel at home, and I leave with a calm feeling and a sense of achievement. Thanks for the great food and for looking after us. Caroline