ACCOMMODATION
The Bowderstone Cottage and Hermitage are located next to the Bowderstone, a popular tourist attraction in Borrowdale, near Keswick in Cumbria. They are owned by the National Trust and leased to the Northumbrian Mountaineering Club (NMC) for use as climbing huts by club members and other organised climbing and outdoor groups. The premises offer good value accommodation close to some of the best crags and high level walking in the Lake District. However, you don’t have to be a dedicated climber or walker to enjoy Borrowdale. There are many classic low level walks and a wide range of other activities that can be pursued in this stunningly beautiful valley.
Location
The Bowderstone Cottage is the larger of the two cottages situated at the Bowderstone, 600 metres along a well-graded track from the National Trust’s Bowderstone Car Park in Borrowdale. The grid reference is NY 254 164. Approaching from Keswick along the B5289, the Car Park is approximately 7 kilometres south of the town on the left hand side, 700 metres after the right turn to Grange. Approaching from Honister Pass, the Car Park is approximately 2.3 kilometres north of the village of Rosthwaite. The National Trust Car Park is large and is the only parking available for the cottage. It is a Pay and Display Car Park but is free if you display a National Trust membership card. The track is the old road along the valley and continues past the cottage and meets the B5289 again further south. However, there are no adequate parking facilities at that end.
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Accommodation
The cottage comprises the following accommodation:
| Dormitory | The room comprises a 3-tier Alpine-style bunk that can accommodate up to 18 people. There is one mattress for each sleeping place. Bedding is not provided. |
| Common Room | The room is equipped with a table, chairs and benches. Useful information for your stay can be found on the notice board and in the leaflets provided. |
| Kitchen | There are 8 electric rings, a microwave, fridge and a sink with hot and cold water. There is adequate cutlery and crockery and utensils for 18 people. Shelves are provided for individual food boxes. Tea towels are not supplied. |
| Toilet and Washing Facilities | There are separate men’s and women’s flush toilets and hand basins with hot and cold water. A shower is located in the women’s toilet. |
Fresh water, electric light and electric heating is provided. The bedroom and common room also have open fires. Coal and kindling are provided. Branches and trees must not be cut down for fuel and, in the interest of the local ecology, the use of fallen timber is also prohibited. Camping is strictly forbidden.
The Hermitage
A small cottage, called the Hermitage, is situated just 20 metres from Bowderstone Cottage. It is for use by NMC members only. The Hermitage has no toilet or shower facilities so it shares those of the cottage.
Charges
NMC members are charged £4 per night.
For all other users, the NMC charges £6 per person per night on Fridays and Saturdays and also Sundays on Bank holiday weekends. From Sunday to Thursday the charge is £4 per person per night. A night is 6 pm to 6 pm the following day. The minimum number for which a booking will be taken is 4 and the minimum charge for the cottage is £25 per night per party regardless of numbers. At weekends preference will be given to groups booking both Friday and Saturday nights. Groups booking and paying for 18 places will have sole usage of the cottage. All places booked must be paid for. A deposit of £25 per night must be paid with the booking form.
Booking Enquiries
The Hut Booking Secretary is Mr Derek Cutts
Bowderstone Club Hut 
