Is there a more magnificent corner of England? Situated at the end of the road in the remote Wasdale valley nestled at the foot of Kirk Fell and in the shadow of the majestic lakeland fells of Pillar, Great Gable and the Scafells; the eponymous Wasdale Head is a truly magical place. Often credited as the birthplace of British mountaineering and a place frequented by George Mallory and other famous pioneers (you might even find his entry in the guest book which dates back to the 19th century). No longer jacket and tie in the dining room but the mark of the Victorians is indelible.

On a rainy day take a look at all the black and white photos of the pioneers clad in tweed, hob nailed boots and gabardine with ropes tied round their waists. The valley is also famous as the home of local sheep farmer and fell runner Joss Naylor who completed the world famous lakeland 'round' which bears his name (his nephew was running the inn last time I was there).