We would give Black Sail five stars even if it was run by Basil Fawlty because of its extraordinary location, deep in the heart of the Lake District with the three great bastions of Pillar, Kirk Fell and Great Gable towering above. It may sound odd to say that a combined trip to the outside loo at 3am with snow... More

We stopped by for tea and loved this hut, having wanted to visit for some time....small, cosy and very homely....disturbing to read the early report about the injured girl being turned away and would like to hear the full story...

i stayed here for one night while walking in the lake district the place is very remote and basic but a great "rustic" place to stay the staff were really friendly, helpful and relaxed. the atmosphere is very homely and I felt like I was sharing a place with friends rather than strangers. the food was great and meal times... More

Quite the most impressive location of anywhere I have been to. We didn't stay the night, but happening upon the hut (which was unmanned during the day) to discover you could take tea and cake and put the money in an honesty box was a real treat on a very windy, rainy day in the lakes. We will be back.

I have stayed at Black Sail Youth Hostel 3 times now and it is very very basic but unlike anything else. The accommodation is old bunk beds, there is 1 shower which has hot water that dribbles out really slowly. The food is fantastic, we always receive a good hearty meal which is just the ticket after a hard days... More

The hut is snuggled in the middle of the northwest lakes district, we hiked in from Wasdale Head (~2 hours) and got stuck in some horrible weather. The staff isn't available until 5pm, but there is tea and coffee and you can use the common room (although it can get quite overrun with coast-to-coasters). Rooms are small dorms, there were... More

I have wanted to stay at Black Sail YHA for over 30 years and finally managed it. For those seeking simplicity and solace in an unbelievable location this has to be it! We walked from Ennerdale to Black Sail via Haystacks (another ambition), arriving just before it opened at 5pm. My wife mad I were luckily able to share a... More

My friend and I hiked in from the Bowness Knott car park by Ennerdale Waters. The walk was lovely, longish (about 6.5 miles), but easy along a forestry road and then track. There are other more challenging routes, so make sure you know which way you are going and be appropriately prepared (this is a very remote location - you... More

I wanted to stay at Black Sail Hut Youth Hostel ever since I first heard of it... way back in the mid-1970s! It's in a remote western valley - Ennerdale - in the English Lake District. After many years of walking past the door, mostly when it was closed, and only being able to pop my head inside on a... More