Local Area Information

Goosepen cottage is perfectly placed for walkers, cyclists and climbers and anyone who appreciates peace and quiet in a beautiful location.  But thankfully, only 200m from the Santon Bridge Inn with good beer and food. Hallflat Farm is situated between the mountains and the coast with several good beaches. 

Hallflat Farm is located in Wasdale, amongst the stunning scenery of the remote and uncommericalised Western Lake District.   Wasdale boasts England's highest mountain (Scafell Pike), deepest lake (Wastwater), smallest church (St Olaf's, Wasdale Head) and Biggest Liar.  The World's Biggest Liar is an annual competition held at our local pub, The Bridge Inn, and dates back to the 19th Century when a local landlord, Will Ritson, earned the title with his tall stories about the Wasdale area.

The view of Wasdale from Wastwater was voted 'Britain's Favourite View' by ITV viewers a few years back.  

There are numerous walks in the area – from high fell walks up famous peaks such as Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Pillar, to valley walks and many others in between.  An easy walk from Santon Bridge leads to the open fell above Wasdale and to the top of the famous Wastwater Screes (you can cheat and park up the road too if you want, cutting out a section of tarmac).  Rivers and woodland abound, along with a good selection of country pubs. 

Most of the local pubs are dog friendly and allow man's best friend into the bar. The nearest village is Gosforth (approx. 3 miles away) which has a great local supermarket, a bakery and also has a very popular Italian restaurant called The Wild Olive.

There are also plenty of non walking activities too – fishing, golf, riding and mountain biking can all be found close by.  The lovely neighbouring valley of Eskdale is home to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Miniature Steam Railway – affectionately known as La'al Ratty – which gives a great day out with a journey from the sea to the heart of the hills.   Muncaster Castle and Owl Centre is close by, and you can follow in the footsteps of the Romans at the ancient Hardknott Roman Fort.   A little further afield you will find Wordsworth's birthplace in the market town of Cockermouth, and Honister Slate mine (with a via Ferrata for the more adventurous).

Beaches abound in the area, St Bees is particularly beautiful, Seascale and Drigg are close and have good parking and are dog friendly. Also in Seascale is Mawson's Ice Cream Parlour - a delight for ice cream and dessert lovers.

The larger Lakeland centres of Keswick, Coniston, Ambleside and Windermere can be reached for a day out too, with some stunning scenery en-route, but are far enough away for Wasdale and the surrounding area to retain it's unique charm.  

We would be more than happy to chat with you about the area – we never tire of Wasdale and love to talk about it.   It's our favourite view too and we hope you'll agree.