Home   Holidays   Article

Sublime relaxation at The Leathes Head hotel, Borrowdale in the Lake District, contrasts with exciting climbs at Honister Slate Mine.

Derwent Water from the south end, just a short and beautiful stroll from the Leathes Head country house hotel at Borrowdale, near Keswick.
Derwent Water from the south end, just a short and beautiful stroll from the Leathes Head country house hotel at Borrowdale, near Keswick.

Extreme in the best possible way - that was the hallmark of a truly memorable Lake District minibreak.

At rest, we nestled in the lavish modern comforts of Borrowdale’s stylishly evolving Leathes Head Hotel.

At play, we defied gravity, dangling precariously on a subterranean, newly opened climb high in the roof of historic Honister Slate Mine.

It was rounded off with a wobbly and, frankly, terrifying, wind-slapped crossing of more than 500ft on a single “wire” over a plunging chasm - the mine’s newly opened Infinity bridge, the longest of its kind in the UK, some 2,000ft above the valley.

Set against a breathtaking backdrop, the Leathes Head country house hotel at Borrowdale offers modern and luxurious comforts.
Set against a breathtaking backdrop, the Leathes Head country house hotel at Borrowdale offers modern and luxurious comforts.

The Leathes Head is an elegant 11-bedroom Edwardian country house hotel, conveniently close to Keswick, but just off the “beaten track” alongside the Derwent river.

It has breathtaking views across the fells, inviting easy strolls to the lake’s edge and beyond.

Managers Jamie and Jane are warm, welcoming, friendly hosts - in a quiet but generous way - just like the hotel.

Our spacious Superior Room was faultlessly comfortable, with attention to every detail, from the enormous flat screen TV with movies on tap, to the huge fluffy bath sheets and Gilchrist and Soames toiletries.

Comfort and luxury combine with amazing views at the Leathes Head country house hotel at Borrowdale, near Keswick.
Comfort and luxury combine with amazing views at the Leathes Head country house hotel at Borrowdale, near Keswick.

Therapeutic times passed gazing into the rolling yonder and upon the gambolling Herdwick lambs.

Tirelessly engaging were the endless activity of pheasants, dunnocks, great tits, chaffinches, robins and a lesser spotted woodpecker right outside.

There is free WiFi throughout the hotel. Accommodation includes a wonderful conservatory with binoculars, bird guides and photobooks featuring different local walks, a cosy lounge with awood fire and the adjoining bar, offering fine selections of single malts, gins, ports, and decent regional ales too.

Award winning head chef David Jackson is passionate about his food, gaining the restaurant a 1AA Rosette. Locally grown and reared produce is key to this classic fine dining with a modern twist.

Amazing views surround the Leathes Head country house hotel, Borrowdale.
Amazing views surround the Leathes Head country house hotel, Borrowdale.

Sitting in a stunning landscape, primed for action including climbing, hiking, cycling, water sports and more, the hotel is an ideal base for all ages and energies.

Honister Slate Mine is on the doorstep, albeit a steep doorstep up a 20% incline in places, from Derwent Water at 246ft above sea level to the top of Fleetwith Pike, the pinnacle of an old miners’ trail, 2,126ft above the briny .

Steep climbs inside Honister Slate Mine at the Climb The Mine Inside adventure which opened this spring. Picture: Steve Hudson, Honister Slate Mine.
Steep climbs inside Honister Slate Mine at the Climb The Mine Inside adventure which opened this spring. Picture: Steve Hudson, Honister Slate Mine.

It is a breathtaking, short bus ride on the seasonal Honister Rambler which operates on a loop, including Buttermere, Keswick and Honister Pass.

The subterranean Tolkien-esque mine climb felt perilous and was challenging, but like the via ferratas or “iron ways” enabling visitors to climb the mountain outside with metal cables, rungs, ladders and bridges, safeguards are stringent and guides expertly reassuring.

KM Group journalist Mary Louis climbing high deep inside Honister Slate Mine, Borrowdale, in the Lake District. Picture: Steve Hudson, Honister Slate Mine.
KM Group journalist Mary Louis climbing high deep inside Honister Slate Mine, Borrowdale, in the Lake District. Picture: Steve Hudson, Honister Slate Mine.

With my adrenaline and endorphin levels up, muscles warm, vertigo somewhat conquered and a great sense of achievement post mine climb - I surpassed myself crossing THAT bridge.

Wobbling above the chasm was extremely nerve-racking, made more so by strong gusts of wind and the “Honister crack”, a loud bang as the wind blew back on itself.

Walking a fine line - the Lake District way. Journalist Mary Louis on the new Infinity bridge at Honister Slate Mine, Borrowdale, some 2,000ft above the valley floor. Picture: Steve Hudson, Honister Slate Mine.
Walking a fine line - the Lake District way. Journalist Mary Louis on the new Infinity bridge at Honister Slate Mine, Borrowdale, some 2,000ft above the valley floor. Picture: Steve Hudson, Honister Slate Mine.

The day was complete with a stomp up the hillside opposite, ducking in thrilled terror as a pair of Hawk trainer jet planes roared from nowhere just above our heads, disappearing far below into the valley.

The contrasts in our visit, albeit short, went from sharp to very, very sweet, from the ridiculously exciting Honister Slate Mine to the sublime solace of The Leathes Head. We want more.

TRIP DETAILS:

We travelled to The Lakes by train, using the fast service to St Pancras and Virgin Trains from Euston north, theoretically a mere five hours between Canterbury and Penrith stations, with enough time to grab a sandwich in London. Borrowdale is a 40-minute car journey from Penrith.

The Leathes Head hotel is at Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UY, see www.leatheshead.co.uk, call 01768 777247.

Honister Slate Mine, with its 900 years of history, is open all year at Honister Pass, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5XN, see www.honister-slate-mine.co.uk, on 01768 777230.

A special Father’s Day treat package combines Subterranean Climb The Mine and a stay at The Leathes Head.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More