Glenholme

The scent of a proper cooked breakfast drifts up through the old stone house, and outside the valley stretches wide and quiet under big northern skies.

Glenholme works for couples after a proper bed and a hot shower, walkers who've done with tents for a few nights, or anyone fancying the camping pod option if they want something in between. It's a guest house at heart, so you're looked after — though you'll need to ask about bringing the dog and whether you can light a fire if you're in the pod. The setup suits people who like a bit of home comfort without losing that away-from-it-all feeling, and being open year-round means it's there when the lakes and fells are quiet and the crowds have gone home.

Facilities aren't spelled out in detail, so best to ring ahead and check what's what. The vibe's low-key and personal — more like staying at someone's well-loved place than checking into anywhere corporate. Expect a warm welcome and a good night's sleep.