Tucked away in the quaint hamlet of Crookabeck, a stone's throw away from Patterdale - the halfway mark of our Coast to Coast West trip – lies Crookabeck B&B, a local business run by the Bell family. 

After a long day of walking from Grasmere via beautiful valleys and past the glistening lake of Ullswater, the farm’s courtyard, bursting with colourful pots and hanging baskets and surrounded by stone and slate farm buildings is the happiest of sights.  

As they’ve been expecting you, Adam and Julia, the owners of this family-run establishment greet you with the warmest of welcomes, a comforting cup of tea and a big slice of lemon drizzle cake. 

Sitting at the base of the Kirkstone Pass, beneath Place Fell, Crookabeck B&B is surrounded by mountain peaks and crags, waterfalls and tarns. And with front-row seats to the impressive Helvellyn mountain range and Striding Edge, you’ll have to peel yourself away from the window! Or if the weather’s behaving, enjoy a homemade supper platter with a glass of local Wainwright Ale on the terrace while soaking up the views. A feast for all the senses.   

When morning comes, the tummy-rumbling aroma of a hearty breakfast buffet is a cosy wake-up call. They use local produce where they can, including Cumbria Winter Tarn butter, Hawkshead Relish and sausages and bacon from the local farm shop.  

We work closely with several walking companies who arrange their clients' itinerary. Macs Adventure is an extremely important partnership. It’s essential to provide a high standard of service, accommodation and a delicious, cooked breakfast with locally sourced quality ingredients to ensure that guests feel special and taken care of on their wonderful C2C adventure. We want to be part of their memories.

After converting their farm into a B&B in 2010, with three superb ensuite rooms with relaxing lounge areas, Adam and Julia have since expanded their business to work with Adam’s sister, Hazel, a holistic aromatherapist who offers massage and holistic treatments at Aroma Soul Therapies, which could be just what your achy muscles need. They really have thought of everything!

The 40-acre farm also houses the most wholesome Wool Shop, which is supplied by their resident flocks of Herdwick and Red Fox Sheep – all of which are managed by Mary Bell – Adam's mum. 

Mary started with Angora Goats on her farm 35 years ago. Walkers on the farm footpath would admire the goats and occasionally ask if she had any of the wool for sale. The idea for the Wool Shop started there. The mohair – which is 30% stronger and warmer than wool - was spun and made into hard wearing walking socks creating a warm and comfy cocoon for hikers’ feet. The socks are still to this day the shop's best seller, with guests coming back for more year after year for ‘the best socks they’ve ever had!’.  

Herdwick Sheep are Lakeland sheep, local to the area and were introduced to Crookabeck Farm 30 years ago. Their wool is processed into knitting yarn, hats and caps, dog leads and headbands. 

More recently The Red Fox Sheep, originating from Bavaria, were brought to the farm. This friendly breed is rare in the UK and have cream, red-flecked wool that’s spun into plush knitting yarn. 

The Wool Shop, surrounded by the grazing fleecy flocks, bursts with wool products, including mohair walking socks, mohair scarves, luxuriously soft mohair knee rugs, Herdwick wool items, knitting yarns and many gifts which are available to buy in the shop and also online. 

For our overseas adventurers, Crookabeck Farm has you covered. There’s no need to lug your souvenirs with you, they can ship your items to your home, so they’re ready and waiting for your return. 

As well as utilising their own produce, Crookabeck also work with other local suppliers. Their ensuite bathrooms are kitted out with award-winning Pure Lakes products and stock their after-sun lotion, insect repellent and lip balm. They're licenced to provide a range of wines, ciders and local ales, as well as Luxury Lakes ice cream which you can enjoy on warmer days. Pick up some Coast to Coast merch like t-shirts, caps, neck gaiters, postcards, tea towels and more.

A true family affair and the most gracious of hosts. We truly value our partnership with Crookabeck B&B and hope our Coast to Coast adventurers will enjoy this local gem in one way or another too.