Explore the Lake District's Hidden Gems

Out and About

The hamlet of Stair is located on the edge of the Newlands Valley, off the Newlands Pass road between the village of Braithwaite and Buttermere.

Alfred Wainwright wrote the following in his notes at the end of his guidebook to this area, The North Western Fells, ‘Newlands is a privileged valley, not only extraordinarily pleasant in itself but ringed by grand fells; for a quiet walking holiday there is no better centre.’

If you enjoy walking, the Newlands Horseshoe (Dale Head) and Coledale Round (Grisedale Pike) can be walked from the door. Skiddaw and Blencathra are only a short distance away. For shorter strolls, see the delightful Newlands Church or walk along the edge of Catbells  to Littletown. You can walk to Hawes End on Derwentwater via road and footpaths where in summer you can catch the Keswick launch.

For the adventurous, the Newlands Adventure Centre in Stair provides the opportunity to try a variety of activities including Ghyll scrambling, Rock climbing, indoor climbing wall to name but a few. At Nichol End Marina  in Portinscale, boats and canoes can be hired to sail on Derwentwater. Cycle hire is available at Whinlatter Forest Park visitor centre, where you can try out purpose built mountain biking tracks.

For refreshment, the nearest pub is the Swinside Inn, about half a mile from Stair Mill, where you can enjoy good food and fine Cumbrian ales. The village of Braithwaite, one and a half miles away, boasts three pubs serving food as well as two cafes, one of which is in the village shop which is the nearest shop to Stair Mill. Another café within walking distance is at Lingholm, on the way to Portinscale.

The lovely market town of Keswick is just a 3 mile walk or a 4 mile car journey.  There is an excellent Booths supermarket and numerous quality independent shops, pubs and restaurants for all tastes.  Being at the centre of a great walking and climbing area there are outdoor equipment shops aplenty.

Enjoy a peaceful day by the water with opportunities for boating, walking, and picnicking along the shores of this picturesque lake.

Embark on a rewarding hike up Catbells Fell, offering panoramic views of the surrounding fells and lakes.