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, try and see the delightful Newlands Church or walk along the Newlands Beck or along the edge of Catbells through woods to Portinscale.
For the adventurous, the Newlands Adventure Centre in Stair provides the opportunity to try a variety of activities including abseiling and archery. 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. Other cafes within walking distance can be found at Littletown Farm and Lingholm. The village of Braithwaite, one and a half miles away, boasts three pubs serving food. The nearest shop to Stair Mill is found here; apart from the village shop there is also a small shop on the Scotgate camp site.
The lovely market town of Keswick is worth a visit. 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.
Other attractions in Keswick include:
- The very popular Theatre by the Lake
- Cinema
- Leisure centre with swimming pool
- Tennis courts, bowling greens, pitch and putt and parks
- Keswick Museum and Art Gallery
- Cumberland Pencil Museum
- Launches on Derwentwater
Various festivals take place in Keswick throughout the year including) film (February), literary (March), jazz and blues (May), mountain (June), beer (June).
Further afield, you may be interested in exploring:
- Cockermouth, birthplace of William Wordsworth and home to the Jennings Brewery.
- Honister Slate Mine and its Via Ferrata
- Historical places such as Townend, Dalemain, Sizergh Castle, Muncaster Castle
- Hadrian’s Wall and Lanercost Priory
- Ospreys can be viewed on the video link (nestcam) at the Whinlatter Visitor Centre, and a viewpoint is located at Dodd Wood.
- Castlerigg Stone Circle
- St Bees on the coast
