Eskdale youth hostel. Contrary to Elterwater a really nice place. A lovely building in a great setting, very friendly managers, clean and a real open fire. Then again we have had an open fire every day since arriving in the Lake District, either at the place we stayed or a pub. The day wasn't an easy one though. When we got up the weather was horrid. Since the walk to Eskdale wasn't short we decided not to do it in the pouring rain. Instead we decided to take a bus to Muncaster and either walk or take the tiny "Ratty" train. Unfortunately, at the bus stop, we realised that the bus wasn't running anymore. At the tourist information we were told that it wasn't possible to get to Eskdale in a day and it was too late to walk after all. There was a moment of utter distress because I had already booked us in (and paid) to the yha in Eskdale when a young man asked where we had to go and offered to take us there. How lucky we were! John, our knight in shining amour from Northhampton, drove us to Eskdale over Hardknott pass, a narrow and steep road over the mountains, lovely views (despite the bad weather). Once at Eskdale we went to Woolpack Inn, sat infront of an open fire and chatted. We got some tea for John who even gave us a map of the region. Such a nice person.