Wasdale Head Inn

I went to Ritson’s Bar for dinner after an epic over 6 hour hike up & down the terrifying and beautiful windy heights between Wastwater and Ennerdale. I loved the unusual design of big wooden booths, it helps stop a lot of disorganised chair moving too.
We were obviously starving and watched in quiet agony as half the table’s food arrived and was consumed before ours did. This was Bank Holiday Sunday though, so it was mega busy. When the food did come it was enormous and I couldn’t finish it. I have never seen so much scampi and giant pieces too! Excellent. Fish and chips was also very well received, I thought the fish seemed like good quality.
Meanwhile there was an ale on tap which both bartender & bf said was really excellent. I enjoyed a very tasty Virgin Mary, it’s not often you get someone spicing it perfectly.
For somewhere that could be lazy as it’s the only game in town, Ritson’s is especially impressive in its commitment to decent food and ale. Well worth a visit after your walk.
Also btw if you are contemplating climbing down the scree as a shortcut to above-​mentioned pub bear in mind it will be one of the most gruelling and exhilarating hours of your life, and you stand a reasonable chance of serious injury.

We have returned since the refurbishment and I can now add that the loos are clean and modern. The rest of the bar has not changed significantly.
N.B. The Five Star rating is not an indication of Haute Cuisine but what the bar offers to all ages is absolutely the best of its type!

Beautiful scenery set in view of Englands deepest lake. Stayed in the Garden room, 4 poster bed. Restaurant top quality but slightly expensive. Pub food good value for hikers.

The Wasdale Head Inn has got to be one of the best pubs in Cumbria. It’s situated at the head of Wastwater (England’s deepest lake) and it’s fairly remotely located rather off the beaten tourist track. Yet it’s always fairly full and there’s usually quite a buzz about the place as it’s very popular with walkers or those using the lake for boating or fishing. The bar area is sizeable and the food delicious — they specialise in hearty, warming dishes that are ideal if you’ve just staggered off the fells and need to refuel. Their range of real ales is impressive and features the output from local breweries. It’s very family friendly and there’s a lovely green beer garden outside that runs alongside the stream that feeds the lake. A brilliant place and highly recommended.