Britain’s highest youth hostel is celebrating a £26,000 windfall to help keep biting winter chills at bay.

Standing at 1550 feet above sea level - and three miles from the nearest road - century-old Skiddaw House is buying much needed fleece insulation instead of bracing itself against the ravages of mountain weather.

The money has come courtesy of the Lake District Sustainable Development Fund (SDF), which is also paying for half the cost of installing solar roof panels and interpretation boards.

SDF co-ordinator, Clive Wickham, said the historic building - high above Keswick - was a popular port of call for walkers on the Cumbrian Way and attracted large numbers of visitors.

He explained: “Obviously this is a very popular place, but plagued by harsh winter conditions. We are pleased to be able to help keep the building - and its guests - warm.

“Solar panels and sun pipes will reduce the building’s carbon footprint and solar thermal units will provide hot water.

“We are keen that all those who stay at Skiddaw House - formerly used by shepherds and gamekeepers - can find out more about these energy efficiency measures and how they will impact on cutting carbon in the Lake District.

“We hope interpretation panels will encourage people to think about how they can help reduce the effects of climate change on our world renowned landscape.”

Government-backed SDF has helped over 470 Lake District community and environmental schemes with grants ranging from £45,000 to £50. It has been particularly keen to support plans with a climate change or green energy focus.

Wickham said this year’s funding pot was now committed and, for the time being, no more projects were being considered. For further information, he can be contacted on 01539 792661, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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