Book The Mount B&B in Portinscale, Lake District

The Mount B&B offers six rooms, each with private bathroom and artistic decor that includes local and international artwork and Clive's photography on display. Room number 6 has a view of Skiddaw from the bed, while a Super King with Lake View room offers direct sightlines to Derwentwater from the bedroom. The Shepherd's Hut in the garden provides solo travelers a separate sleeping space with a toilet and sink, plus a private shower room inside the house.

Aga-cooked breakfasts are served around a communal dining table, with options including full English/Irish, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals prepared from local produce. Homemade bread and conserves accompany the meal, and guests can request items such as black pudding the evening before. The dining room overlooks the award-winning garden, and on fine mornings breakfast can be taken outdoors.

The gardens have won awards and contain a sun terrace, picnic area, and outdoor furniture for guest use throughout the day. A bird-feeder at the front attracts goldfinches and pheasants, and the grounds include a hose pipe for washing dogs after walks. Secure bike storage in a garage is available for cycling enthusiasts.

Dogs are welcome with prior arrangement, and the hotel provides pet bowls and towels in the room on arrival. Clive and Caroline offer local insights on dog-friendly walks and wild swims, including directions to the infinity pool at Buttermere. The resident spaniel, Peppa, stays in the family area and is not present in guest spaces unless invited.

The Mount B&B sits in Portinscale, a 15-minute footpath walk from Keswick and a 10-minute stroll from Derwentwater lake for boating and walks. Catbells and other Wainwright walks start from the doorstep, and a bus service to Buttermere stops outside the property. Keswick parkrun follows a disused railway line, and the hotel provides an informative app with walking routes and restaurant recommendations.

Location: 15-min walk from Keswick, 10-min walk from Derwentwater

Rooms: 6 rooms including Shepherd's Hut with private bathroom, lake-view and mountain-view rooms

Breakfast: Aga-cooked breakfasts with homemade bread, local produce, and vegan/gluten-free options

Gardens: Award-winning garden with bird-feeder, picnic area, and secure bike storage

Pet-Friendly: Dogs welcome with bowls, towels, and insider walking advice

Insider Knowledge: Hosts provide local tips on wild swims, walks, and infinity pool at Buttermere