Access & Communication

Access & Communication

Access & Communication

Access & Communication

The ‘Cottage’ is a mid 17th Century former coaching inn located in the heart of Whinlatter, England’s only mountain forest.

Despite the constraints of the age of the building, and the hill side location, we have done much to make ‘The Cottage’ a safe and accessible place to visit or stay.   Our efforts  have been guided by the requirements of the Disability Discrimination act 1995 and we have endeavoured to meet the needs of those with disabilities or other impairments.  A member of our team has attended ‘Welcome All’ training, and shared the information with colleagues.  Hopefully,the following information will assist you to make an informed judgement about whether or not we will be able to accommodate your needs.  We are happy to provide additional specific information if this is helpful to you, for example, measurements for a particular room.

Whinlatter Forest, Lake District

Location

‘The Cottage’ is located 290 metres (just under a 1000ft) up on the Whinlatter pass (B5292), two miles up from the village of Braithwaite (map reference NY 225240 Lat: 54.60590 Long: 3.20130). Although the road narrows coming through the village, it opens out to a comfortable width.  There are some steep and ‘windy’ sections, however it is negotiable by HGVs and buses. Cars should not have a problem.

The nearest train station is Penrith, approximately 22 miles away, from which there is an hourly bus service to Keswick.  We are located 5 miles to the West of Keswick, and a typical taxi fare would be around £10.00 -£12.00.  There is an infrequent bus service from Keswick between April and the end of October (The Honister rambler, number 77) for which we can provide the timetable.

Parking is plentiful and free.  We have a wide parking bay closest to the entrance and we will be happy to reserve this space  for you.  We are of course pleased to assist with other requirements that will make your arrival smoother.  Please leave your luggage to us.  Our staff have training in helping to meet the individual needs of guests.

The restaurant and rooms.

Access to the building has improved considerably, since our refurbishment, ten years ago.  Entry, and access to all ground floor facilities, including wash-rooms is all on one level.  There is a disabled wash-room that is equipped with rails etc.

The restaurant has a wood floor with adequate space for wheel chairs.  Table service is offered for breakfast, lunch,  and dinner.  The restaurant is well lit with good natural and additional lighting.  For evening dinner service, lighting is a little more subdued.  We are unable to offer room service.  A large print menu is available upon request.  Pre and post dinner drinks may also be taken in the lounge or on the terrace, weather permitting.

Treetops - Loft Room

Rooms on the first and second floor

Access to most rooms is via a carpeted staircase that comprises 12 steps with a landing in the middle.  There is a hand rail on the left.  Cottage rooms are on the first floor corridor.  There are a further two steps to mountain view rooms, Oak and Ash.  Access to tree tops, the loft room is via a further flight of stairs that are steep and narrow. Access to the Garden room is outside and entails fourteen steps down to the Garden area.

Decoration

Communication

Staff are contactable 24 hours.  A telephone is in all rooms with contact numbers.   Mobile phone reception is very weak other than the EE network. Free Wi Fi can be accessed anywhere on the premises.