Fodor's Expert Review Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel

There's no more comforting stop after a day outdoors than the Hiker's Bar of this 300-year-old hotel at the head of the Great Langdale Valley. The stone floor and wooden beams echo to the clatter of boots, and the roaring, smoky fire rapidly dries out wet walking gear. Thick slabs of flapjack (dense bar cookies) from behind the bar will get you up the surrounding Langdale Pikes, as will the hearty, good-value homemade soup and pies. Guest rooms are decorated with traditional patterned carpets and flowered bed linens, and some have four-poster beds, though the hotel exudes a rougher version of Lakeland life far away from Beatrix Potter quaintness.