Gary and Donna MacRae take evident pride in their hotel in its own wooded grounds, perched above this hamlet in the Borrowdale valley. It has views of Scafell Pike and Great Gable. ‘We had a lovely, relaxing stay in this gorgeous country house,’ writes a reader. ‘Such a beautiful setting. The service was outstanding and the food was delicious.’ ‘Gary MacRae is a delightful host,’ reports a trusted Guide correspondent, who had a comfortable room, Bowfell, and was mightily impressed by the bathroom: the ‘beautiful wall tiling’, underfloor heating, anti-mist mirror, big bath and ‘copious supplies’ of posh toiletries. At 7 pm guests gather for canapés and a four-course meal cooked by Mrs MacRae and chef David Jackson, with good choices at each course. Maybe a warm goat’s cheese tart, passion fruit sorbet, cradle of Lakeland Herdwick lamb, crème brûlée with garden-grown strawberry and rhubarb compote. At breakfast there are omelettes, kippers, Cumberland sausage, of course. Walks start from the door, and guests may ask for a packed lunch (‘terrific sandwiches’). (Michael Gwinnell, Mike and Barbara Clegg, and others)