It’s hard to not marvel at such natural splendour and it could be the best backdrop you’ll ever see over a pint.
The caption under an image of The Wasdale Head Inn reads ‘there can’t be many more majestic settings for a boozer than this one’. And we’d be inclined to agree.
The image of the pub, along with a collection of others, where it is shown sitting neatly at the foot of the magnificent Wasdale Valley, was captured by photographer Nick Akroyd, who goes by the moniker Walking Man Photography. Images on the Halifax-based snapper’s Facebook page, which is dominated by landscape and wildlife shots of Cumbria and the Lake District, has quickly amassed more than 1,500 followers.
The pub is the base for British rock climbing and the sole hotel in the valley, which features England’s highest mountain Scafell Pike, the River Irt and the estuary at Ravenglass. It serves local ales, homemade food and provides shelter for passing hikers, tourists and explorers and boasts a snug bar, ideal for a place to take refuge in the winter.
The latest images show the traditional inn with a colourful, watercolour painting-like backdrop with a snow-covered mountain face, red, purple and orange rock faces, deep brown trees and a stone wall in the foreground completing the scene.
Nick focuses his adventures on Wasdale and the Keswick area, including Mosedale Horsehoe and Yewbarrow in the Western Fells, taking pictures as he goes before sharing them with his followers, along with witty and interesting captions. Admirers of the picture having been commenting on Nick’s ability to capture the area in its full beauty.
John Doyle said: “What a lovely setting, if it wasn’t for the word ‘INN’ this could be anywhere in any mountain region in the world.” Lindsey Buck wrote: “Always worth a visit – even better to stay.”
Barbara May Fearnley said a visit is “on her bucket list this year” before adding it is “absolutely stunning”. Finally, Bryan Schofield commented directly to Nick: “It’s a great spot and I’m chuffed that places like the Wasdale have survived the last few years – cheers to them (and you two of course).
Nick replied: “We love it, I know it’s a real struggle for the boozers, that’s why I never do dry January…..” Cheers to that, Nick.
