About Low Gillerthwaite

The Centre occupies a traditional 17th Century Lakeland farmhouse and outbuildings, once one of the largest and most important sheep farms in England.
It is now managed as a Registered Charity, No. CC 529193.

Resident Warden
Our Warden Carol Emmons lives in a separate building opposite, and will normally meet visitors on arrival to give an introduction. She also offers activity leadership and instruction to groups and individuals independently of the Association. These are booked and paid for separately, ask the Warden for details, or visit the carolclimb website.
To make a booking, please see the Bookings page.

Arriving
Unload into the multi-purpose barn (large black doors on right), then continue through the gap and park in the main car park opposite the log stacks.
Click here for directions to LGFC.    (opens in new tab/window)

Group Leaders
Please familiarise yourself with the clipboard notes by the fire alarm point in the kitchen, and enter everyone's name on the Fire List.

Catering
The self-catering kitchen contains 2 gas cookers, 1 is a domestic size with eye-level grill, 4 hobs and 2 ovens, and 1 is a catering size with 6 hobs and larger oven. There is also a catering-type grill. As our electricity is not yet available 24 hours, there is 1 domestic gas fridge with freezing compartment. Most standard cooking utensils are provided, and we would encourage you to separate and recycle your waste, and take all your glass away.

The 'middle' kitchen has a disused fireplace with an old cooking pot hanger, and an interesting side oven. This was the original farmhouse kitchen.
There is additional shelving in here for your supplies, and a foldaway table and chairs if you have difficulty accessing the dining room.

Dining
The dining room is above the kitchen, and can seat 40 people on 5 tables with benches. All cutlery, crockery and tea towels are provided, and there is a double sink and drainers for washing-up.

Relaxing
The main house has 2 lounges with open fires. The small lounge is carpeted, and the larger one still has an original stone flagged floor, and game(?) hooks in the ceiling. You will be expected to replenish the log supply in here, and saws/axes are available from the Warden.
There is a night light in the large lounge, and a wind-up lantern in the small lounge.

Sleeping
We have 5 dormitories. In the main house, the Birkett and Kirkhaugh rooms have 4 bunks each, the Richardson room has 8, and the Tyson room has 10.
The Colebank dormitory is accessed via an indoor corridor, and has 14 bunks.
You will need to provide your own sleeping bag and pillowcase (pillows are provided).

Washing
There are separate male and female toilet facilities along this corridor, both with hot showers included in your bednight fees. There is an additional sink near the Colebank dormitory, which is also available to campers.

Drying room
There is a useful drying room in the house, near the bottom of the stairs. Larger or wetter items are best left in the main barn.

General
The corridor also gives access to the large barn where you probably unloaded on arrival, and which is available for gentler indoor games.
There are hangers and boot racks for your outdoor gear and very wet clothing.
Please advise your group members to each bring a torch, as the main lights are turned off after hours and the night lights are only in the communal areas (not dormitories).
It does get very dark outside. Just check out all those stars on a clear night!

Wolfson Room
Across the yard is the Wolfson Room, also available to non-Centre users on a per day basis. This classroom/study room is available to Centre users at no extra charge, but please arrange with the Warden in advance. We can loan you various items, e.g. microscope, maps, compasses, badge maker, and it has its own wood-burning stove.

Outside
Our own 2 acre field can be used for outdoor games, camping, stargazing, birdwatching, etc. (we can even lend you a terrestrial telescope). Part of this field is managed as a wild meadow, so please heed any signs or marked areas, and also be aware of the livestock.
This field also houses our wigloo (see Activities page) which your younger members may enjoy playing in.

Public telephone
This is located adjacent to the kitchen. It will receive incoming calls on 01946 861820.
Most mobile phones will not work in the valley bottom.

Click on an image to enlarge it.