Wasdale Head Inn, Wasdale Head

The World's Biggest Liar competition began here, started by the first winner, landlord Will Ritson in the 19th century (read more at http://www.santonbridgeinn.com/#!the-worlds-bigest-liar/cbic), along with a crag rat competition where the challenge was to get around the walls of the snug on the shelving! Whilst that is no longer encouraged, there is plenty more to do and look at, both inside and out, whilst enjoying great locally produced food and a choice of seven changing, but mostly Cumbrian, ales and a real cider, with a real fire in winter and outdoor tables in summer! The historic photos of the birth of rock-climbing and the outfits they wore are enlightening.

Outside, there is Sca Fell England's tallest mountain on the doorstep, to look up at or to climb, with the Pike and Great Gable adjacent. England's smallest church is a stone's throw away, with its memorials to fallen climbers, and you pass England's deepest lake on the way there. The pub has accommodation, chalets and there is a campsite next door and the valley head, accessed by a twisting and turning single track road, can get very busy in Summer.