Directions
The address is: Gap Cottage, Nether Wasdale, Cumbria CA20 1ET. The postcode covers most of the village so satnav not recommended at the end of the journey. The phone number is 01946 726549 - incoming and emergency calls only.
These directions are assuming you're driving from the south. (From the north head from J40 of the M6 via the A66 to the A595, turning left at Gosforth.)
It's a long journey from the south, with some windy roads towards the end, which are easier in daylight.
Directions
Exit the M6 at Junction 36, turning left onto the A590 towards Barrow. You're an hour and a half away.
The final motorway services is Burton-in-Kendal, just before J36. (There aren't many stopping places between the M6 and the cottage, but there are one or two petrol stations including one at Newby Bridge)
From J36 follow Barrow/Newby Bridge A590. To stay on the A590 take a left at the Brettagh Halt roundabout.
Pass Newby Bridge Shell Services after about half an hour of A590, then go straight on at the roundabout, signposted Barrow/Ulverston.
At Greenodd turn right onto the A5092 (turns into the A595) towards Workington and Whitehaven.
The small village of Greenodd itself offers, among other things, fish and chips and the Bakehouse cafe, about an hour from the cottage.
This is a long and windy route with some great views, that will take you up and down as you drive towards the coast.
Eventually you'll reach a T-junction: there's a derelict filling station opposite as you turn right to stay on the A595.
Follow this road along the coast all the way to Gosforth which is on the right (Seascale is to the left). At the mini roundabout turn right, and drive right through the village and out the other side towards Wasdale Head (there's a village store with cashpoint, and handy car park - with loos/recycling). After about four miles along what becomes 'Lane Side', ignore the sign to Nether Wasdale, but take the next turning on the right (a narrow lane).
There is a T-junction sign, pictured, just before the turning.
Gap Cottage is first building on the left after the sheep field. You'll need to get out and open the gate (and shut it again beind you to keep sheep out).
If you go over the cattle grid pictured left, on the main road you've missed the turning!
Alternative shorter but steeper route over the fells in clear weather: turn right off A595 at Duddon Bridge towards Ulpha and follow the road to Eskdale, coming into Nether Wasdale via Santon Bridge. After driving through the village you'll take the right fork after the pubs and a few houses, to arrive at Gap Cottage on your right opposite Newthwaite and immediately after Gap Farm.
Click here to see the satellite image of the cottage. Click here to see it as a map.
Petrol (and wood)
The nearest petrol station to the cottage is at Holmrook (CA19 1YG), which you will probably pass through on your way there from the south. It's open daily 6am-10pm (except Christmas day), sells wood and there's a small shop. You can also get wood at Pellymounters (CA20 1PU, tel: 019467 28822), the hardware shop in Seascale, from about October to mid-April.