The 'hotel' is planned for the summit of Scafell Pike

A hotel is to be installed on England’s highest mountain.

But the temporary structure will accommodate only birds, as part of an art installation that will involve a procession of walkers in avian outfits making the ascent of Scafell Pike.

The ‘highest art in England’ will feature Alice Francis’s Hilltop Rest Hotel. Cumbria Tourism said it will open for one week only in September.

“A procession of bird-costumed hikers will climb to the summit and ceremoniously stake the hotel to the top of the summit cairn, where the boutique hotel will provide a welcome break for nature-loving and travel weary birds,” a spokesperson said.

The bird hotel is one of many installations and exhibitions being staged for the fourth year in the C-Art festival.

Elsewhere in the mountains and valleys there will be giant wool balls, swarms of ceramic dragonflies, and droving sticks.

C-Art in Extraordinary Places incorporates several National Trust properties and other locations throughout Cumbria including mines, mills, bridges and barns, fell-sides and a cathedral.

Art installations are planned across the Lake District

Four micro-commissions will see selected artists produce new work in the Cumbrian landscape.

Ashness Bridge will play host to brightly coloured sheep skulls and giant balls of fleece, created by artists Annabel Lewis and Natalie Williamson. The fleeces will run up the fell-side and cover an entire National Trust Bark Barn, while inside an installation will incorporate skulls, bones and found objects.

Richard Greenwood, Cumbria Tourism’s head of operations, said: “It’s brilliant to see C-Art grow in popularity with both the artists involved and visitors to the county.

“As we know, the Cumbrian landscape has inspired generations of artists and C-Art continues to promote this deep-rooted tradition.

“The addition of the Art in Extraordinary Places installations within this year’s programme further helps to highlight the breadth of creative talent based in Cumbria. C-Art also helps to attract visitors to the area, encouraging them to stay longer and enjoy the cultural side of things in the Lake District.”

C-Art takes place from 13 to 28 September, with about 200 artists, designers and independent galleries opening their doors to the public.

The hotel will be installed on England’s highest mountain top on 20 and 21 September and will be in place until 28 September.

The installation will be a filmed performance, but organisers said due to weather uncertainties, precise times cannot be given. Anyone wishing to view it is advised to wear appropriate clothing, carry refreshments and leave with at least eight hours of daylight.

More details of the various art installations are on the C-Art website.