National (Trust) Treasures

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On 12 January 2020 The National Trust celebrates 125 years of protecting and caring for special places across the UK. Beatrix Potter was a great supporter and needless to say Cumbria has its share of beautiful places to visit with whole areas of the landscape in the ownership of the Trust. Here is a selection of some of those that are close by to Shepherds View.

Acorn Bank, Temple Sowerby – CA10 1SP – 7.5 miles – 15 mins
Only a short drive from Shepherds View along quiet country roads to avoid the A66. Best known for its comprehensive herb collection and traditional fruit orchards, Acorn Bank is a tranquil haven with a fascinating industrial past. You can discover more about the history of gypsum mining on the estate or wander along the Crowdundle Beck. In the house you can book on to a free daily guided tour. Open through the year but check specific times.

Aira Force, Watermillock – CA11 0JS – 22 miles – 35 mins
Ullswater and Pooley Bridge are great places to visit in themselves and Aira Force is one of many jewels in the crown of this beautiful lake. There is more here than just an impressive waterfall, as there are a network of trails from the lakeshore to the top of Gowbarrow summit, and fabulous views across Ullswater. You don’t even have to arrive by car as Ullswater steamers has a pier here. It’s also a great rainy day visit as the site is beneath the woodland canopy and the falls become even more impressive with more water! Open Dawn to Dusk for the countryside – check times for the tea-room.

Sizergh, Kendal – LA8 8DZ – 36 miles – 50 mins
Taking a trip to Kendal will take you a lovely scenic route over Orton Fell and past the towering Howgills. Sizergh is an imposing medieval house at the gateway to the Lake District with rich gardens and estate. The House closes for the winter, but the park and gardens including the café remain open, so do check on opening times before setting out. There are also a series of events on through the year.

Allan Bank and Grasmere – LA22 9QB – 38 miles – 1 hour
Head toward Keswick and then on to Grasmere is an inspiring drive as you start to see the full majesty of the Lake District. Allan Bank house is set on a hill with views over Grasmere lake and fells where Wordsworth once found inspiration. There are plenty of walks around the area, and red squirrels in the grounds. The welcoming village of Grasmere is a short 10 minute walk away. Check opening times as the house operates winter and summer opening times.

Townend, Troutbeck – LA23 1LB – 41 miles – 1 hour 5 mins
Either on from Grasmere or up and over the Kirkstone pass from Ullswater. This is a traditional Lake District stone and slate farmhouse but full of quirky objects and fascinating stories of more than 400 years of history. Beatrix Potter described the Troutbeck Valley as her favourite. Open Wed to Sun (March to October) from 1-4pm with guided tours at 11am and 12 noon on FCFS basis. Garden open every day from 10am

Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, Hexham – NE47 7BP – 38 miles – 1 hour 15 mins (via A686)
The A686 to Alston up Hartside Pass is a fabulous route to take to Allen Banks, with magnificent views across the Solway Firth at the peak of the climb. At Allen Banks itself you will find beautiful walking at any time of the year through woodland and following the course of the River Allen. The area is particularly well known for its carpet of bluebells in spring, and home to over 70 species of bird and the occasional red squirrel. Well worth the trip out as the area is within the North Pennine AONB. Open dawn to dusk with pay and display parking.

Hadrian’s Wall and Housesteads Fort, Hexham – NE47 6NN – 57miles – 1 hour 12 (via A69)
Only a short distance further on than Allen Banks is this renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. The quickest route is via the M6 and A69 but do take the A686 one of the ways. With breathtaking landscapes choose from invigorating walks along the wall or discover the archaeological past amongst the remain of the Fort. Hadrian’s wall is open all day, but check times daily for the fort.

Eden Valley breaks by Train

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No car, no problem!  If you want to leave the car at home and are looking for a perfect place for your holiday or short break then you need look no further than Shepherds View in the Eden.

With our location close to Appleby-in-Westmorland (3 miles away) access couldn’t be easier.  Appleby is on the famous Settle-Carlisle line, which gives connections to both East and West Coast Mainline rail networks, and regular trains from both Leeds and Carlisle.  As an alternate route you also have the option of Penrith (14 miles away) which is also on the West Coast mainline – if you prefer the next stop after Penrith is Carlisle where you can connect to Appleby!

The beauty of our location is that once you are in the cottage you can be self-sufficient for as long as your stay!   Order your grocery shop on-line with most major supermarkets delivering to the area.  We have a fantastic pub, The Stag, a 2 minute walk from the cottage serving hearty Cumbrian dishes and in this years Good Beer guide.  For those that want to be active there are plenty of great walks for all abilities right from the doorstep.  This includes High Cup Nick, nicknamed ‘Grand Canyon of the North’, and featured by Julia Bradbury as one of her best walks with a view https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PBz0UMJoLI .  In addition, this is a fantastic location for cycling with quiet country roads or for the really serious the murderous Great Dun Fell climb.  The Eden Valley is less well known than the neighbouring Lake District but just as charming and far less crowded!

Finally, with enough notice, we would be happy to pick you up and drop you off at Appleby at the start and end of your holiday.  Please contact us for further information.

Cafes with Attitude!

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Who doesn’t like a coffee or tea break during the day? Even in the quiet Eden coffee shops abound, including some of the well-known high street brands. However, what can be better than finding little gems with a difference that can provide additional interest or entertainment on a wet (or dry day) as well as a tasty coffee bean treat. Here are some of our favourites that are off the beaten track and not on the high street. As always check them out on line to check their opening hours!

Rheged – www.rheged.com
Part of the famous Dunning family (Gloucester/Tebay services) enjoy the café and shop for gifts and local produce or enjoy the Arts or cinema facilities. On the A66 just over the M6 on the way to Keswick. Open from 8.30am

Café 4 Eden – www.broughamhall.co.uk
Located just one mile south of Penrith Brougham hall is one of the largest country house restoration projects in England.  Home to an array of arts and craft workshops you will find the hall an interesting place to browse through.  In the centre of the fortified house you will find a wonderful coffee shop with some wonderful cakes to enjoy with your coffee!  Open 9 to 4.30pm daily.

Larch Cottage Gardens – www.larchcottage.co.uk
Hidden away in the tiny hamlet of Melkinthorpe this is a thriving nursery in a landscaped garden setting, so you get interesting plants and statues and ornaments for sale, and a great café. Open 10 to 5pm.

Old Village Bakery – www.therowleyestates.com/services/visit-old-village-bakery
Located in Melmerby on the A486 to Alston. Open daily and also has a boutique called Hollberrie upstairs selling ladies fashion, gifts and interior. Once you have finished head on up the hill for spectactular views back over the Eden!

The Yard at Brunswick Yard – www.brunswickyard.com
On Brunswick Road in Penrith just next to Morrisons. Open from 10am but not Sun/Mon. Browse the reclamation yard and then have a brew in the upstairs cafe to ponder your purchases.

Dalemain House and Gardens – www.dalemain.com
World renowned home of the annual Marmalade competition – Paddington eat your heart out. Lovely gardens and interesting house to visit followed by a coffee in the atmospheric café. Sun to Thu from 10 to 4pm

Millyard Cafe – www.millyardcafe.co.uk
Find this café in the lovely Eden village of Morland. Take a stroll around the picturesque village then indulge yourself in the café. Open 9 to 4pm but closed on Mon/Tue.

Cranstons – www.cranstons.net/stores/cafe-oswalds
Cumbrian foodhall showcasing fabulous local Cumbrian produce. The perfect place to eat, drink and relax after you have shopped in the foodhall. Open 8 to 5 daily and 10 to 4 on Sundays.

Church Gallery – www.church-gallery.co.uk
Explore the Cumbrian market town of Kirkby Stephen and then visit the 3 storey gift shop on the edge of the high street. Open 9 to 5 and Sundays 11 to 5.

Great local pubs and eateries!

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Cumbria and the Eden has a magnificent array of locally grown produce available (great local ales, dairy and meat products) and the quality of the chefs in the area is excellent. Consequently, there are some superb local eateries within a short distance of Shepherds View to suit a variety of tastes and requirements. Carole is a pescatarian so is always on the look-out for a good vegetarian or fish dish, and these days there are some great options available, but those looking for gluten free meals are also well catered for. The recommendations below are some of our personal favourites, and we hope you like them, but we would always suggest that you book before you visit as they are often busy at peak times.

The Stag, Dufton – www.thestagdufton.co.uk
For those wanting to keep their carbon foot-print really low then you can’t find better than the Stag, which is only a 2 minute walk away. Good Cumbrian fayre is on offer, with always a number of ales available, and a range of GF/Veg dishes.

The Butchers Arms, Crosby Ravensworth – www.thebutcherscrosby.co.uk
This award winning pub is about 20 minutes drive away but is well worth the visit. Not only is it in a beautiful valley setting, it is also a ‘community pub’ so owned by the village, and currently the No.1 pub in Cumbria on Tripadvisor. Again some delicious dishes, real ales, half portion options, and a good range of vegetarian and GF including Fish & Chips!

The Bridge, Kirkby Thore – www.thebridgebistro.co.uk
10 minutes drive away on the A66 this stylish bistro is in the Michelin guide 2018 and the perfect place for a special celebration. Recently visited by Hugh Jackman no less – you never know who you might meet! A good range of vegetarian and GF dishes are available also.

Shepherds Inn, Langwathby – www.shepherds-inn.co.uk
Another one of our favourites, the Shepherds Inn, is 25 minutes drive away, on the backroads to Penrith. This in itself makes it interesting as it is a lovely drive, but another typical Cumbrian hostelry awaits, with good ale and food, and if you like fish and chips then the Langwathby Whale will be right up your street! GF and vegetarian options.

4 of the Best Walks straight from Shepherds View

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The Eden is a hidden gem of Cumbria and walking in the area is a real pleasure; the scenery is stunning and there are so many interesting places to see and visit, and the walking can be not too strenuous.  Even better, unlike the crowded Lake District, you can often find that you have the fells to yourself.  Here at Shepherds View we have provided some walking books of the area for those of our guests that want to spread their wings and explore the area more widely.  However, if you don’t want to move your car whilst you are with us here are some of our favourite walks straight from the Barn – directions and maps are also provided.

  1. Dufton Ghyll – 25 minutes – Easy – Lovely walk in the woods behind Dufton.  If you are lucky you could see (depending on the time of day) deer, red squirrel, woodpecker, buzzard, kingfisher, heron. Fantastic display of bluebells in late April/early May
  2. The “Church” Walk – 35 minutes – Easy – stroll through fields at the foot of Dufton Pike to St Cuthberts Church and return on a circular route.
  3. Dufton Pike or round the back – 2/2.5 hours – Moderate – gradual climb up the peak that dominates the village of Dufton with spectacular views across the Eden toward the Lakes and the Howgills, or if you don’t fancy scaling the top you can simply go round the back with stunning views of the valley that is hidden behind it.
  4. High Cup Nick – 4 to 6 hours – Moderate – This is the Grand Canyon of the North of England and is well worth the effort, and is actually a surprisingly straight forward walk.  The beauty of High Cup Nick is that you can’t see the valley properly until you have reached the obvious apex and look back down it.  This walk was also featured by Julia Bradbury in her favourite walk series on ITV a few years ago and can probably be viewed on Youtube and occasionally on Catch up TV.

Great Events in the fabulous Eden Valley

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The Eden is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year, with plenty of quiet green space to explore, but if you need any further reason to come then why not tie in your stay at Shepherds View with one of these fantastic local events.  There’s a heady mix of events showcasing music, animals and arts & crafts to suit all tastes!

23rd February – High Cup Nick Fell Race
16th March – the world famous marmalade festival at Dalemain
May – stunning Bluebell display in Flakebridge
6th to 9th June – the Appleby Horse Fair
20th July – Penrith Show
26th to 28th July – Potfest at Hutton in the Forest
25th to 28th July – Kendal Calling at Lowther
3rd & 4th August – Stag Inn beer festival (tbc)
8th August – Appleby Agricultural Show
31st August – the Fellside Royal in Dufton
26th October – Winter Droving festival in Penrith

There are plenty of other activities and to see what’s on in the area during your stay then Visit Eden (www.visiteden.co.uk) is a great place to start.

Perfect getaway holiday in the valley of Eden

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Ask most holiday makers to point to Cumbria on a map and they will inevitably pick out the Lake District. But the Eden Valley? That’s another matter and much less well known, which is its great appeal.

The Eden Valley has all the green valley charm and the cutesy cottages of the Lakes, but without the main holiday detractor of hordes of people. It is also the ideal holiday destination to slow down the pace and explore locally, or a perfect base to make the short trip to the North Yorkshire moors or the North Lakes region. To those that have discovered this little known tranquil and peaceful paradise it is a favourite place visited time and again.

The Eden Valley takes its name from the River Eden that follows a meandering 80 mile route from its source at Mallerstang to the Solway near Carlisle, close to Wallsend and the end of Hadrians Wall. Along with dramatic scenery, pretty market towns persist with Kirkby Stephen, Appleby, and Penrith along the route. The Eden region includes the Pennines to its North and East, including an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is bordered by the Western Lakes fells, Ullswater and the Howgill fells to the South.

There is plenty to do and explore, many jewels to discover and memories to make. Take a relatively gentle (by Lake District standards) hike up High Cup Nick described as the ‘Grand Canyon of the North’ and featured by Julia Bradbury in her walking series. Search out some history – castles abound or visit one of the finest stone circles in the North, Long Meg and her daughters, or the Nine Standards Rigg, or even Shap Abbey. There are event venues like Rheged, Acorn Bank, Lowther Castle and Dalemain to visit, or let someone else take you on a trip on the Carlisle to Settle railway, or Classic Coaches tour or a cruise with Ullswater Steamers. Bring your bike and cycle along the quiet lanes of the Upper Eden – visit the chocolate factory at Orton – or simply find a coffee shop to while away some time and enjoy the Cumbrian Crack!

What about the weather, after all you are in Cumbria? In fact, due to its position surrounded by fells the Eden has a microclimate of its own. If its raining with you then it could still be dry 5 miles away, and it’s not unreasonable to chase the good weather. In truth, whilst Keswick averages 58 inches of rain a year, Penrith and Appleby match the same level of rainfall as Cornwall at around 36 inches!

As the Cumbrian’s say, why not take a ‘Deekabout’ at the Eden for yourself and find out what it has to offer – answers on a postcard!

Walk (or cycle) the Pennine Way : a great day out!

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Walk the Pennine Way!

As a walking enthusiast, I am blessed every day to wake up surrounded by such wonderful scenery. With Dufton Pike on our doorstep we are surrounded by a living, breathing backdrop which changes with the seasons.

Read more

Book now at Shepherds View for these great local events!

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There’s a lot going on in August and September in the Eden Valley.

Why not book your break to coincide with one or more of these fantastic local events and have a 5 star holiday with a difference!

18th/19 August – Cumbria Classic Cars at Dalemain Mansion
25th August – Dufton Agricultural Show and Sheepdog Trials
30th August – Crosby Ravensworth Show & Vintage Rally
30th to 2nd September – Penrith Arts Festival
8th Sept – Alston Flower Show / 200th Orton Farmers Market
14th to 16th Sept – Appleby Beer festival at the Midland Hotel
22nd to 30th Sept – Ullswater Outdoor Festival
22nd Sept – Over 50s show at Rheged
29th Sept – Judy’s affordable vintage fair at Rheged

Shepherds View Obtains 5 Star Gold Award with Visit England

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We are delighted to announce that we have just been awarded a 5 Star Gold Award for Shepherds View by Visit England.  We have spent a lot of time and care in the design and build phase of our barn conversion, and we are delighted to have achieved this as we want to ensure our guests have the best possible experience when they stay with us.

The assessment summary is shown below, and we hope it won’t be long until you are able to stay with us.

“The village property is very well situated to enjoy the rural views and location.  The property offers a very high level of quality accommodation.  The standard of finish within the accommodation is extremely high, with quality furniture and items carefully selected by the owners.  The standards of housekeeping are excellent.”