February News!

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In early January we had a cold snap that dropped temperatures to -7 for over a week, and all the outside taps froze up.  We also had snow on the Pennines and we took an absolutely stunning walk up to High Cup Nick in the snow, which was probably the most magical we have ever seen it.  If you follow us on Facebook you may have seen the video we made of the walk.  Sadly we had no-one staying in the barn to enjoy the weather, but it’s worth bearing in mind that winter can be an amazing time to visit.

Last year was our busiest year to date since we opened, and we are grateful to all our guests who put their trust in us for their holiday, whether it was a one night stay in the Potting Shed or a longer break in Shepherds View.  This year is already looking like it will be another busy one and, never ones to sit still, we’ve been busy ourselves preparing for the new year.

The newest addition to Shepherds View is an inside Dog Wash.  This has enabled us to provide a hot water shower without fear of the pipes freezing up, and we hope that pooches that visit will appreciate a nice warm wash and feel a bit more pampered as they are on holiday too!  Of course we still have the outside hose-pipe for those that prefer!

We have also started a YouTube channel where we are putting a library together of short videos of things to do and places to visit in the area.  We hope this will be of interest to visiting guests, whether new to the area or returning back to us again.  You can find it at  https://www.youtube.com/@DuftonBarn
                               

Pub Recommendation – The Secret Garden, Pooley Bridge
https://secretgardenrestaurant.co.uk
Believe it or not the pictures for the Secret Garden were taken on 19th  September on one of the hottest days of the year with temperatures mid 20s, once again proving that a late summer holiday can often provide better weather.  We walked across from Askham and were able to book on-line as we walked when we knew what time we would be arriving.  Being September Pooley Bridge was a lot quieter than the traditional summer months and we spent a very pleasant lunch overlooking the river Eamont and watching the ducks!  Access to the restaurant is through the Pooley Bridge Stores – hence the Secret Garden.

https://secretgardenrestaurant.co.uk/

Cafe Recommendation – Marra 46, Kendal
If you make a trip across to Kendal then this cafe is well worth a visit.  Highly recommend to book before you go as it is always busy, especially with the locals.  If they can’t fit you in, rather than you wait, they will take your telephone number and ring you when your table is free.  The entrance to the cafe is down a tiny alleyway in the central shopping area, and you will have walked past it if you don’t know its there.  Excellent service and specialising in Piadina made with special Sourdough.
https://www.marra46.co.uk/

What’s on in the Eden
Appleby holds a small local market every Saturday morning.  Slightly further afield is the larger Orton Farmer’s market held on the first Saturday of each month.

Feb/Mar – Snowdrop weekends at Acorn Bank
26 April – Dalemain Marmalade Awards
10 May – Brougham Hall Wartime weekend
29 June – Ullswater Country Fair
19 July – Penrith Agricultural Show
25/26/27 July – Potfest in the Park at Hutton in the Forest
14 Aug – Appleby Agricultural Show
30 Aug – Fellside Royal Dufton

For more details and other events visit www.visiteden.co.uk

Suggested Walk – Murton Pike
This is a great walk, especially if the weather has been wet, as there is a hardcore road most of the way to the top.  It’s the big sister to Dufton Pike and starts from the car park in Murton, and offers great views across the Eden Valley on a clear day.  You get to Murton by turning left along the Keisley road as you leave Dufton, and driving along the single lane road until you reach the crossroads in Murton where you turn left.  The track up is obvious, is clearly marked from bottom to top, and is probably a little easier than Dufton Pike due to the way in which the road meanders up.  It takes us around 1.5 hours to do the round trip.

This is also another route to approach High Cup Nick if you are looking for something different as you can carry on from here, and like many walks in the area, you probably won’t see many other folk.  We have a circular walk in the information book if this is of interest to you.
Spring/Summer Availability
Shepherds View is now fully booked up until just before Easter, and other weeks are booking up fast across the always busy summer period, so if you have a specific date in mind then please book early so you don’t lose out.

The Pennine Way is celebrating 60 years since it was named a National Trail so we expect to be very busy in The Potting Shed over the Summer.  Dates are filling up fast so again please book as soon as you know your plans as there is limited accommodation in Dufton currently.

Next autumn we are planning to do some building works in the garden.  Consequently, we have closed off all dates during October and November.  However, we are still happy to take bookings during this time on the understanding that there may well be some disruption during building hours.  We will also offer a discount for guests that still do want to stay.  Please contact us direct for details if this is of interest to you.
                   

 

 

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