News & Offers from Dufton

4 of the Best Walks straight from Shepherds View

April 13, 2019/in News, Uncategorized /by Dufton Barn

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.

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
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.
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.
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

January 31, 2019/in News /by Dufton Barn

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

October 20, 2018/in News /by Dufton Barn

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!

September 9, 2018/0 Comments/in News /by Linda Winstanley

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.

Book now at Shepherds View for these great local events!

August 8, 2018/in News /by Dufton Barn

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

May 21, 2018/in News /by Dufton Barn

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.”

Now open for Guests!

April 12, 2018/in News /by Dufton Barn

We are delighted to announce that the building work at Shepherds View is now finished and that you can now make bookings for your short break or weeks holiday from the beginning of May. Please check the availability tab for further information on prices and availability. We look forward to welcoming you very soon!