Tag Archive for: Cumbria

February News!

 

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.

                   

 

 

Summer News!

Hopefully the rainy season is finally past us and we can enjoy a spell of warm and sunny weather.  Both properties have been busy during May, and the Potting Shed in particular has been busy with Pennine Way walkers, although the Ravenber Way was a new one on us.

Longer days means a great opportunity to walk later in the day.  We highly recommend a late walk up Dufton Pike or High Cup to see the sun set over the valley.  Summer is also a great time to join in some of the rural traditions in the area with local agricultural shows coming thick and fast.

Whatever the weather there is always plenty to do.  We always look forward to getting our bikes out at this time of year and cycling around the quiet Eden Valley lanes – usually in search of coffee or ice cream at Brough Castle, Abbott Lodge or Melmersby.  We have lived here nearly 11 years now and still find great new walks or places to visit – in May we went wake boarding on Ullswater for the first time, which was brilliant fun and highly recommended for those who like a little bit of adrenaline.

               

 

Pub Recommendation – George & Dragon, Clifton 

The George & Dragon is owned by the Lowther Estate and is a multi award winning pub.  The pub aims to  rear, forage and grow most of its ingredients from the family farms and the kitchen gardens at Michelin starred Askham Hall.  The food produced is exceptional, and whilst the price is at the top end of what you would expect from a pub, the old adage of you get what you pay for has never been more true.  Highly recommended for a special celebration or for a treat.

https://georgeanddragonclifton.co.uk/eat/

Cafe Recommendation – Jak & Co, Appleby

Jak & Co, at number 4 Bridge Street, is a new edition to the coffee spots in Appleby.  Previously just a soft furnishings and ornaments shop, Jackie has now added an excellent coffee shop selling hot drinks, sandwiches and homemade cake served from 9.30 to 2.30 every day except Sunday.  As the Florist in Appleby has sadly closed they also sell fresh bunches of flowers for that special occasion or emergency purchase!  They can also be ordered in advance.  

For more details visit their Facebook page Jak & Co

 

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.

30 June – Ullswater Country Fair
6 July – Skelton Agricultural Show
20 July – Penrith Agricultural Show
26/27/28 July – Potfest in the Park at Hutton in the Forest
8 Aug – Appleby Agricultural Show
15 Aug – Brough Agricultural Show
24 Aug – Ravenstonedale Agricultural Show
29 Aug – Crosby Ravensworth Agricultural Show
31 Aug – Fellside Royal Dufton

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

Suggested Walk – Hilton Beck

This is a lovely walk, especially if you want to get away from it all, and starts from Hilton which is only a 15 minute drive from Dufton.  Its a smaller version of the High Cup Valley, but you can only do it when the red flags aren’t flying as it walks across the edge of the Warcop army range and so you need there to be no live firing.  You park in a designated parking area at the top end of Hilton and then follow a track alongside Hilton Beck for as far as 4 miles depending on how you feel.  You probably won’t see more than a couple of people on your way and you can reach the Scordale mine workings for a bit of Eden Valley history.  If you are feeling adventurous then walk back along either right or left ridge for stunning views (check your ordnance survey map for the route) or simply retrace your steps. 

Summer Current Availability

We have limited availability across the rest of the Summer, but do have the following short breaks available in Shepherds View.

4 nts Mon 24th to Fri 28th June
3 nts Fri 12th to Mon 15th July
3 nts Fri 9th to Mon 12th Aug
6 nts Sat 14th to Fri 20th Sept

The Potting Shed has more availability, but with a surge in National Trail walkers these dates fill up fast so please book as soon as you know your plans as there is limited accommodation in Dufton now.

If you have an interest in fine art then the July date coincides with Dufton Village Hall’s annual Art in the Hills event, which showcases local artists from the Eden Valley with their artwork available to purchase.

Of course on warm summer days our garden is at its sumptuous best and a great place to sit out and enjoy a cup of tea or a cheeky glass of wine after a day out.  We are dog friendly, and you can relax knowing your furry friend is safe in our dog proofed garden.