Explore
Our location is enviable the barn looks out to the Pennines in the East, which often glow red in the evening light and by day the clouds dance their shadow across them; to the south you can see the marching army of Nine Standards where the Coast to Coast path crosses into Yorkshire and the Mallerstang Valley which holds the source of the River Eden; to the north and south is a rural idyll of farmland and woodland that hold bountiful wildlife from Roe Deer, Red Squirrel, Hare and Stoat to name but a few.
Running past the entrance to the barn is a footpath which is now part of the Pennine Journey created by Alfred Wainright.
We have several other local walks shown in our welcome booklet when you arrive, along with Landranger maps of the area for you to borrow. To view the local walks please click on the following link: Local Walks
We are spoilt for outdoor pursuits here in the Eden Valley, below are links to specialists centres, as well as Fishing, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Cycling, Climbing, and Gliding
Outdoor Centre
Rookin House is an outdoor pursuits centre and has multiple activities such as horse riding, quad bikes, clay pigeon shooting and archery, the list goes on…. Visit Website
Fishing
Fly fishing on the River Eden is within walking distance from the front door and extends from Warcop to Pendragon in the Mallerstang Valley. Day tickets can be acquired from Halls Newsagents, Kirkby Stephen; for further information: Visit Website
If you want to fish further downstream then visit:
Appleby Angling: Visit Website
Penrith Anglers: Visit Website
Bessy Beck Trout Fishing offers fly fishing and bait fishing over 3 lakes near Ravenstonedale Visit Website
If you would prefer to have a local guide then this can be arranged through Happy Days Visit Website
Golf
Appleby Golf Course is a short 10 minute drive and sits on the edge of the Pennines with views across the Eden valley to the Lake District. Visit Website
Cycling
Local routes and guides are available at Visit Eden: Visit Website; or simply explore for yourself.
If you need to hire a bike or need to repair your own, then our local town has Coast to Coast Cycles: Visit Website
If you require a little help up our hills then why not hire an electric bike through E Motion; Visit Website
Sailing, Canoeing and Paddle boarding
Our nearest lake is Ullswater; it takes 50 minutes to drive to the northern end, here you can hire motor boats, sailing boats, rowing boats and canoes from serveral companies.
Lakeland Boat Hire: Visit Website
St. Patricks Boat Landings: Visit Website
Glenridding Sailing Centre: Visit Website
Climbing
For indoor or outdoor climbing you can visit King Kong Climbing Centre in Keswick (50 min drive): Visit Website
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Guests have enjoyed a trip out to Kirby Lonsdale to have Clay Pigeon Shooting Lessons at Crabtree Clay Shoot: Visit Website
On the way home they have enjoyed the scenic route through the Howgills via Sedburgh for a meal.
Gliding
If you have a head for heights then why not visit Edensoaring and book a trial flight or a one day lesson in a glider: Visit Website
For bird lovers there are many birds that arrive at varying times of the year and have been seen around our pond or on the river nearby a few we have seen this year: Lapwing, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Kingfisher, Dipper, Snipe, Redshank, Woodcock
The local animals that venture near the barns: Roe Deer, Red Squirrels, Hares, Stoats, Foxes and Otters.
The wildflowers are plentiful and can be found along the footpaths and road verges.
There are a number of local pubs and cafes here are a few suggestions:
The Inn at Brough: http://www.theinnatbrough.co.uk/
Belah Bridge Inn: http://www.belahbridge.co.uk/
Bay Horse, Winton: http://www.thebayhorsewinton.com/
Black Bull, Nateby: http://www.blackbullnateby.co.uk/
Sandford Arms: http://www.sandfordarmscumbria.co.uk/
The Royal Oak, Appleby: http://royaloakappleby.co.uk/
Kings Head, Ravenstonedale: http://www.kings-head.com/
Black Swan, Ravenstonedale: http://www.blackswanhotel.com/
Alternatively you could eat in, relax and enjoy the barn without worrying about taxis and travel. Here are a few local caterers:
Cumbrian Catering Solutions: Visit Website
Southcott Catering: Visit Website
Kirkby Stephen – A traditional market town of historic buildings, cobbled yards, quaint corners and interesting shops. Situated on the Coast to Coast trail there are numerous coffee shops, gift shops and pubs.
Appleby-in-Westmorland – Developed as the market town of Westmorland after the Norman Conquest, it is an attractive market town. Encompassed by a loop in the River Eden, it has a wide main street running from the Church Cloisters to the Castle entrance.
Penrith and Kendal are about 30 minutes drive away if you wish to explore larger towns.
Here are a few of our favourite places to visit:
- Lowther Castle and gardens (30 mins drive), near Penrith featuring the lost castle a huge adventure playground: Visit Website
- The Lingholm Kitchen Garden (50 mins drive). Next to Derwentwater, beautiful walks and a great cafe: Visit Website
- Acorn Bank our nearest National Trust Property (30 mins drive): Visit Website
- Low Seizergh Barn, great farm shop, with cafe, viewing platform of the milking parlour and a farm trail. About 40 mins drive: Visit Website
- Wensleydale Cheese Factory at Hawes (30 mins drive). Visit Website Tour the factory, taste the cheese and shop. On Tuesdays there is sometimes a Cumbria Classic Bus that can take you there from Kirkby Stephen: Visit Website
- The Rheged discovery centre Penrith: Visit Website
- Brough castle ice cream parlour with its playground and castle ruin to explore (10 mins drive)
- White Scar Cave: Visit Website
- Whinlatter Forest: Visit Website
- Aira Force a spectacular waterfall on the edge of Ullswater, either drive straight there (50 mins) or catch a boat from Glenriddin:. Visit Website
- Lakes Distillery (1 hour drive)- tour the distillery sample the Gin or Whiskey and enjoy lunch/ supper in their lovely cafe: Visit Website
A local company ‘Happy Days’, can take all the hassel out of organising your day; giving you a chance to choose a range of local experiences from tours and walks to coming to the barns for cake decorating, catering or cocktail masterclasses. Visit there website to find out more http://www.uniquehappydays.com/
The Garden Spa at Appleby Manor Hotel is only 10 minutes drive away. Book a package, or individual treatments: Visit Website