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The Setting:

John Ruskin wrote of Eskdale as “The Gateway to Paradise” whilst Alfred Wainwright, the famous Lakeland author, described Eskdale as “A perfect Arcadia in the hills – the finest of all valleys.”

Our 400 year old Grade II Listed Elizabethan cottages are romantically set in the delightful village of Boot, in the glorious Eskdale Valley, beside a quaint 17th Century packhorse bridge over the tumbling Whillan Beck. All cottages are charming, full of character, cosy and warm with WiFi, satellite TV, Ipod docks, books, games and films. There are romantic cottages for 2, ideal for honeymoons, and larger cottages for families and groups, sleeping up to 9. Some are suitable for those with limited mobility or young children. We have two beautiful walled gardens and a lovely riverside paddock for picnics and barbecues.

Village life and great food:

Two pubs 50 and 150 yards away serving great food. Enjoy a homemade shortcrust pastry beef and ale pie and a pint of Cumbrian real ale after a long day on the fells! Sample delicious Lakeland ice creams from the village shop or stroll to the mill, arts and crafts gallery and church. A choice of welcome hampers is available including Cumberland sausages from the Queen’s appointed supplier. Plus chocolates, flowers and champagne for special occasions.

More information on Eskdale

The finest walks in the Lake District:

Get ‘far from the madding crowd’ and enjoy not using your car all week in this tranquil corner of the Lakes. From the cottage door, you can roam the fells and hike up England’s highest mountains. For those looking for something a little more relaxing, there are countless gentle walks beside rivers, through woods and meadows, often passing one of the Valley’s five cosy inns for ‘refreshments’ along the way.

Scafell from the South. The best route up this grand 3,000 foot mountain

Discover the Upper Esk. A hidden valley opens up in the midst of the highest Lakeland fells

Craggy Frolics over Eskdale. Simply great fun discovering the nooks and crannies

Eel Tarn from Boot. A pretty, hidden tarn only a short walk from Boot.

Recent customer comments:

“What a lovely old farmhouse and a great home from home. Can recommend a bacon butty from the village shop for breakfast before heading onto the fells for one of the many fantastic walks from the door.”

“We came for our honeymoon and feel extremely lucky to have stayed in such a fabulous place.”“Our 6th year at Bridge End for our February holiday and we couldn’t imagine not spending time here.”

Short Breaks, Full Week Bookings & Flexible Arrival Dates:

We offer weekly lets, as well as short breaks and special midweek rates outside of peak season with a variety of arrival and departure dates. See our website for full details, lots more photos, customer reviews and online booking.

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The Royal Oak is a traditional Lakeland hotel, full of character and original features, the main building being a former Cumbrian Longhouse whilst the converted barn has bedrooms with views over Stonethwaite Beck. The rooms are all ensuite and extremely comfortable whilst the bar and dining room retain the relaxed, family feel of an Alpine catered chalet.

Situated in the small hamlet of Rosthwaite, part way up the Borrowdale valley, the Royal Oak is a tremendous base for those wanting to enjoy the fells and valleys on foot. Less exerienced walkers may enjoy Derwentwater and the lovely riverside walks from the door but the more experienced will no doubt head up the valley to Seathwaite and the larger fells of Great Gable, Bowfell and the Scafells.

Dogs welcome and plenty of parking.

Nearby Walks:

Watendlath & Dock Tarn,   A pleasant walk visiting two pretty tarns

Exploring Upper Borrowdale,  A low level walk along the River Derwent and over Castle Crag

Great Gable, One of the classic Lakeland walks taking in cracking views

Area Information:

Keswick & the North

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exterior

The George & Dragon is a high quality, 4* old coaching inn situated in the centre of the lovely village of Dent. The inn itself is full of character, with 2 dining areas serving excellent meals, a bar with local ales and 10 ensuite bedrooms. It is the ideal base to explore the lovely, and often neglected,  Dentdale which has many excellent walking opportunities including along the river and, for the more energetic, a stiff climb up the highest fell in Yorkshire, Whernside. Dent itself is almost completely unspoilt with cobbled streets, interesting shops and a fantastic church in its centre.

All rooms ensuite with TV, tea/coffee making facilities. Pets welcome

Walks Nearby

Riverside Walking A walk along the picturesque River Dee from the village of Dent

Whernside from Dent. Climb the highest mountain in Yorkshire from Dentdale

Upper Dentdale Explored. Aqueducts and an attractive summit highlight this rarely visited area

Area Information

Dentdale Information

The main problem with a strong wind is not so much its debilitating and energy sapping effect but the genuine danger of gusts knocking you over and in particular blowing your feet at the last moment and instead of sound rock the foot is waiving erratically over a gaping chasm. On Striding Edge (and more so Sharp Edge) this is a real possibility so better to play safe and take one of the many other Classic Circuits that are the essence of walks in the Lake District, in this case Grisedale Pike and , at least part, of the Coledale Round.

There are 25 Classic Circuits on Where2walk, all particularly worthy (or they would not be here) but being a chap who likes Lists I spent a happy hour deciding on my own particular favourites – not easy and the likes of the Langdale Pikes and Blencathra (despite being my favourite mountain) do not make the list. There is a whole range of ‘things to do before you die’ or in a walker’s case more likely ‘before the knees pack up’ but forget the Maldives and the Great Pyramids, simply try the walks below

Pillar from Wasdale Head

Dow Crag via Seathwaite Tarn

Great Gable via Napes Needle

Helvellyn via the Edges

Grasmoor from Crummock Water

Skiddaw via Ullock Pike

Hayeswater & Angle Tarn

Scafells from Wasdale Head

Newlands’ Round

Crinkle Crags & Bowfell

It is impossible to list them one to ten but my favourite 3 are Great Gable via Napes Needle (not literally), Dow Crag via Seathwaite Tarn and Pillar from Wasdale Head.

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Previous Posts:

Walking Holidays. Choose a walking holiday in the Lakes or the Dales, many choices.

Buses & Trains . Save on cost and hassle by looking at the Buses and Train options

Why go walking? Many good reasons to get off your backside and get out and about

Fell Top Assessors. What do they do and how are they funded

Windfarms – simply no need. As wind farms continue to be built why are we doing it?

Inspired by Autumn Watch? Some photography of animals in the countryside and the pleasures of limestone walking

Extending the National Parks. Views and news on the decision to extend the national parks of the Lakes & Dales

Using a map to navigate. Why using a map and compass adds so much to a good walk.

Walks for the family. How to educate your children to enjoy the great outdoors.

Away from the Crowds. Some tips and suggestions on where to still find peace and solitude when many walks are crowded out.

My favourite villages in the Dales. The villages in the Yorkshire Dales which are extra special.

Delighting in photos. Why it is so easy to enjoy photography these days.

More than just a walking heaven. Different reasons why people take to the fells and dales.

Watch out for the little blighters. Sheep ticks continue to be a growing menace.

Map Reading Skills on the decline. Impact of new technology on traditional navigation.

Hidden Yorkshire Dales. The joys of walking in my favourite lesser known dales.

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exterior

2 King’s Mead is a high quality 3 bedroomed bungalow only 3/4 mile from the centre of the attractive market town of Ripon. Being able to walk in to the town and visit the cathedral, excellent shops full of character and large choices of places to eat offers an exciting contrast to days out exploring the local area. Whether walking in the nearby dales of Nidderdale or Wensleydale, taking a trip in to the Yorkshire Moors or even enjoying the walking around some of the historical sites at Ripley, Fountains Abbey or Jervaulx Abbey there is so much to do that a week will not seem enough

The Bungalow has 3 bedrooms sleeping 5 (one double ensuite, double & single), a large enclosed garden with patio, fully equipped kitchen & utility room, free wifi and off road parking making it ideal for families or two couples.

Walks Nearby

Fountain’s Abbey & Studley Park A pleasant stroll through rolling parkland & one of the best preserved abbeys

Lost World of Dallowgill. A unique & spectacular landscape in excellent walking country

Brimham Rocks. Great views and unique rock formation’s in one of North Yorkshires ‘must see’.

Area Information

Nidderdale & the Eastern dales

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park-house

Park House is a delightful Bed & Breakfast situated only 6 miles south of Masham and making a perfect base from which to explore Nidderdale, Wensleydale & the Eastern dales. However it is the close proximity to Jervaulx Abbey, a 13th century Cistercian abbey which makes Park House an unique place to stay and one not to be missed. The grounds of the abbey are particularly atmospheric on an early morning or evening stroll through the ruins, which lie only a  hundred yards or so from Park House.

Park House has 4 bedrooms of 5 * quality with a particular emphasis on the excellent breakfast and reading room with books & images on the fascinating history of the area.

Walks Nearby

River Ure from Jervaulx Abbey A walk from the door exploring the lands of the abbey and the river nearby

Gallops of Middleham. High level walking with views over Wensleydale

High Moors over Masham. Views over Nidderdale on an exceptional walk from the Masham reservoirs

Area Information

Wensleydale

Nidderdale & the Eastern dales

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gardens-view

Fleetwith and Grasmoor, Midtown Cottages, offer comfortable self catering accommodation in the Lake District National Park. They are both very well equipped and furnished, sleep four (non smokers only), and are centrally heated for use all year round. Each cottage has off street parking for two cars and dogs are very welcome.

Lorton is situated between Keswick and Cockermouth in the beautiful Vale of Lorton at the end of the Whinlatter Pass and is close to Crummock Water and Buttermere.

Walks Nearby

Grasmoor from Crummock Water A steep climb leads to an exceptional day on the high ridges above Buttermere

Whinlatter. An attractive, easy fell pokes out above the forestry of Whinlatter

Haystacks along Buttermere. A rugged fell and a favourite of  Wainwright climbed from the banks of Buttermere

Area Information

Buttermere & the North West Lakes

What a walking holiday does offer is a good price and a choice to suit most people. Petrol may be becoming prohibitive and environmentally damaging but if you are out walking this really does not matter. Better still is to take the increasingly popular option of walking between places, taking your time and staying in different villages each night. Throw in Bed and Breakfast for anything from £30 per night and the holiday starts to tick all the boxes; it is good value, interesting, healthy and incredibly satisfying. Don’t ignore the opportunities to take a bus or the train rather than drive to a walk start – it is not always possible but in many cases it is.

I mentioned choice. A stay can either be in a typical comfortable B & B, one of the burgeoning number of splendid Country Houses of consistently high quality, country inns or take the self catering option, save more money and stay in a cottage, a campsite, lodge or even a caravan. Cottages for example are not what they were when I grew up, many are now of extremely high quality and and a lovely place to rest those weary limbs in the evening. I have taken a motorhome out and about in Scotland on a few occasions and the family loved it.

The options are endless, if you are less keen on walking every day just pick and choose your day; if the weather is poor there is now plenty to see and do in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, much more than there used to be. However holidays in the countryside are all about being out and about, walking and the satisfaction of taking and completing a good walk. I have spent all my life taking holidays in the UK; whether with my own family, my mates or in the past when my parents used to take a cottage in the Lake District for a week or two.

Have a look at the holiday options that we haveat Where2walk; weekend breaks, longer holidays or even just hiring a guide for a day or two so that you can walk somewhere you may not confidently do on your own.

Click Here for Where2walk Holiday Options

I just hope the wonderful spring weather we are enjoying at the moment will encourage many more people to consider a walking holiday or even a short break in our glorious countryside.

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Previous Posts:

Buses & Trains . Save on cost and hassle by looking at the Buses and Train options

Why go walking? Many good reasons to get off your backside and get out and about

Fell Top Assessors. What do they do and how are they funded

Windfarms – simply no need. As wind farms continue to be built why are we doing it?

Inspired by Autumn Watch? Some photography of animals in the countryside and the pleasures of limestone walking

Extending the National Parks. Views and news on the decision to extend the national parks of the Lakes & Dales

Using a map to navigate. Why using a map and compass adds so much to a good walk.

Walks for the family. How to educate your children to enjoy the great outdoors.

Away from the Crowds. Some tips and suggestions on where to still find peace and solitude when many walks are crowded out.

My favourite villages in the Dales. The villages in the Yorkshire Dales which are extra special.

Delighting in photos. Why it is so easy to enjoy photography these days.

More than just a walking heaven. Different reasons why people take to the fells and dales.

Watch out for the little blighters. Sheep ticks continue to be a growing menace.

Map Reading Skills on the decline. Impact of new technology on traditional navigation.

Hidden Yorkshire Dales. The joys of walking in my favourite lesser known dales.

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the-old-rectory

The Old Rectory B & B is situated in the centre of the village of Caldbeck. Caldbeck is a wonderful base for those after a quieter Lake District holiday with endless walks and cycling opportunities for visitors. Caldbeck has an excellent pub and shop only a minute or so stroll whilst further afield High Pike and the remote Northern Fells offer a choice of longer walks in an area loved by both Chris Bonnington and AW Wainwright. Caldbeck is also the main centre of civilisation on the long section of walking between Keswick and Carlisle on the northern end of the popular Cumbria Way. There is a large garden to enjoy, safe storage for bikes and a hearty breakfast in the morning.

Walks Nearby

The Remote North A long walk in the quiet and peaceful fells north of Blencathra

Caldbeck Experience. Explore the Cumbria Way, rivers and hills around Caldbeck

Bowscale Tarn & Bannerdale Crags. A quiet walk with a lovely hidden tarn, favourite of the Victorians

Area Information

Keswick & the North

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sitting-room

Glebe Cottage lies in the centre of the unspoilt village of Caldbeck. Tucked in to the Northern Fells of Lakeland Caldbeck has endless walking from the door whether taking to the higher fells of High Pike and the Back O’Skidda or easier lower level strolls along the Cumbria Way and the flatter lands to the north. The cottage itself comfortably sleeps 4, has a wood burning stove, shared grounds backing on to the river and easy access to the excellent Oddfellows Arms. Linen, heating and a shed for storing bikes are all included and dogs are welcome to stay and also enjoy this pretty village.

Glebe Cottage is set next to the Old Rectory B & B so if you wish for anyone to come and stay for a day or two there is accommodation next door.

Walks Nearby

The Remote North A long walk in the quiet and peaceful fells north of Blencathra

Caldbeck Experience. Explore the Cumbria Way, rivers and hills around Caldbeck

A walk over Carrock Fell. An interesting and surprising fell with a hill fort on the summit

Area Information

Keswick & the North