THE LOCAL AREA - THINGS TO DO
When we were came across the business for sale we drove in and just fell in love with the are awe maybe a bit biased but the estate and surrounding area is just simply stunning and beautiful..
Nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Lake District National Park this fascinating area has something for everyone; varied striking landscapes, local produce, heritage and intriguing myths and legends.
Bounded by the wilderness of the Howgill fells there's a wealth of activities to enjoy such as fishing, bird watching, walking, cycling, a gentle stroll along the river, a picnic in the fields or simply just kick back relax and take in the views ... We look forward to welcoming you to Brockholes
TEBAY VILLAGE
Until the railway arrived in 1846 Tebay was a small hamlet. Tebay station became the junction between London to Glasgow line and a route to the North East. The terraces were built to house the growing population. St James Church interior was built in the London and North Western Railway colours with pews the same design as their station waiting rooms. Tebay village boasts the Cross Keys Inn an old coaching Inn dating back to the 16th Century providing Real Ale and a great Pizza. The cycle routes set off from the Old School Tea Room .
The Howgill Fells are a small group of hills in Cumbria in northern England. Your holiday cottage sits at the foot of the southern half of the Howgill Fells in in the northwest corner of the Yorkshire Dales national park. They are separated from the Lake District to the west by the River Lune - (the river running along the back of your holiday cottage), and are formed from Ordovician and Silurian rocks, rather than the Carboniferous limestone elsewhere in the Yorkshire Dales, and are characterised by a general lack of walls and fences.
The southern Howgill Fells are also the only part of the National Park to be outside the county of North Yorkshire, being in Cumbria - just over the Cumbrian border. Due to their position, the Howgill Fells give fine views of both the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.
Description - Natural England (nationalcharacterareas.co.uk)
If you are planning to go walking check out some great routes online but remember - appropriate clothing can make all the difference, it's important to be warm, comfortable and dry when out exploring so carry plenty of layers, food and drink. A compass and map can prove invaluable.
Walking route: Howgill Fells, Cumbria | Countryfile.com
Five Howgill Fells – wainwrightwalking.co.uk
You will encounter sheep on your visit and although we welcome your 4 pawed furrys they must be kept on a lead around sheep. Currently on the farm you will come across Herdwick sheep a breed of sheep native to the Lake District. The name "Herdwick" is derived from the Old Norse herdvyck, meaning sheep pasture. The Rough Fell, a distinctive local breed of hardy fell sheep, is largely restricted to the Howgills and nearby parts of the Orton Fells and South Cumbria Low Fells.
For hundreds of years a hardy breed of native fell ponies has roamed in herds on the open fells above Tebay. Used by the Romans and Vikings to plough and to ride in the not so distant past used as pack-horses transporting goods such as fleeces metal ore and salt over mountain passes. Today these hills are home to wild fell ponies, these magnificent animals roam at will whilst mostly seen at a distance. www.fellponysociety.org
A rare example of a limestone tarn and the surrounding common land is a protected site of special scientific interest (SSSI).
The remains of Low Borrowbridge Roman Fort and civilian settlement are located to the West of the estate, on the opposite site of the River Lune. The archaeological remains are designated as a Scheduled monument. Around Low Borrowdale – wainwrightwalking.co.uk
FISHING
Bring your own fishing gear and enjoy a days fishing in the onsite River Lune.
We will need to see a copy of your rod licence at least a week before you come so the local angling club can issue your permit. Then cast away ..
Please be aware of fishing rod licence bylaws - Information can be found here. Buy a rod fishing licence: When you need a licence - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Ravenstonedale as well as being a picturesque village home to St Oswalds Church with remains of a 12th Century Gilbertine priory in the church yard, boasts 9 hole 3par Riverside Golf Club. No need to book turn up with your clubs and pay at the honesty box.
CYCLING
With lovely villages of Orton, Tebay, Sedbergh to gently explore, cyclists will "enjoy" the round route Sunbiggin Tarn and Ravonstonedale via Newbiggin Cycle Ride or the more challenging The calf via Borrowdale Mountain Bike Ride.
Local legends talk of the Viking Great Bo, who fell to his death in Borrowdale when butted by a goat belonging to "local lass" Agitha and also the "orton Boggle" a poltergeist who haunted a local farmhouse. Most infamous was the Tebay witch Mary Baynes who predicted horeseless carriages many years before the railway arrived and cursed the Cross Keys Inn landlord when his dog killed her cat, causing him to loose an eye.
In 1990's the world acclaimed landscape artist Andy Goldsworthy took dry-stone walling to new heights. He enhanced old sheep wash-folds and animal pounds found along the ancient drove roads .. many of these landscape sculptures can still be seen today. www.sheepfoldscumbria.co.uk