Walking
There are several different walks on the Howgill Fells; some easy, some more challenging and one of the most beautiful starts from Bluebell Cottage, across the river to the pretty village of Howgill and up on to The Calf via Fell Head. This day-long walk climbs up onto the the high fells with stunning views and easy paths; this is a walk for the connoisseur.
For a lovely relaxing way to spend a sunny day; take a picnic down to the river and sit on the shingle banks, where children can splash and play and skim pebbles across the quiet pools of green water.
More gentle walks are along The Dales Way, which starts in Yorkshire and crosses the border into Cumbria just by Bluebell Cottage and offers some lovely local walks to enjoy.
A near-by ancient monument is very interesting: this is Fox’s Pulpit and is just a short, lovely walk from Bluebell Cottage – www.visitcumbria.com/yd/foxs-pulpit
Maps and descriptions of walks are available in the farmhouse and also from the Tourist Information Centre in Sedbergh.
Then, there are all the famous walks in the Lake District to discover; the wonderful Ullswater adventure; taking a boat trip from Glenridding to Howtown and walking back along the lake shore to Glenridding. Ullswater steamers – www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk
Ullswater is about 35 minutes’ drive from Bluebell Cottage.
At Patterdale. Near Glenridding, your can visit Mary Bell at Crookabeck and her famous Herdwick Sheep Wool shop – www.crookabeck.co.uk
If you are not familiar with the Lake District, a longer drive (50 minutes) is well worth the effort to enjoy the most beautiful (and easy) walk on a bridlepath alongside Catbells with breathtaking views of Derwentwater and a magical woodland walk along the shores of the lake. This walk is described in the cottage guide book; it is simply too good to miss!
Canoeing
The River Lune has some wonderful opportunities for canoeing – here is a link to one of the organisations you can contact – www.swaledaleoutdoorclub.org.uk/favourite-trip/canoeing-river/river-lune
Then, there are all the activities of the Lake District to discover:
Sailing
Ullswater is a large, quiet lake, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, with great sailing opportunities for experienced sailors, or book a yacht complete with skipper for a fun day out.
www.ullswater.co.uk/ullswater-yacht-club.html
www.glenriddingsailingcentre.co.uk/boat-hire for Sailing and Kayaking
Rowing On Grasmere
This is fun! Grasmere is a small lake and a very pretty village with the Wordsworth memorial in the local church grounds.
We have been rowing on Grasmere since we were children and the same wooden hut still serves the teas; it is really nice that it has not been ‘modernised’! – www.faeryland.co.uk/boat-hire-grasmere
Fishing
On Watendlath by boat, easily accessed by car, take the whole day relaxing on the water surrounded by amazing scenery and come home with your supper.
For Children
Everyone loves the Go Ape experience at Grizedale Forest. Even parents can have a go: here is the link to the website; it is best to book in advance as it is very popular
– www.goape.co.uk/days-out/north/grizedale
Another great place to visit, especially when the weather isn’t great is the indoor Lakes Aquarium – www.lakesaquarium.co.uk
And all children love the steam railway – www.lakesiderailway.co.uk
This is a magical place to visit, with many original illustrations from her books; Beatrice Potter’s House – www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hill-top
Horse Riding
Larkrigg Riding School is a local riding school is very popular, they also have smaller ponies suitable for young children – www.larkriggridingschool.co.uk
Pretty Villages To Visit
Visit pretty Dent, with cobbled streets and interesting art galleries – and a fascinating meditation centre which is open to visitors.
Sedbergh is also nearby, now a ‘book town’ with books shops, antique shops, a great Cafe and a Fish and Chip shop!
And Kirkby Lonsdale is just lovely; touristy but unspoilt, this beautiful, tiny market town has lots of interesting shops, great places for lunch, cafe bars with pretty gardens, really good restaurants, a very attractive ancient church and glorious river-side walks.
Quaint, pretty villages, the best of the country pubs, local farm visits (interesting for adults as well as children) and some ʻoff the beaten trackʼ suggestions too. And always returning to the timeless tranquillity surrounding Bluebell Cottage.
