Snowdrop Path

       The snowdrops on the path from the garden were planted by Rod's father many moons ago!

Cottage in distance

Dark Skies Workshop at Stirk House Gisburn March 12th

Event will be at Stirk House

The North of England has some of the countries darkest skies. In a light polluted country they are also an economic asset which translates into a unique selling proposition for the tourism sector. Just as people have long been attracted by the our wildlife, landscapes and historic sites, now the stars offer another compelling reason to visit.

This workshop will help bed and breakfast, campsite and self-catering owners, inn and hotel managers, tour guides and anyone working in the visitor economy gear up to provide an unforgettable dark sky experience for customers

You will get tips on making your business more dark sky-friendly, marketing stargazing opportunities, learn how others are tapping into the astro-tourism market and get practical advice on buying equipment. You will also be shown how to use telescopes and binoculars and, weather permitting, be able to view amazing stars, galaxies and planets with a mini star party.

This event is supported by the Forest of Bowland AONB, members of the business Network receive a reduced rate.

Winter skies above Roeburndale

Winter sun

Louise's photo captures the frosty morning sun on the conifers with a glimpse of the cottage.

Green Tourism

The cottage has been recently accredited with the gold rating. Thank you to Forest of Bowland AONB for help and advice, Treshnish farm, Mull for inspiration and Green Tourism for the award.

New sign carved by Adam

Walk the Roeburndale West to the Salter Road

On a good day the walk up the Roeburndale West road offers some lovely views to the Three Peaks and the fells to the north. If you walk to High Salter (Salter is the name for a deer entrance to a park in  medieval times ) you can get onto the old road to Slaidburn, a charming village with a pub, Hark to Bounty, to refresh the weary walkers. The walk from High Salter SD608625 to Slaidburn takes 4 hours one way. You will be very lucky if you see the now rare Hen Harrier as the latest fledgings were killed by unknown persons as the tags disappeared.  Parts of this road called the Old Hornby road are marked as Roman and if you decide to do this walk you can veer off to the left where the Roman road goes north towards Lowgill instead of going on to Slaidburn.

the Roeburndale West road towards Barking Bridge

the steep hill down to the bridge with Mallowdale fells in the background

the gate that leaves the tarmac at High Salter farm goes on to the old track

the track leading to Slaidburn

views on a clear day to the Lake District mountains

the Three Peaks from the track

onwards to Slaidburn

you could go towards Winder, Littledale and the top of Roeburndale

towards the north

on the way back you can choose to go back on the public footpath through the woods and fields

tree canopy showing the density of trees of Roeburndale

Roeburndale woods

gnarled trees and old stone walls are common in these parts

you can go down the footpath through Backsbottom

and continue down towards the Roeburn and footbridge.