The Shepherd's Hut

The Shepherd’s Hut at Crake Trees Manor is a very cute, romantic farm stay experience in the Cumbrian Dales, England, where guests are accommodated in one of the old shepherd’s huts that were once common on sheep farms in the area. The countryside is gorgeously peaceful and the views from the farm are wonderful.

THE ACCOMMODATION:

The Shepherd’s Hut is a modern take on the old wooden shepherds huts of the 19th century. During the lambing season, the shepherds of Cumbria would stay in the hills for weeks at a time and so needed a comfortable, self sufficient base.

This modern hut at Crake Tree is made from wood and galvanized steel and is well insulated against the elements. It’s obviously small, but perfectly formed, with an oak floor and comfortable oak framed double bed, a small storage and seating area where you’ll find a kettle, mini fridge, cosy wood stove and traditional lantern, and a small cute veranda outside.

There is a separate heated shower room and toilet nearby too, and a nice breakfast pack can be ordered from the farmhouse direct to your hut in the morning.

The pack includes a breakfast bap, yoghurt, fruit, honey, and croissants with crab apple jelly plus a flask of good, fresh coffee. Dietary restrictions can also be taken care of, with just a little advanced notice.

Guests at the hut are welcome to use the facilities at the main farmhouse too, which has a nice lounge with TV and an extensive library.

Note: No children allowed, and no pets!

THE FARM:

The farm is a working sheep farm, high in the dales, 800 feet above sea level in fact, and with beautiful views over to the Pennines and the Eden Valley. There is a pond on the farm too, just outside the hut and wildlife abounds; pheasants, rabbits, foxes and hares to name but a few as well as many different types of birds.

THE LOCATION:

Though certainly a tranquil piece of rural bliss the farm is just 15-minute’s drive from the M6 at junctions 38 and 39, and less than 15 minutes from Appleby and the A66. It sits just inside the famous Lake District National Park and all its spectacular scenery is there waiting to be discovered. Back to the east there is also the Pennines National Park for more beautiful scenery.

Both parks are wonderful places for hiking, climbing and mountain biking (you can hire bikes at the farm) as well as more leisurely countryside walks. There are plenty of trails around of varying degrees of altitude and difficulty.

You’ll find good pub food and drink at the community owned Butcher’s Arms Pub about a ten minutes walk from the farm in the beautiful village of Crosby Ravensworth, which also a couple of shops. The nearest train station is at Appleby from where you can connect with the London to Carlisle train. Carlisle itself is about 45 minute’s drive to the north.

WHAT OTHER GUESTS SAY:

“Gorgeous comfy bed. Lovely and rustic, lit by candlelight with a log burner. Loved the breakfast basket…..”

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Note: The farm stay also offers B&B accommodation in the main farmhouse, details of which you will find here: www.farmstayplanet.com/crake-trees-manor-farmhouse