High Cup Nick - Grand Canyon of the North.
The Eden Valley has all the green valley charm and the cutesy cottages of the Lakes, but without the main holiday detractor of hordes of people. It is also the ideal holiday destination to slow down the pace and explore locally, or a perfect base to make the short trip to the North Yorkshire Moors or the North Lakes region. To those that have discovered this little known tranquil and peaceful paradise - it is a favourite place visited time and again.
THE BEAUTIFUL EDEN VALLEY
The Eden Valley takes its name from the River Eden that follows a meandering 80 mile route from its source at Mallerstang to the Solway near Carlisle, close to Wallsend and the end of Hadrian's Wall. Along with dramatic scenery, pretty market towns persist with Kirkby Stephen, Appleby, and Penrith along the route. The Eden region includes the Pennines to its North and East, including an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is bordered by the The Eastern Fells, Ullswater, and the Howgill Fells to the South.
Cycling in the quiet Eden.
HIDDEN JEMS
There is plenty to do and explore, many jewels to discover, and special memories to make. Take a relatively gentle (by Lake District standards) hike up High Cup Nick - described as the ‘Grand Canyon of the North’, and featured by Julia Bradbury in her walking series. Search out some history - castles abound, such as Carlisle Castle, or visit one of the finest stone circles in the North, Long Meg and her daughters, or the Nine Standards Rigg, or even Shap Abbey.
There are event venues like Rheged, Acorn Bank, Lowther Castle and Dalemain to visit, or let someone else take you on a trip on the Settle to Carlisle Railway, or Classic Coaches tour, or even a cruise with Ullswater Steamers. Bring your bike and cycle along the quiet lanes of the Upper Eden – visit the chocolate factory at Orton - or simply find a coffee shop to while away some time and enjoy the Cumbrian Crack!
Lowther Castle - one of the many treasures waiting to be discovered in the Lake District.
CUMBRIA WEATHER
What about the weather? After all, you are in Cumbria! In fact, due to its position surrounded by fells, the Eden has a microclimate of its own. If its raining with you then it could still be dry 5 miles away, and it’s not unreasonable to chase the good weather. In truth, whilst Keswick averages 58 inches of rain a year, Penrith and Appleby match the same level of rainfall as Cornwall at around 36 inches!
The market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland.
As the Cumbrian’s say, why not take a ‘Deekabout’ at the Eden for yourself and find out what it has to offer – answers on a postcard!
Premier Cottages has over 40 luxury holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, which are the perfect base for discovering dramatic scenery, pretty market towns, and excellent walks.
All words by Carole and Simon Higginbottom of Dufton Barn Holidays, Cumbria. You can view all of our properties in Cumbria here.