Monday


WALKING

Walk out of the cottage door, cross the road,
go through the wicket gate
- and you're already in wild country!



There's a path here that takes you along a rushing hill stream to a small waterfall.



Beyond that, you can climb on to the heather moor - and see no one.


Another walk, 5 minutes away, takes you onto a hill with panoramic views,

and a prehistoric hill-fort complete with walls and ditches.

If you prefer to stick to road walking,

the country byways here are largely traffic free

and you can walk for miles past beautiful hill farm scenery.

There are also a number of way-marked woodland walks

at the nearby village of Holystone.


That's just a small selection.

There are many other superb walks in the areas.

Whatever your level of fitness, this is first class walking country!




Every month of the year brings new delights.


In spring the air is full of birdsong and the bleating of lambs.


Look out for thick clumps of primroses and violets. These were spotted along the banks of the stream that flows just by the cottage

:



Early summer brings carpets of bluebells...



... followed by the vivid blooms of rhododendrens



By August many of the hillsides are vivid purple as the heather comes into bloom. This one is immediately outside Ryecroft Cottage.




The autumn sees an abundance of berries and other wild fruits in the hedgerows -
and some fantastic sunsets!




Even winter has its appeal, with crisp, frosty mornings and
a roaring wood fire to look forward to when you return to the cottage.
With full central heating, it's always warm and cosy!
Why not think about spending an unusual Christmas or New Year at Ryecroft Cottage?