Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd March 2026, Muker, Swaledale, Yorkshire Dales

Bronte Country moved north to the Yorkshire Dales in 2025 for the latest film version of Wuthering Heights. Footpaths around the old lead mines near Gunnerside and the moors around Arkengarthdale were closed to walkers, whilst Australian actors like Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie perfected their Yorkshire accents. It made quite a change from James Herriot's 'All Creatures Great and Small' TV series which ran for 7 years, and used Muker as a prime location.
Crow Trees Bunkbarn is a recently converted traditional stone built barn. It looks very plush with underfloor heating on the ground floor and central heating elsewhere. There is a well equipped kitchen and a comfy lounge with sofas. There are 4 bedrooms with a total of 25 beds.The two bedded room is on the ground floor. Upstairs there are rooms with 4, 5 and 14 beds respectively. We have already a full compliment of folk staying, but there are two spare mattresses which can be pulled out and used in case of 2 late bookers. Please bring a sleeping bag
Upper Swaledale is well known by most people. The Coast to Coast Walk passes through the area. Kisdon Force, Shunner Fell, Gunnerside Gill and the Tan Hill Inn are also very familiar, but for those who appreciate some excitement then read on. High above on the east side of the valley there is a narrow and little used path which starts from the old Swinner Gill lead mines and finishes at Ivelet in the valley bottom. It is like an Alpine panorama way. The path, indistinct in places, contours across the slope, rising and fallng at times but eventually fading out on grassy pastures. It is narrow, has a sense of exposure and affords superb views all the way.
There is no need to bring breakfast food this weekend. Following on from Zoe's last fund raising exercise when she provided pork medallions for the bacon butties Zander has decided to do a similar thing to provide extra dosh for his Local Scouts. Not only will he be cooking the breakfast (perhaps with his mum's help), but willalso bring along his very own homemade marmalade for the toast. I am hoping that the pricing structure will be competitive.
Community owned pubs in rural areas are unfortunately becoming too commonplace. An early one was the George and Dragon, Hudswell near Richmond, which managed to win CAMRA's National Pub of the Year Award in 2016. Then along came the King's Head, Gunnerside, which has also seen a marked improvement.Finally, to complete the Swaledale Trio is the Farmer's Arms, Muker. Apparently, locals had a torrid time with the previous owners, as the pub was often closed. It looks small from the outside, but has surprisingly a lot of tables. When I popped in last year to chat to the landlord, he seemed very unfazed about 20+ peopledropping in for food on Saturday evening all at once. But, I will double check nearer the time, just in case there is a new face in charge. There is a side room on theleft with one long table where most people could sit, eat and drink. The good news is that the pub is only 20 mins walk from Crow Trees. The bad news is that thereturn is back up the hill. Bring a torch as it will be pitch black in deepest Yorkshire.
Crow Trees is very easy to find. It is located just over halfway on the B6270 between Gunnerside and Muker, at the junction with the minor road crossing over the moors from Askrigg in Wensleydale. It is a traditional stone barn near the road, with a much larger modern farm building behind it. There is a nice big Crow Trees sign on the road side.

Friday 19th - Sunday 21st June 2026, Cwmtaff, Brecon Beacons

Temptations come in a variety of forms. A Spa Hotel in the middle of a National Park complete with swimming pool, fitness centre, restuarant and lounge bar (but no real ale) will prove irresistible to some people when compared to staying at a converted farm building on the opposite side of the road. Fear not, for what money may buy for luxury cannot compete with the quirkiness, intimacy and memories of staying on a working farm.

Coed Owen Farm, Cwmtaff at Nant Ddu has repurposed an old stone building into rather attractive group accommodation. Their website utilises 360 degree panorama cameras highlighting the facilities and modern decoration that has been carried out by the owners. The bunkbarn sleeps 26 people in 5 bedrooms (1x10 and 2x6 beds) Nigel and Donna have the double and twin rooms. Bed linen is provided. There are well appointed showers, toilets, kitchen, dining room and a small lounge. Gilders Gourmet Concotions has expressed a desire for another bar-b-que in the garden with its picnic tables.

There is direct access to Pen-y-Fan, the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons, which can be achieved in about 2.5 hours. Undoubtedly, the peaks around it will be swarming with people at this time of year. For seekers of solitude, the summits of Fforest Fawr, just a short distance to the West, will be less frequented. The waterfall country around Ystradfellte about 5 miles as a Welsh crow flies may only register a trickle or two during a hot summer. Penderyn Welsh Distillery may entice some folk for a quick tipple.

Getting to Coed Owen cannot be easier as it is located on the A470 between Brecon, and Merthyr Tydfill and Cardiff. Situated 11 miles South of Brecon and 7 miles North of Merthyr Tydfill is Nant Ddu and the Nant Ddu Lodge Hotel ( between the Cantref and Llwyn-onn Reservoirs). Opposite the Hotel on the other side of the A470 ( there are two bus stops here) is the driveway leading to Coed Owen. This swings left and quickly reaches farm buildings. The bunkbarn is the furthest building on the left. Car parking is available as you arrive. What Three Words tagging. camcorder. sock will get you to the drive entrance. Post Code CF48 2HY will get you to Nant Ddu. Grid Reference is SO 001152.

We are fully booked up for this weekend.

Friday 16th - Sunday 18th October 2026, Old Brooder, Brent Eleigh, Suffolk

More info to come soon

Friday 4th - Monday 7th December 2026, Luxembourg

A UNESCO World Heritage site Luxembourg City is famous for its unique vertical layout, featuring dramatic cliffs and valleys that separate the high-ground historic centre from the low-lying riverside districts. With stunning scenery, cathedrals, castles, churches and caves, a plethora of museums and even a funicular there should be something for everyone.

It is within easy reach by air and rail contact Tim or Mark for more details.

Friday 19th - Sunday 21st March 2027 Castleton, Peak District, Derbyshire.