Upper Eden Valley
Whilst the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks may form the big tourist attractions in this part of Northern England, closer to home the towns and villages of the upper Eden Valley have much to offer the discerning tourist seeking out a quieter more relaxing holiday. The Fat Lamb, just outside Ravenstonedale, is situated in the upper Eden Valley close to the Market Towns of Kirkby Stephen and Appleby and provides an ideal base for exploring these little known areas.
Ravenstonedale is a very pretty little village, full of swift flowing streams and trees with red squirrels. It boasts an 18th century church once complete with sanctuary bell where a fugitive accused of a crime could claim a fair trial if they could just toll the bell once. A more grisly link with the past is the commemorative window to Elizabeth Gaunt from nearby Brownber, and the last woman to be burned at the stake at Tyburn for her protestant faith.
To the south of the Fat Lamb rises Wild Boar Fell, at 2323 feet one of the highest peaks in the Pennine range. Walking to the summit you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and on a clear day will see the sunlight glinting on far-off Morecambe Bay - justifying our claim to having sea views just a short walk away from the Hotel.
If you don't fancy walking to the top of Wild Boar, our neighbours at Stonetrail Holidays just a ten minute walk away, provide two alternatives, either on horseback or by mountain bike, depending on your energy levels - I know which one I would choose.
