Discover the Yorkshire Dales Discover the Dales on Small Group Walks from the Comfort of Eastfield Lodge
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DISCOVER THE YORKSHIRE DALES DISCOVER THE DALES ON SMALL GROUP WALKS FROM THE COMFORT OF EASTFIELD LODGE www.colletts.co.uk [email protected] 01799 513331 Discover the Yorkshire Dales The Facts We are delighted to invite you to Eastfield Lodge in Wensleydale, our gorgeous base in the Yorkshire Dales and the perfect gateway to one of Britain’s prettiest natural treasures, the Dales National Park. This is a hillwalker’s paradise, an overdose of rural charm and breathtaking landscapes. Eastfield Lodge is 250m from the traditional market square of Wensleydale’s principal town, Leyburn. From the house, the hills beckon you, their countless streams fuelling the rivers that meander through the lush-green dales with their step- back-in-time villages and farmsteads, all linked by a mind-boggling labyrinth of drystone walls. This break is a mini version of a Collett’s centre-based holiday in Europe: each day there is a guided walk, led by our very own Penny Knight (who some of you may remember from her time in Chalet Verena in the Dolomites); an informal Office Hour each early evening when you can chat with our hosts over maps and a relaxing drink about the walk planned for the next day; and then an enjoyable dinner (either in the Lodge, or locally) with everything sorted. Accommodation Eastfield Lodge has belonged to Collett’s since 2007. It has 8 highly attractive en-suite bedrooms. Each one is furnished individually with a focus on comfort and a good night’s sleep; and are perfect for rest and relaxation after an energetic day in the surrounding hills. With its spacious rooms and welcoming communal areas, Eastfield Lodge is ideal for a group of like-minded walkers. The dining room is bright and sunny with lovely views westwards towards Penhill. Here you can enjoy a hearty and/or healthy breakfasts before venturing out. It’s just a few paces across the hall to our delightfully homely sitting room, ideal for relaxing in front of the woodburning stove with a drink and a good book. It’s also the perfect room for Office Hour and for chatting with guests over post-dinner nightcaps. Eastfield Lodge is hosted warmly by Henry Collett and Penny Knight with generous hospitality and a constant focus on your comfort and well-being. Nothing is too much trouble and you are sure to feel welcome and well cared for. You can rely on them for a good breakfast each morning, as well as a 3 course dinner with complimentary wine on 2 nights of your stay. Along with post-walk tea and cake, indulgent bedrooms, hot showers, a roaring fire (hopefully not necessary in September!), a warm drying room (ditto!), all they require is your enthusiasm and good company to make for a thoroughly successful and happy walking break. Eastfield Lodge is a brilliant launchpad for walkers visiting the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We are just 250m from the picturesque market square of Leyburn, the principal town of Wensleydale. This is one of England’s prettiest rural landscapes and from its doorstep, you can embark on the numerous amazing walks accommodated in the National Park. Leyburn is surrounded by enchanting villages and places of interest. Each morning an excellent breakfast is served by Henry & Penny, setting you up for an active day outdoors. A packed lunch is also provided daily, except on your day of departure. It’s easy to walk to the local shops if you want additional supplies for your rucksack. On the Monday & Wednesday evening of your stay, we will host a 3 course dinner with complimentary wine in the dining room at Eastfield Lodge. On Tuesday and Thursday nights, dinner is not included in the cost of your stay and we eat out locally at a nearby pub or restaurant – exact details will be available nearer the time. Dates & Prices 13-17 September & 20-24 September 2021 (Monday-Friday) £450 per person Prices are per person and based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Whilst single rooms are not available at Eastfield Lodge, single occupancy of a double room is always possible at a supplement of £125. Included in the price • 4 nights B&B accommodation at Eastfield Lodge, Leyburn • 2 Dinners – 3 course dinner with wine included on Monday & Wednesday • Picnic lunches on all walk days • Daily guided walk • Office Hour - enjoy a brief presentation outlining the next day’s walk over maps and a sociable pre-dinner drink with Henry, Penny and other guests, then enjoy the evening with everything sorted for the following day. Not included in the price • Travel – to and from Leyburn • Local Transport – to and from walks, if required • 2 Dinners – Tuesday & Thursday evenings. On these nights we eat out at a local pub or restaurant, and guests pay independently. • Drinks & snacks – and all other extras • Insurance Itinerary The itineraries below are purely indicative, and do not guarantee that a given route will be offered on a given day, or indeed at all. These are very much the routes we plan to offer but the exact routes are always subject to change depending on the weather and ultimately of course the overall ability of participants. Monday – Arrive in Leyburn & Settle In Guests are welcome to arrive at Eastfield Lodge any time after 4pm. Settle in and enjoy homemade cookies and tea in the lounge. That evening, prosecco and canapes will be served before a 3 course dinner. We will brief you on the planned itineraries for the following day and be on hand to answer any questions during the evening. Tuesday – Warm Up in Walden Dale Distance – 7.5 miles, Ascent – 160m This walk takes in the picturesque village of Aysgarth with its famed waterfalls, curious follies, historic church and the ruins of the Knights Templar chapel. It also eases us all in gently before a couple of longer days to follow. Time should allow us to visit the tearooms and visitor centre for lunch and to relax with a drink at the pub at the end of the walk for those who wish. The footpath cuts through lush fields and woodland alongside the River Ure in Wensleydale. There is minimal ascent on this first walk. The Cauldron Falls, so named because of its deep plunge pool, is worth stopping at for a break, as Turner also thought when he painted this scene. With plenty of must-see local spots, the route is a picturesque mix of natural drama, human history and quintessential Dales’ landscapes. Cake and tea are served on your return to Leyburn and you will be free to relax and freshen up in the comfort of Eastfield Lodge before dinner. Dinner – tonight this is not included in the cost of your stay. It will be provided in one of the many excellent restaurants close by and Penny will be in contact with you prior to your arrival to discuss your options. Wednesday – Leap into Langstothdale Distance – 8.9 miles (with option to extend by a further 2 miles) Ascent – 475m This circuit is a beautiful, ‘off the beaten track’ hike with views across to Plover Hill, Pen-y-gent, Fountains Fell, Buckden Pike, Ingleborough and Parrock Hill. These sensational panoramas are your reward for the steady ascent to Horse Head in the lesser- explored Langstrothdale. After this climb, though, the day is easy and particularly breath-taking in terms of scenery. The walk starts at Yockenthwaite Farm, where incidentally our porridge, granola and muesli are produced. It recently featured as Helen’s farm in the latest televised version of All Creatures Great and Small. We descend into Beckermonds, a tiny hamlet lost in time and return along the banks of the beck, passing an ancient stone circle. It is possible to extend the walk by 2 miles to visit the historic church and pub in Hubberholme before wandering back along the river. We can take a view on this on the day. Back at Eastfield Lodge, kick off your boots, settle into a comfy chair and relax with a cup of tea and cake. Dinner – a 3 course dinner with wine is served in the dining room at Eastfield Lodge and included in the cost of your stay. Thursday – Wander into Wharfdale Distance – 10 miles, Ascent – 512m After a hearty breakfast, we will drive to our trailhead at Kettlewell. This is a beautiful car journey through Bishopdale and into Wharfedale itself. We ease in to the day with a gentle walk along the banks of the River Wharfe towards Starbotton, before starting the first of today’s 2 climbs. It is a steady ascent, which offers some of the best views in North Yorkshire. Rounding the top of the hill, Littondale comes into view in all its unassuming glory. Littondale is not so frequented by visiting walkers and its remoteness and unspoilt character will give you a heartwarming sense of glimpsing another world. The descent is steep in places but worth the endeavour. Our reward awaits in the valley: lunch in the original Woolpack Inn (from Emmerdale!), followed by another riverside saunter. Needless to say, there is a requirement to return to the neighbouring dale, but the second ascent is gentler than the first. Then, back to Kettlewell for a cuppa (or a pint perhaps?) before the journey back to Leyburn. Back at Eastfield Lodge, relax and unwind over a cup of tea and a slice of freshly baked cake. Dinner – for our final evening, Henry will arrange for us all to dine together in a local restaurant, where we can duly acknowledge and celebrate our achievements over the previous 3 days.