There are a wealth of activities and interests in the immediate vicinity of Moss Cottages. Listed below are just some examples...

Hill Walking Moss Cottages lie at the foot of the Howgill fells and offer excellent opportunities for walking. Walkers can access the hills on foot direct from the cottages. A little further afield are the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national parks which offer walking amid spectacular scenery.

Coast-to-Coast Walk Newbiggin-on-Lune is close to the Coast-to-Coast walk. This makes it a convenient point for an overnight stay. For further information see our location web page.

Ravenstonedale The picturesque village of Ravenstonedale lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty. While the surroundings are idyllic and offer visitors peace and tranquility Ravenstonedale is an ideal location to explore the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national parks.

Newbiggin-on-Lune Newbiggin-on-Lune is a small Cumbrian village nestling in a valley at the foot of the Howgill fells. It lies in the parish of Ravenstonedale about five miles from the market town of Kirkby Stephen. The region is classed as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Newbiggin-on-Lune lies between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national parks.

Fishing on the River Eden The rivers Eden and Belah are close by for which permits are available locally from Kirkby Stephen Angling Association. The Eden provides fishing for wild brown trout amid stunning Cumbrian scenery for which day tickets are available. The Lake District is within easy driving distance where a wealth of fishing in rivers and lakes is available.

Bessy Beck Trout Fishery Bessy Beck Trout Fishery is located at Newbiggin-on-Lune. It offers bank fishing for rainbow trout in a country setting. There are 3 lakes offering both fly and bait fishing. There is a well stocked fishing tackle shop on site and a farm shop offering an extensive range of local produce.

Golf The Riverside Golf Course, a short 9/18 hole course, lies within the village of Ravenstonedale. The course is open all year round and visitors are welcome to play for a modest fee. A more extensive 9/18 hole golf course, which also welcomes visitors, can be found in Sedbergh approximately 15 miles away. Other golf courses can be found at Appleby, Kirkby Stephen and Penrith.

Tennis There is an outdoor tennis court in Ravenstonedale which is open to visitors for a modest fee. Details of how to book the court are posted on the entrance to the court.

 

Classic Coach Tours Cumbria Classic Coaches offer a programme of trips around the area on vintage coaches.

 

Cycling Miles and miles of gently undulating country lanes await cyclists who wish to explore the region by this method.

Smardale Nature Reserve Within easy walking distance is Smardale Nature Reserve. The reserve embraces the former railway line that linked Tebay with the North East and therefore offers easy walking if desired. The countryside within the reserve is idyllic and wildlife is prolific. The reserve is only one of 2 locations in England where the rare Scotch Argus butterfly (Eribia aethiops) is found.

Bird Watching Buzzards, curlews, woodpeckers and thrush are but just a few of the species regularly sighted nearby. Within a short walk bird-watchers can be well off the beaten track with the possibility of sighting many species and the certainty of enjoying the wonderful countryside.

      

Local History The locality has much to offer those interested in local history. For church enthusiasts, St. Oswald's church, rebuilt in 1744, is famous for it's three-decker pulpit and its collegiate, in-facing pews. In the grounds of the present church the foundations of an earlier Gilbertine monastry have been excavated. The first Lord Wharton cleared much of the land around Ravenstonedale for a deer park and compelled local men to build the enclosing wall, the remains of which can still be viewed in the vicinity.

       

Crown Green Bowling There is a bowling green in nearby Kirkby Stephen which is open to visitors. It is located close to the river Eden near Frank's Bridge.

        

Settle-Carlisle Railway The Settle-Carlisle railway, reputedly the most attactive line in the UK, winding its way through some of the finest scenery in Britain, is just a few miles away. There is no ticket office at Kirkby Stephen but tickets can be booked on the train.

      

Kirkby Stephen Kirkby Stephen is the nearest market town, about 4 miles away. There is a Tourist Information Centre in Kirkby Stephen where a wide variety of literature detailing local activities and amenities is available.

    

Lake District The Lake District National Park with its wealth of mountain and lakeland scenery and associated activities is within easy driving distance.

    

Yorkshire Dales Only a short drive away the Yorkshire Dales offer undulating hills and dales featuring endless limestone walls and field houses so characteristic of the area. There are several possibilities for circular drives which take in many villages with their small shops, galleries and hostelries.