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Hay Barn

If your idea of the perfect Lake District holiday is to have magnificent lake views, walks from your doorstep up onto mountain paths, a village within walking distance and plenty of activities both on and around the water, then the Hay Barn will be a perfect choice.

Hay Barn adjoins Bracken Barn, both sitting opposite Heathwaite Farm and Cottage. All overlook and have wonderful views of Coniston Water, and lie on the lower slopes of Coniston Old Man. Set in some ninety acres of grazing meadow and fell, in the heart of the Lake District, the properties are approached by steep narrow lanes from the village, which open onto a long private drive. Paths lead on up to the summit, giving the walker a stunning panoramic view of the lake district.

Wildlife is abundant, with Buzzards soaring overhead, Green Woodpeckers hammering trees and Swallows performing avian aerobatics in and out of the old barns. The surrounding meadow is grazed by Herdwick sheep and cattle which, on occasion, are driven into the farm yard for dipping and shearing, a fascinating sight for children and adults alike - keep the camera ready.

The barn is bank built. You step into a small hall where a short flight of steps take you up to the open plan living space. The sitting room area is of a good size, with a comfortable sofa and arm chairs set under a beamed ceiling and, to add a little atmosphere, a living gas fire. All very perfect to tuck up in the evenings after the days explorations.

The kitchen is open plan to the sitting room, well equipped to self cater. There is a small dining room, comfortably furnished and ideal for lazy lunches or tasty dinners long into the night.

Back down to the hall and a few stairs take you to the lower level and two bedrooms. One is a double the other a twin. Finally there is a bathroom with bath, overhead shower, basin and WC.

Outside, to the front is the shared farm court yard, or you could of course explore the nearby surrounding meadows and fell and find the perfect spot for a picnic.

 

The Location

Coniston village sits in the very heart of the Lake District at the northwest tip of Coniston Water, sheltered in the lea of the Coniston mountain range. Radiating from the stone bridge, spanning Church Beck, the four main streets are a bustling community with a fine church, shops, a post office, cafes, a local brewery and four good pubs.

This is a village with much to do, the location perfect for outdoor pursuits; climbing, walking, cycling and water sport holidays. On all points of the compass there are trails, leafy forest paths, tracks and lake shores to explore, and you need travel very little to find a new and exciting landscape.

Coniston Water is one the most people friendly lakes, with much of the shore and the whole lake open to the public. Famous as the backdrop and inspiration for Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons and Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbells's world speed attempts, its wooded and grassy banks, along with the craggy coves and the deep clear water offer a habitat to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Here pike, trout, perch and ancient char thrive along with swans, heron, ducks, woodpeckers and owls to name a few and recently there has been a re-introduction of red kites. Red squirrels are abundant as are wild red deer and badger, and, perhaps best of all, is the return of otters to Coniston.

At the boating center you can hire rowing boats, sailing dinghies, kayaks and canoes or my favorite, the small motorboats, perfect for a day out exploring the hidden bays and wooded coves. The Center also hires mountain bikes and electric bikes to help get you around the lanes and up onto the fells.

Still at the Boating Center, you can hop aboard one of the Coniston Launches with regular trips down the lake, stopping at various landing points including Brantwood, home of John Ruskin where, along with the Jumping Jenny restaurant, it makes for a good day out discovering the culture and work of the Pre Raphaelites and the Art Crafts Movement.

For romantic trip on the water you can board the famous Steam yacht ‘Gondola’. A beautiful rebuilt steam powered craft that will transport you back to an era of greater peace and tranquility. The yacht can be hired for large private parties, or maybe splash for just the two of you as a grand gesture. Finally, the lake offers more simple pursuits: fishing, swimming or simply finding a nice spot for a picnic and enjoying a magnificent view.

For walking, climbing and mountain biking the choice is huge, with the whole of the mountain range to explore. The Old Man of Coniston stands at 2635 feet and is very popular, offering various well-marked paths to the summit. If you only go part way the view will be spectacular, the pint in the pub on your return all the more delicious.

From the village one of my favorite paths takes you deep into the old Coppermines Valley, with its beck and waterfalls. At the head of the valley you carry on to discover the hidden tarns set in the lower slopes of the mountain.

There are plenty of low level walks and cycle trails. On the east side of Coniston water lies the Gizedale Forest. A massive working woodland, it is crisscrossed with paths and tracks for walking and mountain biking. The Forest is big into arts, commissioning fabulous statues and installations throughout. It is well worth driving, via Hawkshead, around to the visitor center for a forest map and information to get the best from your day out.

After all that exploring drink and sustenance will be in order. The village has five pubs and a number of cafes. The Black Bull on the bridge is the oldest and an old favorite, but to ring the changes you can try the Ship Inn, the Sun Hotel, the Crown and the Yewdale or maybe a dainty cocktail at Harrys Bar.

 

Guest Reviews For The Heathwaite Farm Cottages

Trish and Ruth, (York)
Had a brilliant holiday, loved the cottage, peaceful and comfortable. Absolutely perfect; a total de-stress. Loved the bats and owl.

Tim and Sue, (Warwickshire)
Another awesome week in this gorgeous place. Being woken up by the sheep and birds is fab. See you in September – we love it here.

Jules and Chris, (Skipton)
We’ve had such a lovely time – climbed the old man, boated on the lake. Wish we were staying another week!

Sunrise over Coniston Lake – definetly worth getting up for on a clear day. A mixture of walking and mooching around ambleside. A bottle of Bluebird bitter next to the fire at the cottage at the end of the day. A great week. Thanks

The Lambert Family, (West Sussex)
Crumbs! What a picturesque setting, an artist/writers paradise. Good job we had a plentiful supply of provisions, for picnicking upon the hill! Little Roger adored the secret pool, even though he fell in! Here’s to many more adventures.

Ann and Douglas, and Flo the dog (New Forest)
A very enjoyable week. Survived the access, (have known worse), loved the cottage, very comfortable and well equipped.

Simpson and Santos, (Algarve and Paris)
Charming and homely cottage. Planning our next visit already!’

Nicola, Ian and Ellen, Dad and Thelma, (Melbourne, Australia and Coventry)
Have fallen in love with this spot. All the rain has been a novelty – we are in drought. Thank you for sharing it with us.’

Simon and Jessica, (London)
Had fantastic time, beautiful views. Kids loved the secret pool. Thank you X

The Anderson Family, (Sevenoaks)
Lovely cottage – Lucy thought the herdwicks were great and loved walking back from the pub in the dark!’

Local Areas Of Interest

Coniston Village
Coniston Water & Mountain
The Grizedale Forest
Hawkshead
Tarn Hows

 

 

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