A few of our cottages are set high up on the hills, having stunning panoramic views.  Access to these cottages is obviously more challenging than those situated in villages.  High Bents and High Smarber are reached by steep, winding single track roads, which are used regularly by local residents and utilities eg Royal Mail.  They are accessible for many vehicles, although, especially in the case of High Bents, not suitable for larger vehicles eg minibuses, people carriers or trailers, low-slung vehicles, or cars with rear wheel drive, as there are some extremely tight bends.  We can't guarantee your car will be able to get up the hills to the cottages, so be prepared to walk from the main road if you can't drive up - bear this in mind before booking.  They are also best suited to confident drivers, as there may be a need to reverse up or down the hill if another car is approaching the opposite way.

Nettlebed and Throstle Nest Barn are also found along a single track road, although not steep, and Nettlebed is then reached by an unmade track from the road, through 2 gates.  The track can be difficult when damp and you will need to negotiate the two tight bends with 3 point turns, depending on which direction you are approaching from.  You may need to either reverse 20m from the road to the first bend, then carry on forwards or leave the car on the lower part of the drive and walk up to the house (approx 50m). 

Holidaymakers should also be aware that in wintry weather the tiny roads to all the above cottages are not gritted by the council, although there are piles of salt and grit at intervals up the hills, which can be accessed by individual car drivers if necessary.  It may still be necessary, however, to leave the car at the main road and walk up and down to and from the cottages in poor weather.

If in any doubt about access for any cottage, please ring us for advice before booking.  However, we cannot take any responsibility for any difficulties with access under any circumstances and your booking is made entirely at your own risk.  You are reminded that your deposit is non-refundable once a booking is made and a deposit paid.

We cannot stress enough how important travel insurance is, to cover any of these, or any other unforeseen, circumstances.  It is often hard to imagine the poor weather or road conditions we get here, very close to the Pennines, especially if you're booking when the weather is balmy!