Swaledale has many footpaths and interesting walks, from gentle rambles through Gunnerside meadows, to more demanding hilltop hikes, making the most of the spectacular views in this most beautiful part of Yorkshire. Hazel Brow Organic Farm is found in Low Row, where children can see lambs and other animals close up, along with the Punch Bowl Inn (with the same owners as the CB Inn in Arkengarthdale), a gastropub serving good food and ales (and amazing bar furniture made by the Mouseman). Gunnerside has a very friendly local, the King's Head, (dogs, children and muddy boots welcome), serving home-cooked fresh food and local beers (and a special doggy menu!). Ghyllfoot Tearoom is open for good food through the day and an excellent bistro on Wednesday and Saturday evenings (booking required), as well as takeaway curry on Mondays. The mobile fish and chip van calls in Gunnerside every Friday, from 7pm (earlier in Low Row). Muker has home-cooked food at Muker Tearoom and excellent food at the Farmer's Arms, and a craft shop/gallery, as well as Swaledale Woollens, selling items knitted locally from Swaledale sheep wool.

There are a wealth of places to visit throughout Swaledale, including the Kearton Country Hotel in Thwaite, various pubs, shops (including Swaledale Outdoors for hiking equipment) and tearooms in Reeth, the Bridge Inn at Grinton, bike hire at Fremington, Dales Countryside Museum and the Ropemaker's in Hawes in Wensleydale and plenty of natural attractions, along with lead mining ruins, to be found on a day's walking.

Groceries can be delivered from Granary Foods, who will deliver ready meals, home baking and local eggs, sausages, bacon etc for your arrival, or Tesco's - see FAQs. Supermarkets in Leyburn, Richmond and Barnard Castle and Hawes has a few good food shops, including the Good Life on the little industrial estate.

The only mobile reception around Gunnerside area is Orange (and even that is variable), and no mobile reception updale past Satron. There are recycling facilities at Keld, Muker, Reeth, Langthwaite and bigger towns.

Click here to visit Throstle Nest Treasures.

• Sleeps 4, dble and twin.
• Multi-fuel stove, oil central heating, underfloor bathroom heating, all electric, oil and coal included. Logs available to buy at Reeth Garage or Reeth Village Store.
• Sky TV with movies package, DVD player, (radio and cds can be played through Sky TV and dvd player).
• Free Wifi internet access.
• Washer/dryer.
• Slimline dishwasher.
• Freezer.
• All bedlinen and towels included.
• Telephone - honesty box.
• Ipod docking station.
• Hairdryer.
• Private 2 acre field, with spring and summer meadow flowers.
• Garden furniture overlooking outstanding views over Swaledale and the river.
• Lockable outhouse to store bikes etc.
• Parking for one car on flagged area, further parking for up to 3 cars in field.
• One well-behaved medium-sized dog welcome (not in bedroom or on furniture, please). Please mention when booking if you are bringing dogs (there is no extra charge).
• Drainage is to a septic tank. Private spring water supply, filters in place (during rainy weather, water may appear brown, but is perfectly safe to drink).
• Sorry, no smoking.
• Please note, children must be supervised in field, open water trough and stream.
• Commercial waste collection, every other Friday.

Week bookings run from Saturday to Saturday (reserve online or give us a call on 01748 886366).

Winter short breaks are available (see FAQs for particular details re Throstle Nest Barn). Please ring us to make a short break booking, or for a price for a different number of nights.

If you like the decor and accessories in these photographs of Throstle Nest Barn, then visit Throstle Nest Treasures: a new website full of country style homewares inspired by the beauty of Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales.

Notes and Additional Information

Jan 12..."Our second visit to TNB in weather somewhat different to the summer. A very wet, windy, New Year week with snow and sunshine thrown in. All in all a perfect place to see in 2012, going home relaxed and refreshed - if a little damp!"  Peter and Jude, Crouch End, London.

Dec 11..."Christmas in Swaledale has been a relaxing and rewarding experience.TNB is very welcoming and easy to settle into. Highlights of the week include the stunning scenery, walks in Keld, Muker and terrific meals at the Farmer's Arms in Muker. Going home recharged and ready to take on 2012. Thank-you."  Julia and Adam, Chelmsford, Essex.

Dec 11..."Perfect peace at TNB, avoiding all the manic Christmas preparations. Lovely, homely cottage. Thank-you."  The Threlfall-Prideaux family, Ryall, Dorset.

Nov 11..."Our second visit to TNB and for 10 days - amazing, our favourite holiday home and will say again, the best! Just a wonderful conversion, location, peace and tranquillity. Thank-you to the owners for sharing it."  Larraine and Steve Knight, Offenham.

Nov 11..."Had a lovely week in this very well-appointed and comfortable cottage. It is so well located for walks."  Richard and Pat, Rennington, Northumberland.

Nov 11..."Impressive. It makes a pleasant change not to be saying things like, "It's very nice, really" or "It must be hard to maintain".   Paul and Paul and Puppy.

Oct 11..."We've had a great time, the cottage is beautifully finished and equipped. Many thanks."  Andrew, Lesley and Sylvie Needham.

Oct 11..."Lovely cottage, everything we need is here, very relaxing. Great conversion, we like the way it's been done."  Peter and Karen Charleton, Oxenhope.

Oct 11..."Superb place! Totally relaxing week!"  Catherine and Stuart, Chelmsford.

Oct 11..."This is a beautiful, well-equipped cottage, really appreciated the homely and cosy feel. The Sky, movies and wifi were great, although the "outdoors" was our reason for visiting, our highlights: the view from the bench at the top of the meadow, the lovely pubs, the peace, quiet, complete darkness, fresh air, sunshine and balmy evenings, many thanks."  Keith and Maria, Ramsgate, Kent.

Sept 11..."We have had a fantastic week, fresh air, long walks, Yorkshire food and ale, friendly locals. The wood stove is really cosy."  James, Harefield, West London.

Sept 11..."Very well-appointed, lovely place, marvellous walking in all directions. Thanks."  The Rosses, Leeds.

Sept 11..."What a fantastic location, we love the countryside here. One of the most beautiful  places in all of the UK."  The Ammans, London, Chicago.

Aug 11..."A lovely place to stay in the most beautiful place in the UK! We will be back..."  Peter and Jude, Crouch End, London.

Aug 11..."We agree with everyone else!! The Barn is great and we shall return, easily the best cottage in the Dales and Moors."  Cheryl, John and James Dray, Ottery, Devon.

July 11..."What a fantastic cottage in a fantastic location! Really well-appointed and had everything that we needed for the week. Thanks, Cat Hole Cottages, we'll be back!"  Ryan and Jamie, Okehampton.

July 11..."Well-appointed cottage in a great location. Had a relaxing week that was over in no time."  Cameron and Jeanette.

July 11..."Stayed for a short break at the end of March this year and couldn't wait to come back. Certainly one of the best cottages we have stayed at in the UK. Very well-equipped."  David and Sheila Bowlby, Darlington.

July 11..."Fantastic!"  Paul and Jo, Oxford.

June 11..."Lovely, cosy cottage with great views. This cottage is a gem, many thanks."  Chris and Jean Smith, Basingstoke.

June 11..."Loved the barn and the weather for the last 3 days."  The Player family, Australia.

May 11..."We've had a lovely time here at TNB. A nicely converted adn well-appointed barn with stunning views - easily the best we've encountered in our 15+ years of holidaying throughout the Dales. Only downside was the weather - but I guess you can't have everything! Hope to be back again some day."  The Harrison family, Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

May 11...Despite the varied weather, we have spent a wonderful fortnight at TNB. We would definitely recommend it to friends - fab location, very clean and well-equipped. Thank-you for sharing your cottage."  Val and Emma, Yeovil, Somerset.

April 11..."What a find! A fantastic cottage in a wonderful location.  A great holiday, thank-you."  Jill, Tim and Lewis, Tynemouth.

April 11..."Our fifth year in the Yorkshire Dales and the best holiday yet. Besides this wonderful cottage, we have enjoyed a whole week of the most fantastic weather! Back soon."  Alexanders, Newark.

April 11..."What a fabulous cottage set in a stunning location. I have walked along this lane for over 20 years and always loved it. Do hope to be back again!"  Pat and Audrey.

April 11..."We must wholeheartedly agree with everything already said about the many delights of the Barn - we absolutely loved it - and especially appreciated the wifi. Balm for the soul indeed!"  Terry and Hilary Reilly, Southerndown, Vale of Glamorgan.

March 11..."Beautifully appointed cottage in a stunning location. Attention to detail makes this a very homely cottage. Ideal for walkers, birdwatchers, photographers and dog-friendly. I shall have no hesitation in submitting a review to Alastair Sawday's Special Escapes. Well worth the visit and hope to be back soon."  David, Sheila and James.

March 11...""Wow" - what a location and cottage - our first words on arrival. We have done a walk every day and Nellie has been as happy as a "pig in muck", so we have booked for 2012."  Jenny, Andrew and Nellie.

March 11..."Once again we have had a wonderful time in our home from home!! TNB is beautiful, make no mistake about it!!  We will be back, God willing."  Damien and Amanda.

March 11..."What a lovely cottage in a stunning location. We loved it from the moment we opened the door! It's been lovingly restored and is so warm and welcoming - the best we've ever been to. Can't wait to come back again."  Rob and Jenny, Jo and Kev, Kirkbymoorside.

March 11..."What a wonderful week we have had at TNB. It's difficult to add anything new to what has already been said - though I note no-one has yet mentioned the wonderfully thick and fluffy white towels! This place is one of the best self-catering we've ever stayed in, warm, cosy, spotlessly clean, marvellously equipped and a real sanctuary in which to relax at the end of a hard day's walking. Swaledale has so much to offer and it's a most welcome opportunity to recharge the batteries and totally relax in its peace and tranquillity."  Marie and Andy, Warwickshire.

Feb 11..."Four words: heaven on a stick!"  Andy, Jo, Anna, Olly and Nelson the dog, Cambridge.

Feb 11..."Thank-you for a wonderful holiday barn - it is exceptional and I know we will return."  Catherine and Robin Dunn.

New Year 11..."We arrived on a dark, foggy night, after a day of thaw...it was more than 24 hours before we fully 'thaw' the view up the dale and down the river. What a fine view it is. We had a fab New Year's Eve, much laughing, eating and making merry - Throstle Nest was the perfect place for such a small, cosy, immensely fun and memorable party. I want to steal the stove, haha.Heated floors in the bathrooms are bliss. Library and mags really interesting. Seat at the top of the field - a great spot, even in the biting cold. the run up from Isles Bridge via Crackpot is hard but rewarding. Gusting winds and earthquake rumbled the barn on our last evening, but we were still warm and happy indoors. Content. Can't say better than that!" Jen, Paula, Lee, Claire and Michael, Darlington and Gateshead.

Christmas 10..."What can we say that hasn't already been said? WOW! WHITE! WONDERFUL! WALKS! WEDDING! Yes, we got married on 23rd December in Leyburn - after sliding off the road 200 yds from here, being rescued by Steve up the road, who took us in his Land Rover - posh frocks and wellies, but some great pictures. It would be churlish to be critical of anything at Throstle Nest BUT... I think you should all be warned that when a cottage has been built on the hard shoulder of a major freeway like the Crackpot to Gunnerside Highway, rush hour can be a real nightmare if you're not expecting it. We've been lucky, because it's only happened twice (we think it was the same tractor both times). Complete, utter bliss - we'll certainly be back." Tony, Lindsay, Nathan, Fran and Kizzy (who enjoyed the rabbit chasing).

Dec 10..."SNOW, SNOW, SNOW! Our second visit to this wonderful cottage. The weather was consistently cold, but the cottage was very cosy with the coal burner stocked up to keep us warm. A lovely week and one which will be remembered forever! Must go and dig car out of the snow to go home, many thanks." Philip and Gill, Felbrigg, Norwich.

Nov 10..."We have loved every minute here in this beautiful cottage - stunning views! This week has offered wind, rain, sunshine and even a bit of snow - amazing to see the view changing and to come back to a cosy fire after a long day walking in the cold. We have had a fabulous time and will definitely be back!! Thank-you." Carnie and Joel, Warrington, Cheshire.

Nov 10..."Thanks for a great four nights in a very cosy cottage. Hope we'll be back one day! Off to Lakes for another 7 nights, hope cottage is as nice as this one, many thanks." Nigel and Deb, and Nettle the dog, Cheltenham.

Nov 10..."The cottage is very tasteful, an absolute gem! Very warm and cosy, even when it was blowing a gale outside. Food good at the King's Head, Gunnerside, dog-friendly, so worth a trip. Also, the Farmer's Arms in Muker, food really good and another dog-friendly pub, hurrah! The week's holiday has flown by, even though we did have some very wet weather. Wish I could pick this cottage up and take it home with us!" Jenn, Jay and Keera the dog.

Oct 10..."We have been to the Dales many times, so knew what to expect from this beautiful region. We have never had a cosier, better-equipped cottage. We loved walking in onto a stone floor (none of that 'mind the carpet' with boots, however clean). The silver birches are/will be lovely, we all enjoyed the stove. By the end of the week some of us can even work Sky TV! A well-laid-out, comfortable cottage." Graham and Alison Ralph, Gerard and Isabel Wakeman, York.

Oct 10..."A lovely, fresh week - had two frosty mornings! Would recommend walk into Reeth, lovely views. Fantastic holiday, many thanks!" Kevin, Frances and Storm, Royston, Herts.

Oct 10..."Hi again! Our second visit in 4 months to this wonderful peaceful setting. Two fantastic 8 mile walks in the sunshine! Never tire of the Dales scenery, pubs, stone walls and being at one with nature. Should have moved here 30 years ago - still trying! Walk all around the UK, but the Dales is home from home. See you again next year to do the many other walks we still haven't completed. Been coming here for donkey's years, but only just discovered the fantastic food in the White House Tea Shop in Reeth. What a treat!" Rosie, Rusty, Vera and Finn the dog, Denmead, Hants.

Oct 10..."First impressions - more than we were expecting (wow), thank-you so much.Thursday visited by Mum and Dad. Very impressed, they want to come now! Friday (last day) and we were very sad, didn't want to leave the cottage, but had a small ride to Reeth and pottered round . Dinner booked at the Punch Bowl this evening and back for a last night. We won't forget this place in a hurry - you have given us much more than we were expecting in a wonderful location where we have been greeted by everyone with warmth. We will be back with friends and family if we don't sell up and move up. Best honeymoon that anyone could have wished for. Thank-you so much from the bottom of our hearts- a memory that will last our lives together." The Thompsons, Dewsbury (newlyweds on honeymoon).

Sept 10..."We had a lovely time in this beautiful part of the country. The gentle welcoming Dales was explored by car and foot and the weather was kind. Enjoyed lunch and dinner at the Kearton Country Hotel - what a gem." Sue Thomas, Rosemary Parry, Brisbane, Australia.

Sept 10..."A perfect short break - superb accommodation, stunning location and glorious weather... what more could we ask for? A LONGER BREAK NEXT TIME!!"
David and Sandra Taylor, Netherton, W Yorks.

Aug 10.."Lovely cottage, warm and cosy and such amazing views. We've had a great time and some wonderful walks. The walk from Keld to Swinnergill is fantastic, lovely in the sunshine today. Reeth Show was fantastic, we had a lovely day there and would recommend similar shows (Muker Show 1st Sept). Punch Bowl at Low Row has great food (at a price and you need to book). Village shops in Reeth are really well-stocked and Campbells at Leyburn is lovely. So many walks I want to do, we'll have to return to Swaledale."
Jo, Jan, Victoria and Charlotte, Melton Mowbray, Leics.

Aug 10..."We have enjoyed our stay in this lovely cottage - the best we have ever stayed in. So tranquil and peaceful. We have enjoyed walking every day, despite getting wet most days! We were very interested in the Old Gang lead mine works above Arkengarthdale. We ended our week with a very good meal at the Punch Bowl."
Michael and Carol Parker, Staines, Middlesex.

July 10..." A most charming cottage furbished with excellent taste and every attention to detail. Have appreciated some good, honest food at the Copper Kettle, Reeth, the Farmer's Arms, Muker, the King's Head, Gunnerside; and would recommend when anyone wants to go a bit more upmarket, the Ghyllfoot Tearooms and Bistro, Gunnerside, the Punch Bowl, Low Row, and its twin sister, the CB Inn in Arkengarthdale. A perfect end to a day's walking would be to relax by the fire browsing through the very helpful selection of books on the area (we were only sorry that the weather didn't lend itself to making use of the lovely garden furniture!)."
Stuart, Elizabeth and Rebecca Webb, Solihull, W Midlands.

July 10.."Wonderful, beautiful, tranquil, relaxing, peaceful... A thousand words could not express the location of this beautiful sanctuary, waking up to that view every jmorning is a tonic for life's hustle and bustle. Loads of wildlife, I even saw a mole in the garden!!! The Barn is wonderful, I love all of the nick-nacks, it makes it so homely. I just wish I had booked two weeks!!! Little pub in Redmire, if you're that way, does the best sunday lunch outside of my kitchen."
Maggie, Steve and Steph Wood, Rayleigh, Essex.

July 10..."Beautiful cottage, wonderful location and views. The Dales are ideal for walking (even if the weather isn't that good)."
Bart and Triene Demey, Holland.

July 10..."Amazing cottage! Wonderful holiday! Didn't want to leave! Will definitely be back..."
Mark and Becca, Suffolk.

June 10.."One word - superb!"
Steve and Gill Halliwell, Wigan, Lancs.

June 10..."What a fantastic cottage and location for our first visit to the Dales. Throstle Nest is the best cottage we've stayed in anywhere in the UK! The attention to detail has to be commended. Poppy, our goldie, has loved teh freedom to roam in teh meadow and chase the rabbits! Thoroughly enjoyed our week and we'll be back!" Many thanks.
Steve and Tracey Rayner, Norwich.

June 10.."Wonderful "barn" - beautifully restored with love/thought/detail. Great walks, loads of wildlife, very beautiful valley. We will be back."
Damian and Mandy, Amble, Northumberland.

June 10..."We have had a fantastic week at this wonderful barn conversion. Woke one morning to find sheep gathered on the steps up to the bedroom! No better way to start the day than having breakfast outside on the bench while watching the sun rise (most mornings!), lambs, cockerels and curlews provide the accompanying music! Toughh to decide which walk to do, though - need far more time here - a truly great spot to rejuvenate body and mind - brilliant!"
Kevin, Frances and 'Storm', Hertfordshire.

May 10..." We have to concur with previous comments - the worst thing about Throstle Nest Barn is leaving it! The stunning location; the sound of the curlew all around; much wildlife at the door and the barn conversion itself is superb (probably the best we have seen in the 28 years of coming to the Dales). After the stresses of work and home life it is "Sheer, Idyllic Tranquillity"."
Rosie, Rusty, Vera and Finn, Denmead, Hants.

May 10.."What a perfect way to spend our honeymoon! A beautiful barn in a stunning location with the most amazing views! Fantastic walks and great places to eat! We'll definitely have to come back, maybe for our 1st anniversary, as there are so many other footpaths to discover!!! Swaledale is a pleasure to visit and be part of, not looking forward to returning to the hustle and bustle of normal life and rush hour traffic!!! Many, many thanks again for a wonderful honeymoon!!!."
Mr and Mrs B Owens, Mirfield, W Yorks.

May 10..."There is one major problem with Throstle Nest Barn - we have to give it back at the end of the week! It has been an absolute pleasure to stay in your charming, cosy and comfortable home and I hope we will be back soon to do all the other walks we planned, but didn't quite get to. Many thanks indeed."
Andrew and Susi, W Yorks.

May 10..."We have had a wonderful week in "Throstle Nest Barn". A relaxing time in a warm and very pleasant cottage. The walks from the door different every day and the views spectacular! To escape from "Election Fever" was a bonus. Enjoy the local area - leave the car parked for the week! We go home happy."
Carole and Derek, E Yorkshire.

April 10.."We don't want to go home! What a gorgeous cottage, so tastefully done!! We wanted for nothing whilst being here, everything we could possibly have wanted was here... Fantastic location - breathtaking... Hazel Brow Farm definitely worth a visit - truly fabulous for the children (6 and 9). Thank-you so much for one of the best short breaks we've ever had!"
Andy, Clare, Sam and Jack, Harrogate.

April 10.."A wonderful discovery with a beautiful cottage in a fantastic location and with incredible views. It is always the sign of a good holiday when you wish you were here another week! Perfect place to spend Easter. Have fun!"
Sally, Jolyon, Milly and Briony Thomson.

March 10.."Outstanding barn conversion in a fantastic peaceful location. We found the barn very well-equipped and all first class fixtures and fittings. If you are lucky to have a clear sky in the evening, the view of the stars is spectacular!"
John and Jenny Bradly and Bruce, the German Shepherd, Hartlepool.

Feb 10..."Cosy cottage, tastefully done, more than expected and extremely well-equipped. Bit too snowy for mountain biking, but fab winter walking. Thank-you! Enjoy your stay."
Mr and Mrs Insley, High Peak, Derbyshire.

Jan 10..."Thank-you so much for letting us stay in your lovely, well-equipped cottage. The wood-burner is excellent once we got it going, and very cosy."
Philip and Gill King, Felbrigg, Norwich.

Jan 10.."Beautiful cottage. Exceeded expectations. Great location for wintry walks with t'spaniel. Highly recommend Punch Bowl Inn at Low Row. Hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did."
Sam, Amy and Spencer, Leicester.

Jan 10..."Lovely cottage. Fantastically well-equipped kitchen. Lovely pretty touches throughout. Really enjoyed our stay. Thank-you and Happy 2010! PS A wonderful special place to bring in the New Year!"
Cal, Dan, Mike and Laura, Liverpool.