WALKING

Walk out of the cottage door, cross the road,
go through the wicket gate
- and you're already in wild country!

There's a path here that takes you along a rushing hill stream to a small waterfall.

Beyond that, you can climb on to the heather moor - and see no one.

Another walk, 5 minutes away, takes you onto a hill with panoramic views,

and a prehistoric hill-fort complete with walls and ditches.

If you prefer to stick to road walking,

the country byways here are largely traffic free

and you can walk for miles past beautiful hill farm scenery.

There are also a number of way-marked woodland walks

at the nearby village of Holystone.

That's just a small selection.

There are many other superb walks in the areas.

Whatever your level of fitness, this is first class walking country!

Every month of the year brings new delights.

In spring the air is full of birdsong and the bleating of lambs.

Look out for thick clumps of primroses and violets. These were spotted along the banks of the stream that flows just by the cottage

:

Early summer brings carpets of bluebells...

... followed by the vivid blooms of rhododendrens

By August many of the hillsides are vivid purple as the heather comes into bloom. This one is immediately outside Ryecroft Cottage.

The autumn sees an abundance of berries and other wild fruits in the hedgerows -

and some fantastic sunsets!

Even winter has its appeal, with crisp, frosty mornings and

a roaring wood fire to look forward to when you return to the cottage.

With full central heating, it's always warm and cosy!

Why not think about spending an unusual Christmas or New Year at Ryecroft Cottage?

WILDLIFE

This is one of the few corners of England where you can still see

rare red squirrels in the wild.

We own a small field opposite the cottage

and we've put several squirrel feeders up there

so - although we can't make any promises -

you have an excellent chance of seeing them.

Here's a photo of one at the bird table.

There are rabbits everywhere.

There's also a good chance of seeing stoats, voles and bats.

If you're lucky you might be able to add deer to the list.

Ryecroft Cottage is surrounded by a variety of habitats which attract numerous different birds.

As well as the woodland species that visit the cottage bird-table, look out for curlew, oyster-catcher, heron, buzzard, woodcock, dippers, tree-creepers, tawny owls, barn owls, geese, ducks, moorhen and many other wading birds.

FROM OUR VISITORS' BOOK

"Brilliant bird-table - great variety of birds (and watch out for the shrew)"

"Seen red squirrels and a deer, loads of different birds."

"awoke one morning to find a red squirrel sat eating nuts!"

"Stoat was seen in the garden at 6 a.m. and possibly a weasel too."

"We have seen various animals including a rather cute stoat dancing in the garden...I have enjoyed my walks up to the waterfall and watching buzzards at play."

"Saw Mr. Woodpecker several times"

"The birdlife from the window each morning was one of the best memories of the week. We also had the company of a red squirrel most mornings."

"Saw many birds, incl. wheatear, dippers, herons, siskins woodpecker etc. Even a deer."

THERE'S SO MUCH TO DO IN NORTHUMBERLAND -

AND IT'S ALL WITHIN EASY REACH

OF RYECROFT COTTAGE!

WALKING AND CYCLING

Walk straight from the cottage door along quiet country roads, onto open moorland or to view a prehistoric hill fort: enjoy wonderful views and abundant nature!

Follow way-marked National Park forest walks; or join a themed guided walk, held throughout the year.

Visit the Cheviot Hills - only 20 minutes’ drive away - ideal for walking or cycling.

Follow National Cycle Route no. 68, which runs past the cottage.

DAYS OUT

Castles at Alnwick, Warkworth, Bamburgh and Chillingham.

National Trust and English Heritage properties at Cragside, Wallington, Brinkburn Abbey, Belsay etc.

The internationally famous new Alnwick Garden.

The coast: Northumberland’s beaches are vast, clean, sandy and quiet. Great for children, walkers and bird watchers!

Holy Island (Lindisfarne) with its castle, abbey, history and coastal walks.

By boat to the Farne Islands with their bird and seal colonies.

Hadrian’s Wall and fascinating museums of Roman life.

Kielder Water for boat trips, forest walks and outdoor activities.

The Scottish Borders for tranquil scenery and attractive market towns.

Go shopping: in Rothbury for all your supplies; in Alnwick with its varied shops and huge second-hand bookshop; in Newcastle or the Metro Centre, two of the best retail outlets in Britain.

Visit a village show or watch a traditional music festival - dates available on request.

Go fishing: permits for local rivers are available at nearby post offices. You might even catch a salmon!

Play golf in Rothbury.

AVAILABILITY, CONTACT 
AND BOOKINGS

 please click on one of these links
which will take you straight to 
our booking agents:

www.cottages.com

or 
www.originalcottages.co.uk



All bookings must be for a full week, Saturday to Saturday

TO FIND OUT MORE:

Please contact

Rosalind Kerven

roskerven@hotmail.com

Prices include:

All oil heating, electricity and logs for the open fire.
Bed linen and towels.
Free Wifi.

Please note:

Ryecroft is a non-smoking cottage 

and unfortunately we can't accept dogs.