Take a stroll (or jump in the car…)
The cherry on the cake for any break away, a traditional village pub. 200 yards down the road, the shortest walk you’ll do, is the warmest and friendliest pub in the Eden Valley.
If you are thinking of eating here, which we would recommend doing at least once, it’s advisable to book at the weekend and peak season especially as they do fill up fast. Here’s a few other nice local pub suggestions too.
Ice Cream Farm
Abbott Lodge jersey Ice Cream farm is a working dairy farm. The farm produces over 40 flavours of high quality homemade Jersey ice cream and we guarantee it will be worth the walk. In fact, the day after your walk, you’ll be driving back for more. (They do take home tubs too).
Postcode: CA10 2HD
Walk: 30 minute stroll down the country lane
Larch Cottage
Hidden away in the tiny hamlet of Melkinthorpe is one of the country’s great horticultural gems. Romanesque walls, draped with greenery, act as a backdrop for the plant displays bursting with mature stock plants. You can peruse the nurseries at a leisurely pace and choose gifts in the gift shop before taking refreshments in La Casa Verde Restaurant. With a terrace overlooking the gardens and the Pennines beyond you won’t be disappointed.
Tip: Google maps will give you a different way to walk, but here’s the local way – taking about 40 minutes each way. Take the road directly opposite Fern Cottage, on the right, you’ll see a footpath sign directing you to Melkinthorpe. It’s a bit off road it’s much more scenic.
Larch Cottage Nurseries Melkinthorpe, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DR
Recommended walks
And if you simply enjoy going for a walk without the need for ice cream, snacks, cakes or an entire lunch at the half way point, then do take a look at the Two Circular walks, each about three miles long.