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Dufton & Beyond

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Dufton, Cumbria

Dufton and Beyond

Dufton is an ideal base to explore the delights of the northwest of England, situated just 15 minutes from the M6, close to the A66, some 10 miles east of Penrith. There are a wide variety of attractions within easy reach, with The Lake District, Hadrian's Wall and the Yorkshire Dales all just a short drive away.

The village itself is delightful and is a welcome stop for those walking the Pennine Way. There are plenty of amenities close by, including a cosy pub just a few doors away that serves some great food. Our village shop and tearoom has recently re-opened too. There are both gentle and more challenging walks from the doorstep into the beautiful Pennine Hills. A visit to the stunning scenery of High Cup Nick (pictured) is an easy day walk. It is ideally located for cyclists too, with many quiet country lanes and tracks (bike hire can be arranged).

We are in the process of gather more information on local attractions, but in the meantime here are some that have made our list:

•  Jersey ice cream farm (15 mins away).
•  A "Via Ferratta" - an exciting new way to get up a mountain.
•  Pony trekking.
•  Paint balling.
•  Quad biking.
•  "Go Ape" - an aerial playground with zip wires.
•  Working water mill at Little Salkeld.
•  Bread making courses at an organic village bakery.
•  Climbing Wall.
•  Steam trains.
•  Animal parks.
•  Farmers markets.
•  Two hand-made chocolate shops.
•  Auctions at Penrith on every 3rd Tuesday of the month.
•  Lowther Show in August.
•  Appleby Fair in June (the largest gypsy horse fair in the country).
•  Caves and a waterfall walk at Ingleton.
•  Canoeing or sailing.
•  Cheesemaking and ropemaking at Hawes.
•  Theatre-by-the-Lake at Keswick.
•  "Dinner in the pot" - a new dining experience (please ask us if you are interested).

Appleby-in-Westmorland is the closest market town and is well served with shops, including top quality butchers and a baker.

The nearest large town is Penrith which is just 10 miles away. It boasts all the usual amenities such as supermarkets, cinema, and plenty of other shopping, including a large market and car boot sale at weekends.

For an interesting day out you could get a day pass to the CentreParcs Winfell complex, just across the A66 from Dufton. Or you could visit Rheged which comes highly recommended, with its IMAX cinema and fascinating insights into local history and culture.

The Lake District is an easy drive away, so you can be in the centre of Keswick in about 35 minutes. The Northeastern fells, like Skiddaw and Helvellyn are easily accessable, but if you prefer a slower and less vertical approach you can take a boat trip on Ullswater or Derwent Water.

This area of Britain has a wealth of history, with the Romans playing an important part in its development. There are many interesting places to visit, not least of which is Hadrian's Wall. Some of the best preserved and most interesting forts on the wall are less than an hour away. These include Birdoswald and Vindolanda.