If it is peace and quiet you seek than you would not do much better than to stay at this old country house with extensive gardens and fabulous views.
Built around 1860 for a local landowner, this hall is now a four star AA hotel, run by affable and down to earth hosts Hilary and Drew.
It took but moments from a friendly welcome before we were presented with three types of home made cakes, tea and coffee, which we took in the comfortable guest lounge, resplendent in the Spring sunshine. The lounge has cosy leather sofas and a multitude of books and walking guides for the use of guests.
The log fire was a welcome feature after a long walk over the Howgill Fells, which we had endured in less than pleasant weather conditions.
The lounge has free Wi-Fi for the technophiles and an honesty bar for those with other interests!
An offer to take our wet gear to the drying room was swiftly made, which ensured a dry experience when we set off the next morning.
There are ten bedrooms here, all with en-suite or private bathrooms. They are clean and comfortable with all the usual facilities including flat screen tv's.
Newbiggin on Lune is in a quiet corner of Cumbria, only five miles from the M6, and is such an oasis of tranquility with no main roads nearby.
The extensive gardens are a delight in themselves and offer views over farmland to the Howgill Fells. The hall sits close to Wainwright's Coast to Coast footpath and is a few yards from the Dales High Way footpath, especially convenient for this walk as an overnight stop before tackling the last thirteen miles into Appleby.
There are country walks straight out of the door, of which the most popular is two miles down the dismantled railway line and over the 180 foot tall Smardale Gill Viaduct to Smardale nature reserve, an internationally important site for wildlife.
The small village of Ravenstonedale is a few minutes drive away and has two fine pubs, both serving good quality food. For those without transport, your hosts will even drive you to and from the village. Superb customer service!
Breakfast is a hearty Cumbrian affair, with locally produced bacon, sausages, black pudding and eggs. This was voted the 'Breakfast of the Week' by my travelling companions and I.
No finer recommendation from five trencherman hikers.
Our visit overall was excellent, with friendly hosts, comfortable rooms, beautiful surroundings, peace and quiet and great food.
Who could ask for more?
Further details at www.brownberhall.co.uk and via sat-nav at CA17 4NX
