Located in the heart of the Eden Valley
Ainstable is a small pretty village in the Eden Valley, located in a landscape which stretches from this Cumbrian fellside to the River Eden, and is part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Unesco Global Geopark 'Fellfoot Forward Project'.
The Fellfoot Forward Partnership Scheme is a major project to conserve, enhance and celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of this special part of the North West of England. In 2020 the scheme was awarded funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This funding brings just over £2million to support the overall scheme, which will invest £3.4million in nature recovery and cultural heritage of the area.
In our landscape we are surrounded with 8000 years of human stories: from the Neolithic stone circle of Long Meg all the way to today's Fellfoot communities. It is home to wildlife scarce throughout the rest of the UK, including curlew on the fells, water vole along the riverbanks and rare bumblebees in the meadows. Farming practices, many of which are generations old, are responsible for protecting our soils, mitigating flood risks, and protecting heritage features for visitors and residents. Work is planned, under the Fellfoot Forward Project, on archaeologic sites, conserving historic buildings, and adding new and revitalised walking, cycling and riding routes to the many currently in use.
While staying it is the ideal opportunity to meander along the numerous local footpaths and bridleways that crisscross the area or make a trip to the nearby village of Little Salkeld where a picturesque walk along the river will bring you to Lacy's Caves, and the Long Meg Stone Circle is a must, you are sure to be enchanted. The North Pennines village of Alston, reputably the highest market settlement in England, is sure to charm with its cobbled streets, market cross and bandstand, ambling around the village is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. For a longer day out, visit the historic border city of Carlisle where you can learn all about the area's Roman heritage at the fantastic Tullie House Museum. Why not head to the Lake District? spend a day at the beautiful nearby Ullswater, try your hand at paddle boarding or hitch a ride on the popular Ullswater "Steamer" for a delightful cruise around the lake.
We are only 15 minutes from Junction 41 (Penrith, travelling from the South) and Junction 42 of the M6 motorway (Carlisle, travelling from the North).
Village pubs can be found in the mill village of Kirkoswald (4 miles) and Armathwaite (1 and a half miles).
The Heather Glen is in an area of outstanding natural beauty which we invite you to share.