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Welcome to Wayside Guest Accommodation & Whisky Barn
Things to do in the area
 
Wayside guest accommodation is situated in Whitbeck at the foot of Black Combe, which is about 10 miles south of Ravenglass and Muncaster Castle and within easy driving distance to Windermere and Coniston.
We are only a fifteen minute drive from the picturesque village of Ravenglass, which is the only coastal village within the Lake District National Park. There are plenty of things to do in Ravenglass like visitng the Roman bath house and having a ride on the Ravenglass-Eskdale railway (nick-named the lil ratty), making use of the cycle tracks, or sitting outside the Holly House pub with a glass of local real ale or if you prefer a cup of tea and a light snack at the Rosegarth.
The Ravenglass-Eskdale railway takes you through seven miles of stunning countryside, and finishes at Dalegarth, Boot, where you can get off and explore the surrounding area, there is a cafe at the Ravenglass and at the Dalegarth station where you can purchase light refreshments. There are plenty of scenic walks and good pubs to enjoy, there is also a very good play area at Dalegarth for younger children.
Muncaster Castle is the historic haunted castle which is still lived in by the Penningon family. It is only a short drive away from Wayside and a mile south of Ravenglass. You can walk around the castle or take a stroll around the beautiful gardens and see the Rhodedendrons which are spectacular in spring, as are the bluebells as you can see below. There is always something going on at the castle, check our event page for more information. If you visit this area the castle is definately a must.
 .jpg "Bluebell woods Muncaster Castle")
There are many walks to do in the area, Black Combe (600m or 1969 ft) is around 10 miles away from any higher ground, which gives an excellent view of the surrounding area, on days of good visibitlity you can see Scafell, Old Man of Coniston, Blackpool, St Bees Head, Isle of Man and Yorkshire Dales, and on a crystal clear day you can see Ireland, Scotland, and Snowdonia. Wayside has direct access onto Black Combe.
Other walks which are within easy driving distance are Scafell Pike (978m or 3210 ft), Helvellyn (950m or 3114 ft) and Old Man Of Coniston (803m or 2634 ft) to name a few.
Wasdale is a 30 minute drive away, it hosts Englands highest mountain (Scafell Pike), Wastwater which is Englands deepest Lake (74m or 230ft) and Englands smallest church, as well as Britains favourite view.
 
For guests who prefer scenic flatter walks rather than hiking, there are some beautiful scenic walks which are also within easy driving distance. From Wayside itself there is a 20 minute walk to the beach, and also in Millom there is a walk around the sea wall and Hodbarrow nature reserve. Further afield Eskdale, Ulpha and Wasdale valley offer walks which are less strenuous. Tarn Hows in Coniston is a lovely walk and is a popular picnic destination for many people. Silecroft Beach (blue flag rating) has just been awarded a quality coast award (2010) as have Haverigg, Seascale and St. Bees, and is just a short drive away, when the tide is out ,there is a long flat stretch of sandy beach ideal for kite buggies, kite-flying, kite-surfing, wind surfing, and sea fishing, as well as horse riding, kayaking, or just family fun like cricket, rounders, football, paddling, sand castle making and exploring rock pools. The beach is also good for fishing. Dogs are welcome on the beach if under control.
 
If walking is not your thing Cumbrian Heavy Horse centre is just a 5 minute drive away, in Whicham valley. They have both Clydesdale and Shire horses. Rides available include fell , farm, and beach rides, riders of varying ability are welcome. Imagine galloping along the beach on one of these gentle giants (experienced riders only). Voted Tourism Experience Of The Year Cumbria Tourism Awards 2010, and Best Tourism Experience Of The Year 2011. As seen on BBC's Countryfile.
Murthwaite Green in Silecroft offers horse riding experiences with rides on the beach or fells for all abilities. We can provide a packed lunch so you can stay out all day enjoying the beautiful scenery on these friendly horses, or you could try an hour taster, either through the village or on the beach. Lessons are also offered if you would like to learn how to ride. They also offer trail rides staying overnight in various areas.
Bigland Hall in Windermere also offer a great horse riding experience. Half day and full day rides are availabe, enjoy fell ride around Lake Windermere or for the more experienced a full day ride from Morecombe Bay Sands to Chapel Island. Other rides include beach rides and lead rein rides for the younger rider. There are many other activities at Bigland Hall to enjoy such as clay pigeon shooting, archery, target shooting, fishing and quad trekking.
Parascending off Black Combe.
Also South Lakes Wild Animal Park is a great day out for the whole family, with lions, tigers and a chance to feed the lemurs. Come and watch tigers climb 20ft for their dinner - unique in Europe. Absolutely a must to see if you are staying in the area.
Visit Millom folk museum for a journey into Millom's shipping past and find out about it's history, they have also got an actual mining cage on display from Hodbarrow Mine, very informative.
A new attraction has opened up 2010, it is the Millom Rock Park. Hands on learning for all ages, if you are interested in geology and history this is the place for you, and it is absolutely free of charge. Learn how Cumbria's rocks were formed over millions of years ago, what different rocks are used for and how they have affected the lives of local people over the centuries and when you have finished looking around there is a lovely walk around the area.
Dalton-In-Furness is an old setlement mentioned in the Doomsday Book, Dalton Castle is the property of the National Trust and is open to the public, free of charge.
Furness Abbey is open to the public , telephone no. 01229 823420 for seasonal opening times. Steven and I have been and we think it is very impressive, a must for history lovers.
Take a trip to Piel Island and its Castle, as seen on T.V. presented by Martin Clunes Islands of Britain.
Visit Ulverston, a friendly and historic market town, birthplace of Stan Laurel , go and see the Laurel and Hardy Museum, or browse through the interesting shops and street market, there is always something going on nearly every weekend from the 1st May onward.
Hawkshead is one of the prettiest villages in Britain with its whitewashed houses, narrow streets and cobbled alleyways, it is in a conservation area which ensures the preservation of the architectural features. Hawkshead has important connections with the poet William Wordsworth and the children's author Beatrix Potter.
For bird watchers we have Nature Reserves in Millom, Barrow-In-Furness, South and North Walney Island.
You can also have Kitesurfing , Landboarding, Buggying, and Power Kiting lessons on Walney Island with North West Kitesurfing. See website for further information. www.nwks.co.uk or tel. 07724078057 and ask for Gary Powell.
For those of you who like open water swimming, in the United kingdom it is legal to swim in navigable lakes and rivers. In the Lake District coniston Water, Derwentwater, Ullswater and Windermere are all navigable lakes, there are numerous other lakes, tarns, rivers and becks in Cumbria, but permission from the landowner should be sought before swimming there are also events for open water swimming throughout the summer months. We are near the coast so sea swimming is also easily available.
We do not have many shops to browse around in the local area so if you are looking to do some shopping there is Barrow-in-Furness, Ulverston, Hawkshead, Windermere and Bowness, at the most an hours drive away. Our main draw is the beautiful countryside and the peace and quiet.
Wayside Guest Accommodation
& Whisky Barn,
Wayside,
Whitbeck
Cumbria.
LA19 5UP
Tel: 01229 718883
email: enquiries@waysidehotel.co.uk
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