Visitors are free to walk over the farmland and in the woods which border the beck. They may also visit the animals and the Wilson family are happy to explain any of the farming operations you may see during your stay. The delights of the River Eden are closeby. Skirwith has no shop but Langwathby, two and a half miles away has an excellent general store and post office, a café and an open farm with a tea room and gift shop (Eden Ostrich World).

The pubs at Langwathby and Melmerby (three and a half miles) and Culgaith (two miles) provide good menus, as does the Fox Inn at Ousby. Penrith is only eight miles away, as is the M6 motorway (Junction 40).

There is an excellent Organic Restaurant at the Village Bakery in Melmerby, and the nearby Shepherd's Inn is Egon Ronay recommended. The Watermill at Little Salkeld has a tea room using mainly organic produce, and mill shop. They also have one day baking courses - for adults and children.

Whilst in Culgaith you can browse in the little antique shop, visit the garden centre and tea rooms or go to historic Acorn Bank, one time home of the Knights Templar and nowadays known for its extensive herb garden.

Appleby with its historic castle is only ten miles away and in June you can see the largest gathering of Gypsies in the country at the traditional Appleby fair. The Carlisle to Settle railway has a station at Langwathby if you would like a day out without your car or take a leisurely ride in style on a Classic vintage coach up to Hawes in the Dales.

Alston, highest market town in England is thirteen miles away, providing an opportunity to visit Hartside Nursery Gardens on the way or continue to Nenthead with its lead mining Heritage Centre. Other attractions are Wetheriggs Pottery, Lacey's Cave and the prehistoric stone circle - Long Meg and her daughters.

For gardeners, Larch Cottage Nuseries at Melkinthorpe specialise in rare and unusual plants, well worth a visit.

Locally there is excellent fishing and walking, and activities like golf, riding, cycling are available nearby. There are scenic golf courses at Alston, Appleby and Penrith where there is also a golf driving range. - Of course you may wish simply to relax and unwind.

Smithy Cottage is in an ideal location for touring not only the Eden Valley, but also the Lake District. Ullswater is 20 minutes away, Keswick is 30 minutes away and Windermere can be reached in 45 minutes.

Derwentwater in the Lake District

Further information about the Eden Valley may be found at www.VisitEden.co.uk

For photographs of Cumbria and places to visit see www.cumbria4.me.uk

If you are planning a family gathering that is different, or are a small company planning a team building weekend why not take our cottage and go paintballing at nearby Brougham.