Evergreen adventures to be had in our National Parks
24 January 2020
Our corporate supporter Original Cottages share their love for getting out into the National Parks and why you should get outside and get exploring.
At Original Cottages, many of our staff live in and around the UK’s stunning parklands and we are proud to support the Campaign for National Parks, as well as to act as your guide in discovering your ideal base for exploring these timeless landscapes. Sharing that passion as a team is what we’re all about.
With offices in Elterwater and Windermere, the team at Good Life Lake District Cottages are ideally placed to enjoy some of the best walks and views in the local area. Alex works as a Marketing Assistant for Good Life and enjoys the walk from Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater in the Langdale Valley.
Beautiful Langdale Valley. Photo credit: Original Cottages
“This is a level walk that is perfect for people of all abilities and ages. The walk traverses the valley floor for just under 2 miles with a café and pub at the start and end respectively. I relish taking in some truly breath-taking sights including a waterfall, views of the famous Langdale Pikes and the beautiful Elterwater lake,” Alex says.
“There are also flocks of the much loved Herdwick Sheep to see as you walk, which my little nephew absolutely loves watching as they graze and move around the fields! The Britannia Inn at the end of the walk always provides a warm fire, a warmer welcome and a much-deserved pint half way through the walk, before retracing my steps along the valley floor to round the walk out!”
Within the North York Moors, Louise works as a Marketing Assistant for Ingrid Flute’s Yorkshire Holiday Cottages and loves to visit the regions charming local villages and surrounding parkland.
“In my view Lealholm, set in the North York Moors National Park is one of the prettiest villages in Yorkshire and is a beautiful place to walk and explore at any time of year. Set around a quaint village green where a grassy riverbank leads down to some stepping stones which cross the River Esk. It’s a great location for a walk and even a paddle if you’re feeling brave, providing hours of entertainment for children, and big kids too!”, she elaborates.
Lealholm in the North York Moors. Photo credit: Original Cottages
“A great walk from Lealholm is the 6-mile linear walk to the village of Grosmont, which also takes in the quaint villages of Glaisdale and Egton Bridge. As the route sticks close to the Esk Valley Railway, a great way to do this walk is to take the train to Grosmont and walk back, or vice versa.”
Working at the Original Cottages office in the market town of Reepham, Andrew grew up on the border of Norfolk and Suffolk and has spent much of his time exploring the waterways and local villages of the Norfolk Broads.
“When I was younger, I was more interested in computer games than fresh air, but my parents would insist on taking me out to visit the local countryside or Norfolk Broads. I’m glad they did, as the peaceful beauty of Broads is truly spellbinding and it wasn’t long until I was hooked,” he says. “Wroxham and Hoeton tend to be the most popular centres for visitors to the broads, but there are countless smaller villages just waiting to be discovered. With the option to explore on foot, bike or by boat along the waterways a holiday to the Norfolk Broads can be a real adventure!”
Norfolk Broads. Photo credit: Original Cottages
“I currently live in Norwich, which is the only city located within a National Park. This is great for anyone who wants to combine the peace of the broads with the famed market place and shops, cathedral and historic castle of Norwich. There are also plenty of friendly local bars and restaurants in and around the city, which are perfect for a cosy meal during the winter months.”
Explore our Norfolk Cottages here.
No doubt about it, the National Parks get us excited. We are proud to support Campaign for National Parks and we know that our 2020 will be full of adventure!
By Andrew Dann,
Original Cottages,
Original Cottages provide a host of exclusive holiday cottages in and around the UK’s National Parks and our team of local experts are ready and waiting to help you discover the right holiday home for you and your family.