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Holmrook, Cumbria

Bird How

The exterior of Bird How, nr Gosforth, Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria
The exterior of Bird How, nr Gosforth, Eskdale | © National Trust / Chris Lacey
The sitting room at Bird How, nr Gosforth, Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria
The sitting room at Bird How, nr Gosforth, Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria

Bird How

A remote cottage in the Eskdale valley offering a peaceful retreat in the Lake District.

Grid of 9 images
The sitting room at Bird How, nr Gosforth, Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria
The sitting room at Bird How, nr Gosforth, Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria
The exterior of Bird How, nr Gosforth, Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria
The kitchen at Bird How, nr Gosforth, Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria
The twin bedroom at Bird How, nr Gosforth, Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria
The bunk bed twin bedroom at Bird How, nr Gosforth, Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria
The garden area at Bird How, nr Gosforth, Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria
The outdoor sitting area at Bird How, nr Gosforth, Eskdale, Lake District, Cumbria
The exterior and surrounding area of Bird How, nr Gosforth, Eskdale, Holmrook, Lake District, Cumbria

© National Trust / Chris Lacey

A remote cottage in the Eskdale valley offering a peaceful retreat in the Lake District.

At a glance

Guests
4
Bedrooms
2
Number of dogs welcome
0
Reference
009005
Acorn rating
1What's this

About Bird How

For a stay truly off the beaten track, you’ll find it here at Bird How. Quite literally too; the dolls-house-like cottage is found nestling on a fellside via a rough farm track. Its remoteness may not be for everyone, but if you’re in need of a week away from everyday distractions, Bird How can offer a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Lake District. With no phone or TV signal, you’ll be able to really appreciate the simplicity of this former cow barn. If you’re still not convinced, how does a snuggle around its open fire after a days’ hiking sound? 

Its location in the Eskdale valley makes it an ideal base for serious walkers and hikers, with many challenging routes from the doorstep to explore in this less known part of the Lake District National Park. Start the morning with a walk up the steepest road in England, Hardknott Pass, and explore the Roman Fort close to the top. If Scafell Pike is on your bucket-list, you can walk the lesser known route from your door.

Layout

Sitting/dining room with local stone open fire, small kitchen and two bedrooms (1 twin and 1 with a bunk bed). No bathroom - The kitchen is used for washing, and there is an Elsan lavatory underneath the cottage in the shippon. 

Features and facilities

  • Cot & high chair, not available
  • Fridge, available
  • Dishwasher, not available
  • Tumble dryer, available
  • Television, not available
  • WiFi, not available
  • Garden, available
  • Microwave, available
  • Freezer, available
  • Washing machine, not available
  • Telephone, not available
  • DVD, not available
  • Open fire / wood burner, available
  • BBQ, not available

Location

Accessibility

Approach along rough farm track. May be difficult for low slung and rear drive vehicles. Parking outside gate. Find more information in the Accessibility Guide. Accessibility questions? Email holiday.enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk or call us on 0344 800 2070.

Read our accessibility guide 

More information

Heating: Electric wall heating included. 

Parking: A parking space is available outside of the gate leading to the cottage.

Garden: A walled field surrounds the cottage.

Access: The approach is along a rough farm track. Low slung and rear wheel drive vehicles may have problems when fully loaded. 

Television/Signal: There is no television as reception is poor in the area.

Please note - no bathroom: There is no bathroom. The kitchen has a sink which can be used for washing. Underneath the cottage, in the old cow shippon, is an Elsan lavatory and wood store. This is reached through a separate doorway on the approach to the cottage. An Elsan toilet is like those in caravans. Guests should empty the toilet into the septic tank in the garden - instructions will be provided.

Wild Escapes: Bird How is featured in our new travel book, Wild Escapes, available to buy online or in National Trust shops. From rugged coastline to secluded woodland, it's filled with inspiration from far-reaching corners of the UK for your next adventure.