Pennine Rustic Shepherd Hut (totally isolated)

Treat yourself to a stay in the wonderful & wild South Pennines. Fabulous moorland views, very private shepherd hut and access to our small farm . See wild animals & birds from the hut as well our goats, horses, cows, sheep, hens & ducks in their various fields. Canoe available for your use on our small lake/large pond. Expect lots of mud (all year round ) and/or dust in a dry summer, this is a working farm & a truly rustic experience in a hut. It’s NOT glamping. DOGS & CHILDREN NOT ALLOWED The space Our cosy, fully insulated hut is nestled into the hill providing excellent shelter from the elements with outstanding views of the remote and wild landscape. There is a very comfortable double bed with pillows provided , with environmental concerns in mind, you will need to bring your own duvet (and cover) , double sheet and pillowcases. Extra blankets can be found in the bed drawers but please tidy away after use. Basic cooking facilities- Microwave (we suggest bringing ready meals), kettle ( with tea and coffee) and barbecue (bring your own charcoal or wood please, plus firelighters and kindling if required). Cutlery, crockery and essential utensils provided. There is also a cool box ( please bring your own ice blocks). Mains water is just outside the hut. The compost loo is in a separate hut adjacent, with a basin, towel and a jug of water to wash your hands, there is no shower. There are traditional chamber pots ( potties) for use at night- please do not discard used tissue under the hut. The hut has electric lighting including a table lamp as well as an oil filled radiator heater. Due to new 2023 fire safety guidance from Airbnb, please do not light candles or tea lights inside the hut. There is a large storm lantern provided if you would like to bring a candle for outside. Outside you will find two chairs, a little table and the bbq/fire pit. At various times of the year it is necessary for us to protect the hut and its outdoor space from the larger livestock which create mud, the electric fence must not be touched. Feel free to roam around our farm; plunge into the little lake for wild swimming, take the canoe out and perhaps catch a fish (not suitable for fly fishing due to overhead cables) or paddle in the brook. You’ll find an extensive network of public footpaths from the farm which will take you up and down this beautiful undiscovered valley. We are at roughly 1000ft so bring warm and waterproof gear if you want to go walking. Wellies are an absolute must all year round. During the spring and summer you will find an abundance of wild meadow and wetland flowers growing in our fields, some of which are quite rare. Equally, wild birds and their wonderful birdsong are always present in the valley. Curlews migrate here in the spring, cuckoos visit and and as well as lots of small garden birds there are numerous owls, woodpeckers and pheasants to name but a few. If you’re lucky you’ll see deer and hare along with all our farm animals. Thursden Valley is a unique landscape with evidence of previous quarrying and “hushings” - a legacy from lime extraction dating back over 200 years. Very close by is the Pennine Bridleway for walking and mountain biking ; also a network of footpaths including the Pennine Way , the Brontë Way and the Burnley Way. The National Trust beauty spot Hardcastle Crags is a very short drive away. Guest access You have access to the farm but please remember to shut gates and respect the farm animals and wildlife. Parking is off road, on our driveway about 100 metres downhill walk from the hut. Please message me BEFORE you book if you have mobility needs so that I can describe in detail what to expect. Other things to note Please do not send a booking request if you do not meet the criteria for instant book ( ie people with no reviews) , please send us an enquiry first to tell us a little bit about your trip. It is essential that if you book the trip you MUST stay in the hut yourself. Do not buy as a gift. We do not accept babies and children. We do not accept dogs. Bedding is NOT available for hire- please bring your own duvet with cover, double sheet and pillowcases. Microwave in the hut if you prefer to cook a ready meal rather than go to HAPPA (10% discount ) or a local pub. Please bring your Wellington boots as it is very muddy and a torch so that you can find the hut and loo in the dark! You can use the loo hut to dry wet waterproof clothing and boots away from the living space. If you enjoy feeding animals (at your own risk) ... our goats, ducks and hens eat oats... just plain porridge oats. Please avoid feeding the horses. Our place is for people with an adventurous spirit, people who like basic but charming accommodation in the middle of a field ( which is often muddy). It is NOT glamping.