Whitbysteads

Whitbysteads is a 250 acre hill farm on the edge of the Lake District, part of the historic Lowther Estate.  The views from the farm are unrivalled, looking across the Bampton Valley to the romantic ruins of Lowther Caste and beyond to the Pennines.  Whitbysteads is at the end of a farm road, backing on to Askham fell, where you are able to ride, not for hours, but for days, without coming across any roads at all.  Stunning scenery, with skylarks, red deer, herdwick sheep and fell ponies.  Victoria and Thomas have mounted expeditions with horses in many far flung places, including riding from the Afghan border to the Chinese border and of course they can help you with your routes.

For the Horses

Whitbysteads offers any amount of grazing, please bring your own electric fencing to make up your own corral.  This can be moved as required if you are staying for an extended holiday.  Small bales of hay and bedding are available, and we have one very large cobbled loose box and two others suitable for ponies up to 14.2hh.  We have plenty of parking and a lock-up tack room.

For the People

We are listed with the Alistair Sawday guide and can offer Bed & Breakfast.  We have three double rooms available and provide a hearty breakfast.  There is 'The Punchbowl' in walking distance in Askham, or a little further afield, the new gastro pub, the George and Dragon at Clifton.  The rooms have large double beds with crisp linen, decorated in country house style.  Please see our website for more information.

Riding Opportunities

The BHS Publication 'Westmoreland On Horseback' shows that ride numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 are all within striking distance of the farm.  We also have any amount of routes over the fell - if you don't want to, you don't need to ride on a road again until you go home!  Please also see the publication 'Ride the Cumbrian Fells' for rides 6, 21 and 11 (Lowther Park).  We are very happy to help you plan your routes.

Contact Details

Directions

From the M6, take Junction 40, then the A6 towards Shap.  At Eamont Bridge, turn right towards Pooley Bridge; 1m, left turn to Askham.  After three miles, turn right in village and Whitbysteads is above the village after 3 cattle grids on the edge of the fell.