Croftlands Cottages (opens in new tab) guest house
about 4.7 km from the start, in a straight line
This is the only address in the whole 3-mile radius that publishes a way to deal with the state you come off Whinlatter in: "Hosepipes are available for muddy boots, bikes and paws." plus "A washing machine and additional freezer are stored here." in Jasmine's attached garage. It is also the only self-catering here that claims a physical connection to the start's forest - "Nestled at the base of Whinlatter Forest Park with direct access to the walking and cycling trails" - and the only one where a car-free party can step off the bus at the door, the X5 stopping "outside Fox Howe and Squirrel cottages". Three cottages sleeping 4, 4 and 2 means a family and grandparents can take two of them.
Their directions page warns that the postcode will strand you: CA12 5SA covers the whole of Thornthwaite, so sat nav will not find the cottages once you are in the village - you navigate by the brown Thornthwaite Gallery sign and a slate nameplate by a bus shelter. They also say an osprey nest is visible from the cottage grounds between April and August.
- Dogs “All three of our holiday cottages are dog friendly with Jasmine Cottage and Fox Howe being able to accommodate two each and Squirrel Cottage one.”
- Family rooms “Jasmine Cottage Sleeps 4 with patio & views”
- Parking “Private off road parking beside the cottages”
- Children “No child mention of any kind on either Croftlands page or the Jasmine page. Swept for child|children|kids|infant|cot|high chair|toddler|baby|adults only|minimum age|over 18|years of age: zero hits. Whole cottages sleeping 4 are let, not family rooms - "Jasmine Cottage Sleeps 4 with patio & views"”