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

Ground floor: Sitting room with table for two and local stone open fire. Small kitchen. Twin bedroom. Bedroom with a bunkbed.

Basement: An Elsan toilet underneath the cottage in the shippon. 

No bathroom - The kitchen is used for washing, and there is an Elsan toilet underneath the cottage.

Outside space

A walled field surrounds the cottage.

What's provided in a National Trust holiday cottage?

Please note that, due to its small size, this cottage does not contain the usual cottage inventory.

Heating: Electric wall heating included. 

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

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

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.

What's provided in this cottage? Please note that, due to its small size, this cottage does not contain the usual cottage inventory. There's no radio, champagne flutes, bread bin, soup plates, soup spoons, dessert knives and dessert forks.

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

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.