“Nothing is too much trouble for Dave and Fi,” said a recent guest of the Quirky Quarry. They’re not the first glamping hosts to have this praise heaped upon them but they might be among the most deserving. Stay in the lone shepherd’s hut in their B&B’s back garden and they’ll make a cake for you as well as making your bed, and they'll provide your breakfast fresh each morning along with the warmest of welcomes. So far, so standard (for the top-end of glamping getaways at least) but for this pair “nothing” also includes a free pick-up and drop-off service for walkers from the nearby Pennine Way and the option of a lift in to the village at dinner time. Oh – and let’s not forget undertaking a 120-mile long walk in the name of research.
Keen walker David decided to take on a sizeable chunk of the Pennine Way before opening the doors at the Quirky Quarry – to see what sort of accommodation and services might provide the best experience for guests. As a result, there are lots of little touches which make staying here a tempting proposition – especially for the walkers that this beautiful part of the North Pennines will attract. But the intended attention to detail is not the only thing that makes staying here a delight. The natural warm welcome from David, Fi and their goats, ducks and chickens will make you feel right at home and the views are pretty impressive too.
The shepherd’s hut is the only glamping accommodation at Quirky Quarry and, as such, has the prime location. Set in a walled garden with a little row of trees shielding it from the cottage, the shepherd’s hut looks out across moors and stone walls that are typical of Teesdale. In the foreground there’s a barbecue, fire pit and a private patch of lawn. The hut sleeps two making it perfect for couples looking for a rural retreat but families are also welcome if the kids are happy to camp out on that lawn. The hut has its own en-suite shower room and toilet as well as a kettle and fridge.
You can stock up on local produce at the butchers in nearby Middleton-in-Teesdale, a half-hour, riverside walk away. Or head out for dinner at the Teesdale Hotel in the same village – where your hosts have secured a 10% discount. If you’re not tackling the Pennine Way, there are plenty of shorter walks locally including one to High Force, England’s biggest waterfall. The historic market town of Barnard Castle is a drive away but worth a visit with a 12th-century fortress at its heart. Don’t miss the centrepiece at the town’s Bowes Museum either; an 18th-century mechanical silver swan. This much-loved artefact makes for a tourist attraction to match your accommodation; a little gem in County Durham that’s beautifully designed with attention to detail – and most-definitely quirky.
There are fantastic walks nearby. The Pennine Way is a mile-and-a-half away and David and Fiona offer a pick-up/drop-off service. Quirky Quarry is within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty and it’s about 6 miles to the Bowlees Visitor Centre (01833 622145) where you can find out about the area. From the centre you can walk to England’s biggest waterfall, High Force (01833 622336), to Low Force waterfall or to Moorhouse Nature Reserve (01833 622374). The historic market town of Barnard Castle, named after the 12th century fortress (01833 638212) at its heart, is 12 miles away. There are lots of independent shops and eateries and places to visit including the Bowes Museum (01833 690606). There’s also great fishing on the River Tees and in nearby reservoirs.
Breakfast (for 2 adults) is included each day. Quirky Quarry guests also receive a 10% discount on all food at the Teesdale Hotel (01833 640264) in Middleton in Teesdale. There’s no shortage of pubs in the area, with The Forresters (01833 641435) also in the village and The Crown (01833 640381) a little further away at Mickleton. The recommended Fox and Hounds in Cotherstone (01833 650241) is beyond that, but still only 6 miles from site. The Moorcock (01833 650102), which prides itself on using local produce, and The Three Tuns (01833 650289) – both in Eggleston – are favourites, along with the Langdon Beck Hotel (01833 622267) which welcomes walkers and cyclists with hearty home-cooked food.