Set at the heart of our renaturing project, The Annexe @ Heggs Farm gives you a taste of back-to-basics, off-grid living, with a few welcome creature comforts. Unwind in a hot bath after a day spent hiking or cycling. Curl up with a good book by the fire. And let the hoot of owls lull you to sleep in the antique double bed.
Remote, cosy and wonderfully rough around the edges; there's nothing quite like our walk/cycle-in space. Muddy boots and dogs welcome, along with a sense of adventure!
The space
*OPEN THURS-MON FROM 1ST MAY-31ST OCTOBER*
The Annexe adjoins the main farmhouse, with its own separate entrance. Ours is a typical Dales stone-built property, dating back to the 1720s.
Outside: You'll find plenty of secluded picnic spots across our 200-acre renaturing site, which is connected to Reeth (2 miles) and Langthwaite (1.5 miles) by both bridleways and footpaths. You also have access to a dedicated firepit area, 5 mins walk downhill of The Annexe over rough grassy terrain.
Inside: The open plan living/sleeping area has a woodburner for heating (firewood and kindling included), and a single tabletop gas hob for simple warm-through meals (think soups, beans or pasta). Kettle, saucepans, cafetiere, crockery and basic cooking implements can be found in our retro Sherco pantry cupboard.
Please note there is no fridge, or any other electric appliances. (You might like to bring a cool bag for any perishables).
In the bathroom, you'll find a tabletop water filter (our water is spring-fed); as well as a sink, toilet and over-sized bath, perfect for relaxing at the end of a long adventure.
Towels and bedding are provided, along with biodegradeable soap, board games, books, and a picnic blanket.
Thanks to our solar-powered off-grid system, there is wifi and power at the touch of a button. We have no outside lighting however so head torches are strongly advised should you want to hike back from the pub after dusk.
Please read on for more details about our remote location, parking logistics, 'leave it as you find it' cleaning policy, and other need-to-know stuff that will help you to decide whether the Annexe is your cup of tea. Thank you :)
Guest access
You will have exclusive use of The Annexe (with its own separate, lockable entrance) for the duration of your stay, as well as a dedicated firepit area, and the right to roam sensitively across our 200-acre renaturing site. (If you are arriving by MTB, please ask in advance about our secure lock-up).
Other things to note
OFF-ROAD ACCESS ONLY
The Annexe is accessible by 4WD/cars with good ground clearance only. Parking for 2WD vehicles is available in the roadside lay-by at the top of our shared access track on Arkengarthdale Road (from there it is a 1.5km walk downhill, across the footbridge, and then uphill to The Annexe). Please ask for further details if needed :)
REMOTE LOCATION
You'll find us on OS Explorer Map OL30, Grid Ref NZ02546 01845, marked as 'Heggs House'. We are approx 2 miles west along the bridleway or footpath from Reeth (various routes available). To really embrace our space and surroundings, a spirit of adventure is desirable, as well as a relatively good level of fitness!
'LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT' CLEANING POLICY
We don't charge a cleaning fee; instead we ask that you help us get the Annexe ready for the next guests before you check out. A simple cleaning checklist is provided in The Annexe (nothing tricky, we promise!)
NATURE ON THE DOORSTEP
Set at the heart of our renaturing site, The Annexe is surrounded by a wealth of animal, bird and plantlife. Expect encounters with all sorts of creatures during your stay—from spiders, slow worms and deer, to badgers, owls and bats—and all the noises that go with them. Long trousers, sturdy shoes and walking sticks are highly recommended for exploring off-piste…
NO BELLS OR WHISTLES
Our 100% off-grid set-up, rough-and-ready furnishings, and ‘cut above camping’ facilities (including no appliances) are all part of the charm of a back-to-basics stay with us. If you're looking for ‘pristine’ accommodation, with modern conveniences and a choice of amenities on the doorstep, we'd be happy to recommend one of our friends’ AirBnB spaces in the centre of Reeth.
OTHER PEOPLE ON SITE
As a working renaturing site with a number of projects on the go, there may be volunteers or contractors milling about with us during the week. We also operate several wild spaces via camp wild (more details on the Heggs Farm website). Should campers be on site during your stay, we ask that you kindly respect their space and privacy when exploring beyond the public rights of way.
STOCKING UP, DINING OUT & BROWSING
Our local businesses would love your support!
Award-winning sourdough, cafe-quality ready meals, and Thursday night pizzas can be pre-ordered for collection at Two Dales Bakery; the Bike Centre is known for its incredible cakery; Reeth Post Office sells the usual cupboard staples, as well as local milk, cheese and sausages; and Reeth's Friday morning market offers fruit and veg, cheese, meat and fish stalls. Enjoy a drink or a meal with a view at the five pubs within 2 miles hiking distance —The Red Lion, The CB Inn, The Bridge Inn, The Black Bull, and The Buck; and Ramsay’s Fish and Chip Van visits Reeth 4-6pm every Friday evening. (Most guests tend to lunch out, then supper in—be it picnic, firepit, or simple pasta meal on the stove).
For browsing and gift buying, don’t miss the chance to meet talented sculpturist, Michael and his talking crow, Joe, at Graculus; pop into Scenicview Gallery for beautiful postcards and prints of the local landscapes; take your pick of local artist-made creations at Fleece; and head to Grinton Book Exchange for your next great read (round the corner from the Bridge Inn).
CHANGE OF SCENERY
If you do fancy leaving the local area… we highly recommend the 30-minute trip up Swaledale to the fantastic waterfalls, local history museum and resource centre at Keld (checkout their website for upcoming events); perhaps stopping for a meal at the Punch Bowl in Low Row on your way back.
