Melmerby & Gamblesby

a potted history

Melmerby is supposed to have taken its name from its having been the residence of Melmor, a Dane who lived hereabouts in the ninth century. Nestling at the foot of the Pennine scar, Melmerby is typical of a number of picturesque fell side villages which lie along the eastern edge of the Eden Valley, bisected by a winding stream the village green once bore witness to cock fighting and wrestling as well as offering protection for villagers and cattle against the marauding Scots. A phenomenon well known in these parts is the 'Helm Wind' which is a sudden and very powerful wind coming down off the fell side.

places of interest

The Village Bakery - organic bakery with an excellent restaurant

cycle shops

Melmerby is another place that maybe an unemployed cycle mechanic should explore. Its back to Penrith I'm afraid. Arragons - Brunswick Road, Penrith Tel: 01768 890344  

Halfords - Ullswater Road, Penrith Tel: 01768 892960  

Mike Fearn - (Nenthead) Tel: 01434 382194 Mobile: 07776 098 915 Blacksmith who has a stock of spares, will also repair your bike and if possible also operates a rider/bike recovery service.

eating places

The Village Bakery - If you decide on going up to Hartside via Melmerby then Phil Merrin recommends you stop here for a bite of organic, wholesome food.

The Shepherds Inn - An Egon Ronay listed pub and restaurant. Well worth a visit. route features Although not on the C2C as such, Melmerby lies only 4 miles from Langwathby on the A686 road to Hartside and many C2C'ers cycle this way rather than the official route via Renwick. The climb up to Hartside from Melmerby is all on road and offers stunning views as well as a challenging, uphill cycle ride all the way to the cafe at Hartside summit. Be aware though that this section of road can get quite busy.




Accommodation
Melmerby Hall & Stag Cottage, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1HB

This Grade II listed nine bedroom stately manor and two bedroom separate cottage works well for large groups who plan to spend some time in the local area or for smaller groups (min stay = 3 nights). If your party can fill the bedrooms at either property, then it works out about the same price as a B&B. Melmerby Hall and Stag Cottage are in their own sandstone walled grounds entered through an arched gateway at the edge of the village. The 20 acres of grounds include an archery lawn and a Victorian castle folly at the foot of the lawn (converted to children's play area). There is a picnic area and a stone built barbecue by the edge of the tributary to the Eden River which flows through the valley. Melmerby has an award-winning organic village bakery and nearby pubs and village shop. For fuller details see the web link to Rural Retreats (below).

Web : https://www.ruralretreats.co.uk/rr/properties
/property.jsf?ref=CU014

Email info@ruralretreats.co.uk

Rooms : 6D, 3T at Melmerby Hall and 1D, 1T at Stag Cottage
Rates : £27 - £55 (seasonal variance: price assumes full booking)
Ample parking : 5 bathrooms at Melmerby Hall and 2 at Stag
Fishing available : Croquet
Paint balling (see housekeeper) : Shooting (contact estate office)
Secure cycle store : Linens, welcome hamper including wine and breakfast items

 


Addingham View, Gamblesby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1JA

Ideal place to stop before the assault on Hartside. This cluster of villages (Ousby, Melmerby and Gamblesby) is most atractive. Addingham is an 1860s home in the Eden Valley and Eileen and Alan have recently opened it. Keen walkers, they look forward to getting to know C2Cers. The house is just beyond the church and village green, about 300m after the road bends round to the right. Eileen and Alan are happy to run you to the nearest watering holes.

Run by: Eileen & Alan Cure

Telephone : 01768 881477
Website www.addinghamviewbandb.co.uk
Email addinghamviewbandb@googlemail.com

Rooms : 1T, 2D
B&B : £30-£40. There is a £10 supplement for single occupancy
Evening meal : Information given on variety of local pubs. Free transport provided to and from same.
Packed lunch : Around £4
Secure cycle storage : Bike cleaning facilities

 


Meadow Bank, Melmerby, Cumbria, CA10 1HF

'Meadow Bank is the last B&B west of Hartside Pass just short of the half-way point. After a comfortable night's sleep and a Cumbrian Breakfast you will reach Hartside Summit (2000ft) feeling on top form,' says Margaret, who is in her 39th year as a B&B owner. Secure cycle storage.

Run by: Mrs. Margaret Morton

tel : 01768 881652

rooms : 1 family - 1double - 1 en-suite
months open : all year
B & B : £25 - £30.
evening meal : no although an excellent pub and restaurant nearby
secure cycle storage : yes
distance from route : 2 miles
pub : 75 metres