The best: Five stunning Northern cottages with easy access to picturesque walking routes

Conveniently located in the village of Cononley just three miles from the charming market town of Skipton, The Bothy is a traditional stone cottage that has been lovingly restored, blending stylish interiors with the building’s original heritage features.

Filled with cosy throws and fluffy duvets to ensure maximum cosiness, the space sleeps two, with room for four-legged friends to be brought along in tow. A contemporary kitchen is equipped with everything needed to prep a romantic meal, and a bright, sun-soaked shower room ensures you start the day fully refreshed. 

The property provides easy access to the Skipton Castle Woods and a variety of walks that pass through the ancient grounds. These range from a pleasant one-mile valley stroll to the more challenging 2.5-mile Earl of Thanet Trail. You can read more about Skipton Castle Woods’ walking routes here. 

Primely positioned amidst the hills of the Peak District National Park, Knouchley Cottage is ideal for those in search of peace and tranquillity. 

The Grade II-listed workers’ cottage has been sympathetically refurbished to create a gorgeous rural hideaway that marries tradition with supreme comfort. Flagged flooring is equipped with underfloor heating on the ground floor, and the dining room features a wood-burner. Patio doors offer views out across the rolling hills, while upstairs, two luxurious bedrooms boast super king ‘zip and link’ beds, and deep window seats that provide even more countryside views. 

Knouchley Cottage is perfect for taking on the Three Edges Stride, a challenging 5.9-mile ascent and descent which takes in a trio of edges: White Edge, Froggatt Edge and Curbar Edge.

Set on a sleepy lane just off the moors village of Glaisdale, around 8.8 miles from Whitby, Goaf Cottage is an old farm building that has been meticulously revamped by its architect-owner. 

Upon entering, guests step into the spacious hallway with its original exposed stone wall and an industrial-style galleried landing. The living space includes a wood-burner, making it a great year-round escape, and the kitchen/diner has been crafted using unusually sourced materials, including a concrete top dining table. Packed with everything you need to enjoy a self-catering holiday, the kitchen area is fitted with large French doors which open to the patio, overlooking the verdant countryside.

Nearby, walkers can enjoy the Glasidale and Egton Bridge route. The five-mile circular mainly follows field paths and woodland tracks, with a steep climb out of the valley. Along it, you’ll pass Beggar’s Bridge, pretty bluebell woods and the babbling River Esk. 

Surrounded by sheep and enclosed by the wonderful Yorkshire dry stone walls, the spacious Low Shaw Farmhouse overlooks Wensleydale, making it an excellent choice for exploring the Yorkshire Dales.

A traditional farmhouse kitchen is one of the building’s big party pieces, complete with many of its original features… it’s as good a place as any to whip up a feast of tasty Yorkshire fayre. Once it’s time to retire for the evening, choose one of the two staircases, each of which leads up to its own set of two bedrooms and a family bathroom. The country-style rooms all have spectacular views over the Yorkshire countryside.

Here, you can embark on the Hawes to Hardraw Force walk. The popular route, which stretches between 4-5 miles, follows the Pennine Way, the River Ure, the hamlet of Hardraw, and England’s highest single-drop waterfall. 

Aptly named the Magical Barn, you can find this whimsical four-person getaway nestled on the edge of the Dark Sky Park in Northumberland, flanked by green hills and woodland. 

Designed to be somewhere to take a step back and slow down, the living space is packed full of rustic charisma, including a wood-burning stove and the building’s stunning original spiral staircase with cast iron balustrades. Beneath the gallery sits a farmhouse kitchen with a granite-topped island, while outside spaces include a decked balcony overlooking the valley, and tree-lined seating areas which can be accessed from either bedroom. 

Situated on the bank of the River Tipalt, Thirwall Castle is the starting point for several countryside walks, including a picturesque three-mile circular route that takes in Walltown Quarry Country Park.