Guest Information 

BBQ

· There is an outside brick-built BBQ for you to enjoy. Thank you for cleaning the grill after use (the grill can go in the dishwasher) – coals not provided

CCTV

· You will see 4 CCTV cameras on the outside of the Property solely for the safety and security of the cottage. They are not positioned in any way to intrude on your privacy. The cameras are positioned:

1+2: Back door entrance facing in both directions along the private road 3: On to locked garden shed

4: Side of the cottage, facing outwards by the bins, between Ridgeway and Rivendell

· To confirm there are no cameras inside the property and none in the garden space.

· All exterior recorded footage is automatically deleted after 30 days.

Check Out

· We appreciate your adherence to the 11am departure time to enable us to get the property ready for the next guests:

o Bedding – to help the cleaning team, please strip your bed (duvet covers, sheets and pillowcases) and bag them up using the large cream linen bags provided and leave the laundry bags in the garage. Bag up any used towels, tea towels and bathmats and leave them in the garage for collection.

o Rubbish – Please put all waste in the red lidded bin

o Side gate padlocked.

o All doors and windows closed and locked, using window locks where available.

o Keys – after locking up, please leave the bunch of 4 keys in the key safe and scramble the dials

Children

· There are 2 stairgates available plus a highchair with a floor splash mat, plus a baby changing mat

· There is a travel cot in the main bedroom wardrobe (no linens) – the mattress is roughly 950cm x 650cm. Plug covers are provided

Dogs

· We kindly ask you to closely adhere to the doggie dos and don’ts highlighted under the booking terms and conditions. There is a garden hose for muddy days. There are outside taps in the garage (by the entrance into the house) and under the garage window (outside in the garden).

· We kindly ask you to use a stairgate to keep your 4-legged friends’ downstairs.

· With sheep in the field in front of the cottage, please ensure your dog is not left alone in the garden if it can jump into this field.

Electric Car Charging

· There are numerous fast charging points in the Keswick/Bassenthwaite area including at Booths, Keswick and in the Central car park – the following website has detailed info https://www.zap-map.com/locations/keswick-charging-points/

· The cottage itself does not have a charging point. The circuit/3 pin plug points are not designed to withstand fast car charging loads so please use local facilities.

Futon

· The futon (in dining room) does convert to a small double bed for occasional use (140cm x 190cm). To convert:

o Move well away from the wall and remove all furnishings

o Take the back section of the futon and push this section to double it down 90 degrees onto the seat section. You will hear a click

o Return the back section a full 180 degrees into its flatbed position

o Duvets, pillows, and bed linen will have been left out for you if requested use of the futon at the time of booking

o Please return the futon back to sofa position at the end of your stay

Garage Door

· The door is electrically operated either using a grey/blue fob (kept on the shelf above the washing machine), or the grey button inside the garage door. For the door to work, the power must be switched on (it is powered by the plugs by the heated boot racks)

Garden

· Although the garden is fully enclosed, you can see the fencing at the front is not high and dogs could easily jump into the next-door field. As there are sheep living in the field, please don’t leave your dog unattended in the garden.

· The side gate is padlocked but there is a key on the bunch of 4 keys for easy access. Please lock this padlock before leaving the property unattended and at the end of your stay

Heating/ Cooling

· As well as the wood burner, for additional heating there is a fan heater and an oil radiator available plus the timed central heating.

· The central heating has an adjustable HIVE thermostat in the hallway (to the far right of the front door on the wall) and the HIVE operating manual is in this pack

· For cooling there is an A/C cooling fan, and a regular fan in the upstairs bedrooms.

Heated book racks

· Available in the garage, they are not thermostatic so need to be turned on and off manually. They are designed for short term use, not overnight.

Keys

· You have a bunch of 4 keys – back door, front door, side gate (padlock), internal kitchen door. Please leave them back in the key safe on departure

Kitchen appliances

· All appliance manuals are in the kitchen drawer, including the coffee machine.

Local Shops

· There is a well-stocked village shop in Braithwaite. It opens 7 days a week 8am-6pm in winter and 8am-9pm in summer. www.braithwaitevillageshop.com.

Local Transport

· Taxi – Cockermouth Cabs are recommended – 01900 511234 or book online.

· Bus – a good service (X5 Workington to/from Penrith) supporting Thornthwaite to/from Keswick and Cockermouth and throughout the surrounding area. Timetables are seasonal so for latest times head to www.keswick.org/gettingaround

· Keswick launch – jetties and timetable available at https://keswick-launch.co.uk/cruises

Maps and local walking

· There are maps, Wainwrights’, and local walking books for all levels available in the lounge sideboard – feel free to take them out walking with you but thanks for returning them afterwards.

Non-Slip rubber mats

· Available in both bathrooms.

Parking

· The 3 houses don’t have fixed parking spaces allocated to them in the private road, so with all 3 properties occupied please just take a common sense and considerate approach to the 2 other properties to ensure access is always available. If available, it’s fine to leave your car between Ridgeway and Rivendell

Pubs

· There are 3 pubs in Braithwaite – all are dog friendly.

· The closest “Middle Ruddings” has recently been refurbished. It’s the closest on the road to Braithwaite, less than 1 mile away.

Rubbish

· All rubbish goes into the single green bin with the red lid bin kept alongside Ridgeway’s garage – no need to separate any recycling, this is done by the council

· This bin is collected early (7am) on a Wednesday morning. You need to wheel it to the end of the Private driveway, otherwise they don't empty it - We'd recommend moving it there on Tues evening! Please wheel it back to the house afterwards

Smoking/ Vaping

· Thank you for adhering to there being strictly no smoking/vaping inside the Property.

· Smoking/Vaping is permitted outside but please use the ashtrays provided and dispose of your cigarette butts in the refuse at the end of your stay.

Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide alarm

· Smoke Alarm’s in hallway and on the landing.

· Carbon monoxide alarm in lounge

St Mary’s Church – Thornthwaite

· The church itself is a beautiful building and worth a short stroll to visit. It’s unlocked throughout the year

· Church of England services take place on alternate Sundays at 10.15am. Services take place in Braithwaite or Newlands when not in Thornthwaite. There is no set rotation - call 01768 778243 for service times and locations.

· For details of other denomination churches and services visit www.keswick.org/visitor-information/religious service

Supermarkets

· The closest (to save going into Keswick) is a good-sized Spar at the Shell garage, High Hill on the outskirts of town, 2 miles from here. They sell logs, papers, and a good range of provisions- 2 miles away.

· Booths and Co-op in Keswick – 3 miles away

· Sainsburys, Aldi, Lidl in Cockermouth (Sainsburys, Asda and Tesco deliver to Thornthwaite) – 10 miles

· Booths, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Aldi in Penrith – 17 miles

Thornthwaite Gallery

· Just along the road and open 10-4pm 6 days a week (closed Mon), throughout most of the year- www.thornthwaitegalleries.co.uk

· Serves vegetarian/vegan for lunches and good homemade cake

TV (Lounge) and PlayStation 4

· TV: if it has been last used with the PlayStation revert to source as “Antenna”

· The TV is a SMART TV so can access Netflix etc. Login using your own login details and don’t forget to clear them/log out on departure

· To use PlayStation (for DVD’s and Games), turn it on using the controller or at the console itself (if the controllers are not charged, then plug them into PlayStation directly).

· PlayStation is found at HDMI1 (source on TV remote).

Tumble Dryer and Washing machine

· Instruction booklets are on the shelf above the appliances.

WIFI (Fibre)

· Router: RidgewayGuest

· Passcode: nHmRyz7TMygXJLgd

Wood Burning Stove

· The stove is suitable only to burn logs.

· There is a cream metal bucket available in the garage to empty hot ashes into. Once ashes are completely cold, they can go into a black bin bag and into the red lidded general refuse bin.

Useful Local Contacts

Police

· Non-emergency ring 101 or in an emergency ring 999

Hospital (including A&E)

· Keswick Cottage Hospital, Crosthwaite Road, Keswick. CA12 5PH. Tel 01768 245678

Keswick Mountain Rescue

· Call 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue. You can pre-register to be able to send

· an emergency SMS if you get into difficulties, particularly useful in areas with a poor mobile reception/low battery. Details of how to register your phone before you set off are at keswickmrt.org.uk

· KMRT are called out to local incidents every 2-3 days, the majority in the summer holidays. Before heading onto the fells please look at www.adventuresmart.uk

Fire

· A fire risk assessment is maintained at the cottage and available to view in this folder

· There are 3 fire extinguishers in the property in the garage (2 x blue) and under the kitchen sink (1 x red)

· A fire blanket is provided under the kitchen sink

· A plug-in nightlight is provided if you wish to use it to aid evacuation in the dark

· In case of a fire, evacuate the property and call 999

· Emergency exits shown on floorplan

First Aid Kit

· Available in garage

Gas

· If you smell gas or think there is a gas leak, please call the free Gas Emergency Services emergency line immediately 0800 111 999

Electricity

· Fuse box is located inside garage door.

· In the event of an electrical emergency or power outage please call 105 to be put through to the local electricity network operator. 105 is a free service, available from most landlines and mobile phones in England.

· There is a torch in the garage in the event of a power cut and candles in the lounge and dining room. Matches in the log basket.

Doctors

· Castlehead Medical Centre, Ambleside Road, Keswick. CA12 4DP. Tel: 017687 72025

Dentists

· Brundholme Dental Practice, 2 Blencathra Street, Keswick. CA12 4HP. Tel: 017687 72096

· Fitz Park Dental Practice, 31 Station Street, Keswick, CA12 5HH. Tel: 017687 73020

Chemists

· Boots the Chemist, 31 Main Street, Keswick Tel: 017687 72383

· JN Murray, 15-17 Station Street, Keswick Tel: 017687 72049

Physiotherapist

· A2B Physio, 3 Luptons Court, Keswick CA12 5JL

· Lakes Physio, Glebe Road, Windermere

Vets

· Millcroft Veterinary Group Southey Hill, Keswick. CA12 5NR. Tel 017687 72590

Opticians

· Smith and Butterfield, 1 Southey Street, Keswick Tel: 017687 72147

· Kirkbride Eyecare, 3 Museum Square, Keswick Tel: 017687 73900

Plumbing/Boiler

·

·

The boiler was replaced in 2021 and is annually serviced but in the event of boiler failure or a significant plumbing leak please call us on 07801 684335 (Adrian) or 07308 305918 (Rachel)

The Landlords annual gas certificate is at the Property in the guest info file

Water

· Stop cock is under kitchen sink

IN THE EVENT OF ANY EMERGENCY AT THE PROPERTY PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY

ADRIAN 07801 684335

RACHEL 07308 305918

Things To Do Locally

Outdoor Activities

· Walking – you are surrounded by stunning walks: flat, hilly, short, or long. There are numerous paths directly from the cottage including up to Whinlatter forest, down to Bassenthwaite lake or through the woods to Braithwaite. For a wide selection of walks go to www.keswick.org/what-to-do/walking-routes or feel free to use the maps and books available in the cottage.

· Cycling – the area covers lots of family friendly cycling (including the reopened Keswick to Threlked railway path) and a wide variety of cycle routes at Whinlatter. The forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District. Bike hire is available at Whinlatter (Cyclewise) and in Keswick (Cyclewise or Keswick Bikes Ltd)

· Running – 2 free weekly Parkruns take place each Saturday at 9am in Keswick and at Whinlatter. Whinlatter has the greatest elevation gain of any UK Parkrun, and the views are stunning. A run through Manesty woods and along the west shore of Derwent or around Loweswater are local favourites

· Other sports: Keswick offers paddleboarding, bowls, golf, tennis, yoga, and numerous water sports at the Derwentwater marina (Nichol End).

· Newlands Adventure Centre is Keswick’s largest provider of outdoor activities including ghyll scrambling, high ropes, canoeing and kayaking. The Via Ferrata at Honister slate mine isn’t for the feint hearted!

· Discover the Lakes from the air at www.lakedistrictgyroplanes.co.uk

Other Local Activities

· Lake District Wildlife Park is 6 miles away at Bassenthwaite and is a hidden gem with over 100 species and bird of prey flying displays, reptile encounters and a rare breed farm animal collection.

· Spa – the Lodore Falls Spa and Oxleys at Underscar are both less than 6 miles away

· Cockermouth is close by and a small market town, much less touristy if Keswick is busy, especially in the summer months.

· Gym/Classes – we recommend Clays Gym in Keswick

Places to Eat

Some of our local recommendations. Most will require booking:

· Middle Ruddings is the closest on the village road to Braithwaite

· The Coledale Inn, Braithwaite - dog and family friendly pub with beer garden

· The Wheatsheaf, Embleton – delicious Mediterranean Gastropub

· Lake Road Brunch – the best brunch spot in Keswick. Book or it has walk in tables

· Bar Es (Tapas) / Barua (Indian street food) – same owners, both are great

· Basecamp farm shop and café – on the A66 the other side of Keswick CA11 0SG

· Bassenthwaite Lake Station – A lovely walk from the cottage (follow the Old Coach Road to avoid A66) with 2 cafes – one café at the station and the other inside the replica steam train used in the 2017 Murder on the Orient Express movie. Bus back

· The Pheasant, Crossthwaite– a Keswick local’s favourite

· The Courtyard Restaurant, Cocktail Bar and Brasserie, Armathwaite Hall, Bassenthwaite – 2 AA rosette fine dining in stunning setting with lake view

· The Cottage in The Wood, Braithwaite – fine dining in informal 17^th century restaurant with focus on local produce.

· Lyzzick Hall hotel, Underskiddaw. Excellent food, cocktails and view!

· Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater

· Square Orange Café, Keswick – casual café, open late, serving tapas and pizza

· Lingholm Kitchen and Walled Garden – sits within the beautiful Lingholm estate

· The Fellpack (can book)/The Round (can’t book)– highly recommend both in Keswick town centre

· Mizu - Pan Asian restaurant at the Lodore Falls Spa and Hotel

· The Inn on the Square in Keswick for a cosy wine

· The best coffee in Keswick is from Java and the Moon & Sixpence

· The closet coffee shops to the cottage are Thornthwaite Galleries or Fellside Bistro in Braithwaite for breakfast or evening meals

Keswick Entertainment

· Alhambra Cinema: www.keswickalhambra.co.uk – a gorgeous recently restored local family run cinema. Worth a visit for the experience

· Theatre by the Lake: www. theatrebythelake.com

· Keswick museum: www.keswickmuseum.org.uk

· Keswick climbing wall and outdoor activity centre: www.keswickclimbingwall.co.uk

· Keswick Craft Beer and Brewery Tour and shop: www.keswickbrewery.co.uk

· Puzzling Place: www.puzzlingplace.co.uk

· Honister slate mine: www.honister.com

· Cookery and Crafts courses: www.quirkyworkshops.co.uk

For details of the latest festivals and events that are taking place visit, www.keswick.org/whats-on/events-in-and-around-keswick

Lake District walks – Local to Thornthwaite

Short/Easy/Flat.

· Circuit of Buttermere Lake – the drive to/from Buttermere is stunning. We suggest driving from Braithwaite through the Newlands valley to reach Buttermere and leave coming back via the Honister pass and Borrowdale Valley

· Whinlatter – you can reach the forest directly on foot/bike from the cottage (albeit uphill) or drive to the visitor centre. Explore the WOW trail (opened March 23)

· Dodd Wood and Bassenthwaite – Lake District walks book (page 20)

· Force Crag mine path through the Coledale Valley floor, starting from Braithwaite

· Head down to Bassenthwaite shore direct from the cottage, turn right at Powter How car park and follow the path down through the woods and under the A66

· Latrigg – for the less able, use Gale Road car park (free) for easy summit access and great views. Or walk up from Keswick (park in Brundholme Rd or leisure pool)

· Circuit of Loweswater – swing by the Kirkstile inn afterwards

· Walk through the forest at the back of the village, to Braithwaite

Medium length/ mid peaks

· Barrow – leave from Braithwaite. A much quieter summit than Catbells but just as good a view from the top without the crowds

· Cat bells - “Lake District walks” (page 56). Parking is very limited so park in Keswick and catch the launch (boat) to/from Hawes End jetty. Park at Keswick rugby club (all day) and get a discount on the launch

· Dodd Wood– directly opposite! Look back and spot Ridgeway from the summit

· Castle Crag – Start from Seatoller, Rosthwaite or Grange for a circular walk along the river Derwent valley with the length of your choice. The detour up Castle Crag itself is worth it for a spectacular view down Borrowdale for low effort. It’s the lowest of the 214 Wainwrights.

· Rannerdale – In May there is a carpet of bluebells but beautiful all year. Park at Cinderdale Common car park for easiest access – a hidden gem of a fell with great views

· Lords Sea and Barf – “15 walks from Keswick” – page 20. You can do this straight from the cottage if you walk down the road to Powter How. But be warned, Barf is steeper than it looks! We recommend doing in reverse by heading into Whinlatter forest to Seat How, then across to Lords Seat (stunning 360 view) and down Barf to Thornthwaite

· Keswick to Rosthwaite – “15 walks from Keswick” – page 14

· Crummock Water, Mosedale and Rannerdale. Lake district walks book page 62

· One walk that takes in much of the best of a few of the above walks is in “Lake District walks” book page 70 – “Ashness Bridge, Watendlath and Bowder stone” – simply lovely!