Jockey Sheild

A short distance from Brampton and Hayton lies the large RSPB reserve at Geltsdale. Known locally as Jockey Shield this a quiet and tranquil area.

There is no through road, just a small stream, lots of walking and plenty of wildlife.

We have the old Chapel Cottage available for holiday lets in the centre of Hayton.

What is an ancient semi natural woodland?

What exactly is an ancient semi natural woodland? Well the answer comes from a story board found in the Irthing Gorge close to Gilsland.


It's a wood which is known to have originated between 1750 and 1860 and has not been previously planted. It has many different varieties of native broadleaved trees, shrubs and plants all sorts of wild life like deer, foxes and lots of birds.

And here is the board itself





Cottages close to Gilsland include Stonecroft.