Local amenities

Tarn Outdoor Centre is in a unique position situated on a hillside with views of the Uldale Valley to the east, Cautley Spout to the South West and West Baugh Fell to the south and Wild Boar fell to the North East. It is an idyllic location to explore the vast expanse of hills and valleys in this beautiful, unspoilt and little discovered/explored area of the Upper Eden valley. Listed below are just some of the many activities and interests that can be explored in the area.

Hill walking
TOC is situated in the Howgill Fells. Walkers can access the fells and numerous walking routes directly from the door of the Centre. The area is a paradise for walkers. We supply maps and walking routes and can offer advise on the locality if required.

Local wildlife
There is a vast array of wildlife. Bird such as buzzards, woodpeckers, sparrow hawks, and goldfinches are frequently seen around the Centre. Red squirrels visit the gardens and there is an active badger set on Bluecaster fell just across the river Rawthey.

Sedbergh (the Town that wants a twin!!)
Sedbergh is just a few miles away. Sedbergh is a town full of character with cobbled yards and fascinating historic houses, many of which bear the hallmarks of the old knitting and woollen trades which took place in the town. Market day is Wednesday and there is a good range of shops and eating houses.

Kirkby Stephen
The market town of Kirkby Stephen lies at the top of Mallerstang, in the gentle Eden Valley. From the market square there are many narrow winding passageways, some leading down to the famous Franks Bridge and many interesting antique and curio shops and tea rooms. Monday is market day.

Ravenstonedale
The nearby picturesque village of Ravenstonedale lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The surroundings are idyllic and offer visitors peace and tranquility.

Yorkshire Dales
Only a short drive away the Yorkshire Dales offer undulating hills and dales featuring endless limestone walls and field houses so characteristic of the area. There are several possibilities for circular drives which take in many villages with their small shops, galleries and hostelries.

Lake District
The Lake District National Park with its wealth of mountain and lakeland scenery and associated activities is within easy driving distance.

Fishing
The rivers Eden and Belah are close by for which permits are available locally from Kirkby Stephen and District Angling Association. The Lake District is within easy driving distance where a wealth of fishing in rivers and lakes is available. Bessy Beck Trout Fishery is located at Newbiggin-on-Lune and offers bank fishing for rainbow trout on three lakes. There is also a fishing tackle shop at Bessy Beck and a well-stocked farm shop that offers a wide range of local produce.

Golf
The Riverside Golf Course, a short 9/18 hole course, lies within the village of Ravenstonedale. The course is open all year round and visitors are welcome to play for a modest fee. A more extensive 9/18 hole golf course, which also welcomes visitors, can be found in Sedbergh. Other golf courses can be found at Appleby, Kirkby Stephen and Penrith.

Tennis
There is an outdoor tennis court in Ravenstonedale which is open to visitors for a modest fee. Details of how to book the court are posted on the entrance to the court.

Cycling
Miles and miles of gently undulating country lanes await cyclists who wish to explore the region by this method.

Crown Green Bowling
There is a bowling green in nearby Kirkby Stephen which is open to visitors. It is located close to the river Eden near Frank's Bridge.

Local History
The locality has much to offer those interested in local history. For church enthusiasts, St. Oswald's church in Ravenstonedale, rebuilt in 1744, is famous for it's three-decker pulpit and its collegiate, in-facing pews. In the grounds of the present church the foundations of an earlier Gilbertine monastery have been excavated. The first Lord Wharton cleared much of the land around Ravenstonedale for a deer park and compelled local men to build the enclosing wall, the remains of which can still be viewed in the vicinity.

Classic Coach Tours
Cumbria Classic Coaches offer a programme of trips around the area on vintage coaches.

Settle-Carlisle Railway
The Settle-Carlisle railway, reputedly the most attractive line in the UK, winding its way through some of the finest scenery in Britain, is just a few miles away. There is no ticket office at Kirkby Stephen but tickets can be booked on the train.

Lake District
The Lake District National Park with its wealth of mountain and lakeland scenery and associated activities is within easy driving distance.