The Cow Shed, Lofthouse

19/09/2026

Upper Nidderdale doesn't shout about itself, and that's exactly why we love it.

While other corners of the Dales get busy with day-trippers, this valley stays quiet. Just rolling hills, dry stone walls, the sound of curlews, and a kind of stillness that's hard to find these days.

This video really captures the atmosphere, showing the village, its surrounds, taking in Scar House and the Nidderdale Way.

We are currently taking bookings for 2027. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Forgotten Old England's Village | Yorkshire Countryside WalkPleas...

19/08/2026

I still regularly stop the car en route home and just sit there enjoying the sheer beauty of this dale. Upper Nidderdale is North Yorkshire’s best kept secret - utterly beautiful but without the crowds. No filters needed.

23/05/2026

This is one of my favourite doorstep walks.

Wandering off the beaten path, you'll find the most stunning scenery. This hidden gorge is both dramatic and beautiful. It's on the route of a lovely walk that passes through varied countryside and quiet Cliff Wood. It goes up an ancient and beautiful set of steps, across stepping stones set in the beck, passes by an old lime kiln, across traditional upland hay meadows and the home of one of my favourite cheeses Stonebeck Cheese (not open to the public) and ends at the excellent cafe at How Stean Gorge where you could also enjoy the via ferrata and other interesting ways to explore this fascinating landscape. You could also extend your walk to include Studfold Adventure Trail, which is brilliant for young children.

Nidderdale National Landscape's new website has some excellent walks, carefully described and well-signposted. They're designed for different abilities, and incorporate notes on local heritage and nature to look out for. You can even listen to the trail directions if you'd prefer.

22/05/2026

Here is our other holiday cottage in lower Nidderdale. It is a cosy, characterful Grade II Listed stone cottage designed to sleep 2.

www.airbnb.com/h/churchbycottage

14/04/2026

When staying at the Cow Shed you are a very short stroll from a proper, unspoilt Dales pub that serves traditional, excellent quality food.

My own favourites are the Lamb, which is slow cooked, rich and meltingly tender, and the Fish and Chips. I believe the Fish and Chips are better than you will have anywhere else, the fish is fresh and the b**r batter crisp but not greasy.

What will you order from the menu?

What would you choose?? 🍽🥂🍲🍠

25/03/2026

Many guests staying at The Cow Shed have asked what our other holiday property is like.

Churchby Cottage is a Grade II Listed cottage ideally suited for two people, situated in Lower Nidderdale which is far less rural than Upper Nidderdale but an ideal base from which one can explore Harrogate and York.

It has two bedrooms, one with a king size bed and the other with a single bed, a perfect combination if you have a snoring partner! 😀

www.airbnb.com/h/churchbycottage

18/03/2026

Pop your answer in the comments.

What would you be doing today? Off exploring the beautiful countryside, or sitting outside. enjoying the sunshine with a glass of w**e?

14/03/2026

The recent stormy weather has blown all the rain clouds away.

A 5km walk across the moors, with Lapwings and Curlews aplenty, and not a soul to be seen, just wildlife.