Abbot Park Farm Campsite

December diary

2011-12-18T14:50:00.012Z

Dear Guests

One week until Father Christmas arrives with all my presents - I bet the reindeer will struggle to pull the sleigh (hope my son reads this!!!). Not long to wait and I will be trying my damson gin - Father Christmas is partial to some with his mince pie. I am looking forward to turkey with all the trimmings and lots of christmas pudding and rum sauce (I will think about dieting in 2013 sorry I meant 2012).

December has been a busy month for christmas buffets and quite a few moutain bikers have visited for brunch. Thanks to you all for your support.

We have got an two interesting additions to the farm - a legbar cockerel and one hen. They originated from Peru in the 1800s and lay blue eggs.

Today is a glorious cold crisp sunny day and all the mountains look really picturesque with the snow tipped tops - it is perfect walking or biking weather.

Anyway must dash as I have to feed the animals - I hope you all have a very happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

Carole

PS - watch out for uploaded pictures on Christmas day.

PPS - Christmas lunch went well, there were no burnt offerings and even better my sister was here to do all the washing up (who needs a dishwasher). Looking forward to my turkey sandwiches later, and the Christmas pudding - surprisingly I could not manage to eat it before. Hope you have all had a good day and made the most of seeing your family and friends.

November Diary

2011-11-06T19:32:00.005Z

Dear Guests

We have been very busy during the last month taking calves off the cows and selling them at the suckler calf sales in Kendal and Broughton. The lambs have been going to store sales in Ulverston. The ewes have gone back to the rams ready for the sheep to lamb in March/April.

We have been quite busy with bookings from walkers and moutain bikers for bacon/sausage/egg buns and fresh scones.

Bookings are also being taken for Christmas buffets and lunches. I have been busy making my own homemade apple chutney and I just had to sample some on a cheese sandwich - even though I say so myself - it was lovely - perfect for a Ploughman's lunch.

I have not had a day off for months, and as it was my birthday I was taken out to lunch at the Drunken Duck and then had a walk round Tarn Hows - I had a really good day. If you are visiting the area I can recommend both.

I hope to see you at the tea room soon.

Best wishes

Carole

SEPTEMBER DIARY

2011-09-02T13:40:00.005+01:00

Dear Guests

August has come and gone and I did promise Mr Potts that I would mention him in my August blog - Mr Potts was walking the Furness Way. I have lived here all my life and did not know about it, but seemingly it runs near the campsite and Mr Potts did a de-tour from Stock Farm (of about 1/2 mile) to camp the night before heading for Coniston. I hope the rest of your journey went well Mr Potts and I hope to see you again.

I have met a lot of very interesting people during the last month and was really pleased to see a lot of people returning, and hearing that the children are asking if they can come back to the farm. Ellie sent me a lovely photo of her with the hens and two lovely little boys (Flyn and Aaron) who returned this week gave me a picture they had coloured in of goats (the two goats we have are a recent unexpected addition at the farm). And there was also the family with their unicycles who recently visited and they were really good!

It has not been very good weather but the hardy campers remain cheerful and take the rough with the smooth - last weekend with the thunder and lightening I would have been packing home and going home - but most people to their credit stuck it out. The swallows have now gone and Autumn is nearing, the nights are really drawing in.

I have had a slight mishap with the cooker and set it on fire - so the baking is rather scarce at the moment until I get the cooker repaired - it has been a bad month as I had problems with the washing machine as well!

Don't forget I can cook any meals for parties up to 10 people - Sunday roasts or anything you request as a prior booking.

Kind regards

Carole

July Diary Haymaking

2011-07-03T20:04:00.012+01:00

Dear Guests

July has been a busy month on the farm. The sheep have all been clipped and last week we took advantage of the weather and did some hay timing. We had the hay baled in no time at all and with some willing helpers the bales were all nicely stacked before the wet weather kicked in. It took me back to my time as a youth when the process took considerably longer and we were not as lucky as we are today with all the modern machinery we have available. We finished the evening with a barbecue, there was not a morsel left and everyone appears to have survived the experience!

What a glorious weekend we are having this week - perfect for camping. A number of guests have only realised about our tea room as they are leaving so, just as a reminder, there is a tea room and we do provide breakfasts if required along with tea, cakes and scones. Packed lunches are also available.

Hope to see you soon,

Best regards

Carole

MAY DIARY

2011-05-29T16:04:00.014+01:00

Dear Guests

May has been another busy month with the bank holidays. We have welcomed further campers to the campsite and one couple treated us to a traditional clog dance show in the tea room, which was really enjoyable. They are due to return for a repeat visit and breakfast show on the morning of 19 June. So anyone that would like to book in for a full English breakfast on that day may do so.

We were very pleased to welcome a large group of walkers to the tea room during the month, the group was led by Wendy a National Park Volunteer and they enjoyed tea and cakes.

Well I managed to squeeze into my wedding outfit and had a fantastic day at a friend's wedding the other week - I danced nearly all night and didn't want to come home! The venue was a perfect setting in the grounds of a country mansion along with large marque - I felt like Mrs Bouquet for the day.

Don't forget to make enquiries about the tea room when you visit. I must dash as I need to make another batch of cakes - the tins are empty, everything has been eaten.

Bye for now

Carole

APRIL DIARY

2011-04-25T09:57:00.011+01:00

Dear Guests

I have had a really busy month, on the farm, with all the lambs being born. The swallows arrived on 2 April and I heard the cuckoo calling on 18 April so spring is well and truly here.

With the nice weather we have been experiencing recently we have welcomed new and past guests to the campsite. The tea room is also proving popular to both campsite and non-campsite guests, especially the large chocolate cupcakes with cadbury's mini eggs. The packed lunches are also proving a treat for campsite guests who still want some comforts of home (one gentleman was pleased that we serve real ham!).

Well the diet was going well (I have a wedding to go to in a few weeks - no it's not the Royal wedding - I was too busy that weekend so I had to politely decline), until I started making all the nice Easter cakes and of course I had to sample them. I just hope I can still get into my outfit.

Anyway must dash, more cakes to bake and more lunches to make. Don't forget to get in touch if fancy a quiet break away from it all, or you have any special requirements for a family tea party/other celebration.

Kind regards

Carole

MARCH DIARY

2011-03-18T18:30:00.014Z

Dear Guests

I cannot believe that March has arrived already. I have been a bit lazy with the blog recently as the farm has been busy - cows have been calving and sheep lambing and I have been up during the night a lot, ensuring that everyone is alright.

We have received our first couple of campers at the campsite. It was quite exciting to find that Radio Cumbria wanted to interview one of the visitors to discuss the comparison between camping and yurts. Of course my visitor, who posesses true outdoor spirit, was able to share a view that hill camping is truely enjoyable and fun at this time of year as long as you have good quality clothing and camping equipment (and I am sure a sense of humour helps!).

We have also had a number of visitors who have been complimentary about the afternoon teas consisting of homemade scones and cakes they have enjoyed. One little boy (a huge tractor fan), who visited with this parents, sat and quietly enjoyed a number of chocolate cakes and not single crumb was to be found on his plate and his fingers were licked completely clean (which is always a good sign).

There are some beautiful walks around Abbot Park, so don't forget to call in next time you fancy a long walk followed by a non-guilty pleasure of cakes. Unfortunately, I don't get much time for the walking but I enjoy the cakes anyway.

Hope to see you soon.

Carole (Mrs Kipling)

JANUARY DIARY

2011-01-16T17:40:00.006Z

Happy New Year everyone!

The tea room is completely finished and I must say what a fantastic job the builders have made. All the work has been completed by professional, traditional craftsmen and every stone has been lovingly placed to restore Abbot Park and the barns to their true glory.

I am pleased to advise that the craftsmen are available for dry stone walling courses so why not consider a camping weekend with a difference and undertake a course at the same time. They will be running from May onwards, please e-mail for more information.

This week as seen the birth of 'Ginger' a baby Limousine calf who was borne on 14 January at midnight. Mother and baby are doing fine.

Well the diet has started although I am not doing terribly well and I don't think I will be appearing as Slimmer of the Year any time soon.

Please do feel free to contact us for further information regarding camping, the tea room or the dry stone walling courses.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards

Carole

DECEMBER DIARY

2010-12-12T17:38:00.010Z

November was a very sad month for us as our beloved horse, Lucy, died - she was 35 years old. The one good thing was that she did not suffer, she just died after her eating her tea. It's strange not to see her wandering around the farm with her friends - the sheep.

On a brighter note, November saw the final completion of the Tea room and we were able to welcome group bookings for evening buffets. Although the weather during the past couple of weeks with the snow and ice is proving to be disadvantage as the country roads have been icy and impassable at times.

I must get myself motivated and put up my Christmas tree and decorations. I have started baking mince pies (yum) and Christmas sherry trifle (hic) - there is usually not much left for any one else to sample! Really looking forward to turkey and all the trimmings, followed by christmas pudding and lots of rum custard. Hope your day is as fulfilling as mine! (I must think about a diet in the New Year but only think ........).

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all visitors (both old and new) to Abbot Park and my blog a very happy Christmas and peaceful new year.

Best wishes

Carole

OCTOBER DIARY

2010-10-10T16:44:00.013+01:00

Dear Guests

October has arrived and the weather is really warm and sunny for the time of year. We have managed to capture some lovely autumn pictures above.

The campsite is winding down but is still open until the end of November. I am really pleased to advise that the tea room is now open. We played host to a large group from a local parish tour who enjoyed afternoon tea (light snacks and cakes) and everyone seemed to enjoy the fare on offer.

We have started receiving enquiries about Christmas buffet lunches so we would welcome any further bookings for these or from Ramblers or other associations who would like to call at Abbot Park Tea Room for afternoon tea to complement their planned walk. Bookings can be made by calling 01229 861447.

If you would like a small piece of Lakeland, I have Herdwick sheepskin rugs for sale. Please telephone or e-mail for further details.

Best regards

Carole

SEPTEMBER DIARY

2010-09-11T17:03:00.015+01:00

Dear Guests

We had a very busy time in August, lots of campers visited us and it was lovely to welcome families who obviously appreciated the beauty of the area and were able to take advantage of weather as we were lucky to have some sunny weekends during the month.

Following on from last month, I was able to pick some blackberries and make some apple and blackberry crumbles and blackberry jelly - lovely on fresh homemade scones! The farm has been busy with the second cut of silage and some further little calves were born. I have also been trying to make use of the fine days and do some maintenance - staining the gates (not one of my favourite jobs :-) ).

The tea room is making good progress and it is currently looking as though it should be completed by the end of September/early October so I should be busy baking soon!!!

Best wishes

Carole

AUGUST DIARY

2010-08-09T16:47:00.009+01:00

Dear Guests

We have had a lot of wet weather during the past couple of weeks, but the hose pipe ban still remains in the North West. Despite the weather we have still managed to welcome more visitors to the camp site who have still managed to enjoy the beauty of the Lake District.

This month's photos include the baby ducklings, views of Colton and Morecambe Bay, red deer hind, cows at Three Foot Oak and blackberry flowers and heather - I personally love the blackberry flowers and I cannot wait until they turn to berries and I can make a blackberry and apple pie - yum - lovely with fresh cream!

On the topic of food (one of my favourite hobbies), the tea room is well underway and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will be open for mid September.

I hope to see you soon, if you have not yet had a chance to visit us and equally I look forward to welcoming you back for a return visit.

Best wishes

Carole

JULY DIARY

2010-07-04T14:51:00.005+01:00

Dear Guests

July has arrived along with some welcome rain. Luckily we had managed to get our first cut of silage completed, although due to the warm, dry weather the crop was not as good as usual.

We also managed to complete the sheep shearing.

Further to last month's update, we had 3 cute little ducklings which have hatched out. We have taken them to a friend who has a little run until they get a bit bigger.

This month we have included some lovely photos of the mid summer moon and next month we will have some pictures of the ducklings.

Kind regards

Carole

JUNE DIARY

2010-06-13T13:01:00.012+01:00

Dear Guests

We have had a lovely month so far, we have had some lovely sunny days but unfortunately the ground is in need of some rain. Due to the dry conditions we have not been able to begin our first crop of silage, so we will be later than usual.

We have welcomed more guests to the campsite during the month and it was lovely to see all the children taking an interest in the hens, geese and ducks. We currently have a hen sat on some duck eggs (poor thing appears to be mixed up!) so we are keeping our fingers crossed that we have some ducklings hatching very soon.

Jobs on the farm are continuing and sheep shearing is just around the corner.

We have more lovely photographs, taken by our regular visitor to the campsite, to enjoy (who needs the Country File calendar!!!).

Hope you will visit us soon whilst the weather is nice - the forthcoming week is predicting more warm weather.

Best regards

Carole

MAY DIARY

2010-05-09T12:36:00.015+01:00

Dear Guests

Here we are in May already - I cannot believe how quickly the time is passing.

We have welcomed more visitors to the campsite during the last month so it has been quite a busy period alongside the work needed on the farm as well. We have been busy maintaining the hedgerows and have planted lots of hedging plants during this weekend.

This month's photos were again taken by our regular guest and I think you will agree that the true essence of the Lake District countryside has been captured (photos show lambs and Lucy the horse at Abbot Park and views of Oxen Park and Rusland). One of the photos is of a monitoring aircraft from Cranfield Research Institute monitoring the ash cover in the atmosphere over Bethecar Moor. It had been to Manchester and was going north to Glasgow and the West Coast of Scotland when all the aircraft in the UK were grounded.

Although the weather is cool for May we have had some beautiful sunny and fine days which makes for ideal walking conditions so we hope you will visit us soon.

Best regards

Carole

APRIL UPDATE

2010-04-13T18:52:00.005+01:00

Dear Guests

We welcomed our first visitors to the campsite at the end of March and now we are receiving numerous enquiries regarding mini breaks - unfortunately the weather has spoiled it for some, but the last couple of weekends have been lovely. The tea room is not yet open but we are hoping to be up and running in June. Just to confirm that unfortunately we are unable to allow camp fires as we were finding that they were damaging the grass and we want to make sure the facilities stay nice for everyone's enjoyment. We are, however, looking into a dedicated fire area which can be enjoyed by all.

We are still busy with the lambs but hopefully this month should see the majority born. Please note the lovely photos above, which were taken by one of our regular guests during the last couple of weeks.

Hope you visit us soon.

Carole

March Update

2010-03-07T18:38:00.008Z

Dear Guests

Work on the farm is continuing to be very busy. We have had quite a few little calves and lambs being born during the last month. (See attached photos). Next month, will be full steam ahead!

We have had some fantastic weather during the past week (beginning of March), beautiful sunshine and clear skies.

I would like to apologise sincerely to all guests who have contacted us this week in order to book for the next couple of weekends. Unfortunately, due to the weather there has been a slight delay to completing the shower block. However, we hope to open for business at the beginning of April onwards, so please do contact us regarding April bookings.

Kind regards

Carole

FEBRUARY DIARY

2010-02-07T16:57:00.008Z

Dear Guests

February has arrived already! I thought all the snow had gone, but during the middle of last week (3 February) we had another light covering.

Before Christmas, Bethecar Moor Commoner's Association accompanied by Tony Hill (National Park) and willing volunteers (Teresa Morris - Natural England and Miles and Jennifer from the Forestry Commission) had a lovely day planting 500 juniper trees near Dodgson Wood.

Teresa and I returned last week to complete the work.

I have attached some photographs so you can appreciate the magnificent views near to Abbot Park Farm. The views show Coniston Water, Dow Crag, Coniston Old Man, planting juniper trees and canoeing on Coniston Water.

Life is still busy on the farm and we eagerly await the arrival of the lambs.

Carole Dickinson

2010-01-17T16:40:00.004Z

Dear Guests

JANUARY DIARY

This month on the farm we are currently working hard to bring the farm schedule back into line following the heavy snow and icy spells which have hindered farming activities following the festive season.

In January the key activities are:

Ensuring the cows and sheep are fed well (due to the cold weather they rely on extra feed)

Feeding the hens, ducks and dogs

Fluke and worming the sheep and sorting as some are due to lamb next month (February)

Four cows are due to calve next month (February)

Muck spreading

Hedging (maintaining the hedgerows)

We are looking forward to the Spring and warmer weather, which is kinder to the animals.

Look out for next month's update, complete with pictures.

Best wishes

Carole Dickinson
Abbot Park Tearoom and Campsite