Tyas Cottage| 5 star self-catering

Despite its secluded setting, Tyas Cottage is very close to numerous attractions, as well, of course the moors and Pennine Way.The cottage is well suited for hiking and bird watching as there are many local walks on open moors or in sheltered valleys, some of which are described on this link. Three photos below by Pam Norrington.

Hang gliding over Diggle Winter Summer

aerial view

Slaithwaite railway station is on the Newcastle to Liverpool route and the M62 is also within 5 minutes journey time. You can see its location within within the Colne Valley on this 3D plan.

Slaithwaite itself is a charming village and worth getting to know, perhaps as the focus of the Merrydale walk. The nearby canal has been recently restored, and it is within walking distance of the Pennine Way. Above nearby Marsden tennis can be played on courts with spectacular views and there are 11 golf courses within 5 miles. Titanic Spa, a mere two and a half miles away, has recently opened and offers superb facilities.

Slaithwaite's The Moonraking Festival now takes place during every second February half term (next one in 2013). Our new Green Valley Grocer Cooperative has shot to fame recently for their delicious artisan bread and local produce. I recently attended one of their bread making courses and can't recommend them too highly. I now understand why slow fermented artisan bread making is a skill that is best taught by example. I would be happy to give interested guests some of my sourdough culture (dating from 1970). See this link for future courses. Also running courses nearby (including permaculture, scything, fruit tree grafting) is a new venture, www.edibles.org.uk.

Emmerdale Village, beyond Leeds, can be visited and on the 3rd Sunday every month there is the farmers' market in Holmfirth. Guests stayed here in early June to attend the Oldham and Saddleworth Whit Friday Brass Band contests that are held in villages around Saddleworth, such as Delph, Denshaw, Dobcross etc.

Canal in Marsden Tunnel End

There is another lovely walk along the canal that runs between Slaithwaite and Marsden. The two photos above were taken by Saskia Ashton. En route you could stop off at the Olive Branch restaurant and perhaps walk off your lunch by going on to Marsden where a quick pint or two at The Riverhead (brewed on the premises) could be enjoyed before taking the train back to Slawit. Slightly further, The Tunnel End Inn is an 'honest to goodness pub offering traditional, home-cooked food and real ale in comfortable surroundings.'

Huddersfield, home of the famed Choral Society and internationally renowned Contemporary Music Festival, is a fine town and has some lovely buildings. The Lawrence Batley theatre is in the very elegant Georgian former Methodist Mission and John Betjeman considered the station to be the finest in the land. Halifax, too, has some wonderful buildings.

Links to Attractions

Urban attractions include the Colne Valley Museum (in Golcar about 4 miles away, but only open at weekends and bank holidays). Halifax not only has Eureka Childrens' Museum but also the fascinating Bankfield House costume collection with its contemporary crafts exhibitions. The National Coal Mining Museum is much praised by our guests (and free).

The Yorkshire Sculture Park is a must for anyone interested in fine art. In addition to world class exhibitions, you can discover more than 60 sculptures in the open air by renowned artists, including Henry Moore, James Turrell and Andy Goldsworthy. Further on there is also the recently built Hepworth Gallery (winner of the British Design Awards, 2011). It is about 43 minutes journey time from Tyas Cottage.