Hollow Gill Huts

One of the closest railway stations is Giggleswick, it’s just up the road from Wigglesworth and the River Ribble babbles away nearby. It can only be the Yorkshire Dales. In this land of cute names, rolling hills, dry-stone walls and meandering lanes, Postman Pat would be quite at home. And so are the Hollow Gill Huts; a trio of shepherd’s huts that are well suited to this pleasingly rural environment. If it wasn’t for the yet-to-weather oak-clad exterior and immaculate finish, you might think they had always been here.

In fact, Hollow Gill Huts were built in 2021 and have the mod cons to prove it: Smart TVs, WiFi, great mobile signal, underfloor heating and en-suite shower rooms. These are comfortable, self-contained huts that are just right for a self-catering stay on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Two of the three are suitable for families with pull-down bunk beds for kids, if you bring them, while the other is reserved for couples with a log burner to add to its charms. But it’s what’s outside, beyond your gravelly terrace and fire bowl, that’s the real treat here.

Hollow Gill Huts sit against the sheltered backdrop of a mature woodland, looking out across the working farm they are part of. You might have a view of grazing sheep or cattle to the fore with rolling dales filling the middle ground and the high peaks of Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough in the far distance. Together with Whernside, which is a little further away, these mountains form Yorkshire’s “three peaks”, a worthy challenge-route that’s the subject of many a fundraiser. Each (or all) provide great hiking opportunities in this area that’s not short on options. In fact, instead of driving the six miles to the launch point for the three peaks, you might like to simply step out the front door and onto the Ribbleway. This long-distance footpath follows the route of the river (for the most part) and goes right through the farm.

If you’ve got the stamina, keep walking for four miles to the lovely market town of Settle where you can refuel at any number of eateries. Or, if you’re not in the mood to walk, drive there to pick up supplies from its butchers and bakers en route to explore further afield. To the west is the Forest of Bowland, to the east, the Yorkshire Dales National Park.