Did you know that the Pennine Way currently goes right past the chapel? Due to a bridge that needs repairing on the original route towards Alston, there is a diversion on the other side of the South Tyne which means you have to come past. So you might as well book a stay and rest those weary legs.
Today, I waited for the leader of the Montane Spine Race to come past and jogged with him a little way whilst discussing food. I later found out that he is Type 1 Diabetic so all the more urgency for him, no wonder he was so obsessed after running for over 150 miles and 45 hours, he was very much in need but to be honest, looked fresh as a daisy!
Here are some shots of Chris the leader at that point (as anything can happen) and how beautiful the chapel looks with the flowers in bloom
Book a stay and we’ll treat you and your feet to some TLC!
After much debate and pontification, Sarka-jo is launching her own business under the new name of Moorland Immersion. This will run under the umbrella of Beldy Chapel Experience but be more easily defined as a Walking and Swim Walk guiding offer predominantly operating on and around Alston Moor. Sarka-jo is now a fully insured and qualified Hill and Moorland leader (after a gruelling 3 day assessment in 40 metre visibility and 50 mph winds), Open Water lifeguard and Outdoor first aider.
Products and Services
Guided walks: Half day, Full Day or multi-day guided walks to local beauty spots, sites of interest and multi-day walks along the Pennine Way and Isaacs Tea Trail, walks tailored to individuals and groups abilities and interests.
Swim walks: Half day or full day walks on offer , including the following, dipping is optional:
Waterfall walk – Ashgill from Garrigill return – 3 hours (6 hours from Alston return or longer secret waterfall from Garrigill)
South Tyne Swim Trails – 3 hours + (3 – 8 mile walks with optional 1,2 or 3 dips in the South Tyne)
Secret Swim walk – Full Day to secret moorland waterfalls and pools. – Strenous – good level of fitness required.
Stroll & Share/Converse & Immerse – A 1:1 opportunity to discuss ideas, decisions or mindset, whilst walking and talking in a non-judgemental and confidential setting. This would be followed by an optional dip to cleanse the mind and body. (Could also be offered to couples or two people with a need for mediation or families with teenage children)
Prices from £40 pp half day, £60 pp full day
I will not be licensed to take children under 14, all children over 14 must be accompanied by an adult Dogs are by prior arrangement (depending on the walk). Group size will be of no more than 5 (unless by prior arrangement for friendship or family groups).
Moz has made so many palletwood Fish that they were taking over the bathrooms so I decided to put them up for sale and they’ve been swimming off around the country since. We still have a few left so if you wish to purchase one, send me a message. They are £8 each, 2 for £15, 3 for £20 or 4 for £25.
As I type this, the snow that came down for much of yesterday and last night is thawing quickly so I can just hear the waterfall coming back to life. You know it has snowed when you can’t hear the waterfall as you lay in bed in the morning but when it thaws, it roars!
Anyway, as beautiful as the snow is, I’m hoping that’s it for this year and that I can get started on taking bookings for my swimming and walking guiding business starting up in April!
I’ve been writing the terms and conditions today and joining instructions and I’m really excited that loads of other accommodation providers in the area are keen to promote that aspect of our business. We’re not all in competition as it’s a close knit community and we are all keen to help each other succeed which also means you need to keep your eyes peeled for some collaborations. Watch this space!
In the meantime if you fancy booking either accommodation or a swim/walk experience in the coming months then get in touch, beldychapel@tutanota.com or 07730119871
Happy New year all, we’re hoping this year will be a great year for the chapel and we welcome many new visitors along with those who have already stayed. We are also really excited to start our guided walks and swim walks in the spring when the weather warms up but in the meantime we are happy to welcome guests for accommodation.
We’re trying to get out and about when the weather allows now the main of the renovations are finished and this morning we visited Long Meg and her Daughters, a stone circle about 15 miles away or half an hours drive over the hill and into the Eden Valley. The clouds and light were amazing but the wind chill was biting. But it’s a great alternative on days when the hills and moors are just too inhospitable!
We’ve just gone live and it’s still a work in progress but hopefully this will give you a flavour of what we offer here at Beldy Chapel, as well as around and about Alston Moor in the beautiful North Pennines National Landscape. Sarka-jo is going to be organising lots of opportunities to get out and about for locals and visitors alike (not just those who stay in the chapel) and collaborating with local businesses to give varied and interesting opportunities to experience our local landscape and more. Moz will be sharing his quirky creations. So get in touch if you’d like to have a Beldy Chapel Experience……
Welcome to the new Beldy Chapel website which includes a little bit about how we got here and hopefully more about where we're heading. Join us on this exciting journey through our home and around the area. Great to have you on board, Sarka-jo and Moz x
