“Superb cottage”
As part of a group of 4 blokes on a mountain biking holiday to Kielder we were extremely delighted with The Stables. Upon arrival we were given a very warm and friendly welcome from Julian and Karen. The Stables is very spacious, clean and comfortable, I especially loved the log stove fire (stacks of free logs available from the yardl!) as well as the powerful hot shower ( though on the last day the showers in all 3 ensuites were very weak). We have been to many different locations in the UK for mountain bike short breaks, but this cottage is the best yet. Nice secure storage for our bikes, and a hose pipe to wash them down too. The view from the cottage was so beautiful as were the sunsets. We had a slight struggle to find the place though as our satnav did not recognise the exact location, even a brief stop at the Boe Rigg cafe to ask for directions met with a lot of head scatching from a member of staff, even though the entrance to the private road leading to the Stables eventually turned out to be only 150 metres away! Nearby the Holly Bush Inn was great for food and Nells bitter. There's a good co op in nearby Bellingham for groceries and wines/beer. Mobile phone signal in the area is poor and non existant in the cottage. The only critiicism our group would make is the lack Wi Fi in the cottage, as this is so common everywhere today. Kielder is only a 20 min drive away from the Stables, so making it an excellent location if you going on mountain biking trip to the area. We would definately stay here again and we highly recommend it.
By the way this is also the first mountain bike holiday, where we came away with no mountain bike themed souvenirs, not one t shirt, socks,beenie or buff, come on Kielder Tourism you are missing out on some extra revenue! 10 out 10 for your trails though!