Birdwatcher friendly, nature breaks at Wall & Lakes Holiday Cottage, UK

Geltsdale RSPB Reserve

Why not enjoy a trip to the fascinating RSPB Bird Reserve at Geltsdale. Free entry and easy access to nature trails, see attached (provided by RSPB in 2026, due to be updated soon).

“This landscape of rolling hillsides and rugged peatland is home to Black Grouse, Curlews and Short-eared Owls”

Here are just a few of our lovely guest book reviews which mention RSPB Geltsdale:-

• We had a lovely week in your cosy, clean and comfortable home, Thank you also for the welcome gift.  Peaceful and convenient for everything - great combination.  We recommend "Bird watching at Geltsdale (RSPB) saw our first marsh harrier :-) and campfield marsh on the solway firth"  The Roger family
• Thank you a great week in a lovely bungalow, we recommend "Geltsdale bird reserve" Sylvia & Phil.
• We have enjoyed our stay in your very comfortable, clean and bright cottage.  the peace and quiet of this location, just perfect having cows and sheep for neighbours :-)
• Lovely cottage, very clean and comfortable. Owners very friendly and helpful. Relaxing week.  Recommend: "RSBP Geltsdale Visitors Centre, quite remote but interesting with nice views" Pam and Joe
• RSPB Geltsdale "Very quiet and remote but beautiful views"  Lee & Eloise
• We like walking and birdwatching - recommend RSPB reserve at Geltsdale, Gelt Woods and Talkin Tarn. 

Check out RSPB website:  Geltsdale | The RSPB

Many guests enjoy days out at Geltsdale and as local hosts we strongly recommend a visit.  Just three miles from your holiday cottage to the friendly village of Hallbankgate.  From here you can park opposite The Belted Will, a fantastic traditional village pub with excellent bar meals, and walk up Crossgates Road or, alternatively, drive up to the RSPB car park.  Then after a short refreshing walk across open countryside you will be rewarded by the breath-taking view of Tindale Tarn and Castle Carrock Fells.  Strolling down towards the tarn you can rest a while in the bird viewing shelter before turning right along “the green road” to the RSPB visitors’ centre.  The more adventurous can also enjoy a stunningly beautiful walk along the fell side and pause to consider the histocially interesting lime kilns as well.

Oh, and don’t forget to call into The Hallbankgate hub, shop and café for scrumptious homemade treats, coffee, soups and cakes.

Quote from RSPB website:  "Geltsdale is a patchwork of blanket bog, heath, grassland, meadows, woodland and rolling hills rising high above sea level – Cold Fell is the highest point. These habitats are home to a range of threatened wildlife. Lots of birds come here to breed, including Golden Plovers, Curlew, Ring Ouzel, Merlin and Short-eared Owl. In fact, the reserve is one of a handful of Hen Harrier nesting sites in England"

You may also wish to Visit Gelt Woods, a walk from your holiday cottage doorstep.  Situated along the banks of the River Gelt the wood is home to a wide variety of animals and birds, including red squirrels and numerous bird species. There are several beautiful paths by the river through Gelt Woods, including a wonderful walk up to Talkin Tarn with its tranquil tarn, wildlife, level walk, tea room and toilets.