Visit Britain inspection

Delighted that Visit Britain have awarded us 4 stars and Gold Award again this year!

Trees at Laykin

we planted trees in the autumn and are delighted that most are growing well. The ones protected by the large tree guards in particular. Sadly the holly tree was munched and is now dead, and the apple tree in the garden has had its bark chewed quite seriously. Luckily enough remains for it to survive. The black currant has also had a big chewing! The rabbits must have been very hungry this winter with all the snow!

Tan Hill Pub close up

Some photos close up of the pub sign with the stats and of the inside.

They have 2 jars of pickled mobile phones and lots of funny signs in the bar as well as folk bands and events.

Walk to Tan Hill Pub. The highest pub in England!

It was a lovely afternoon so we set off around 2 from Laykin and drove to Muker and parked in the car park, and followed the high footpath to join up with the Pennine Way towards Keld, and then on to the Tan Hill Pub for a well earned pint of Black Sheep ale.

For some reason the photos upload in reverse!

DIY

It's amazing how the weather beats up the paintwork at Laykin. Lucky it has been sunny to allow time for some DIY and touching up the windows and doors with paint as necessary.

Planting snowdrops

There were lots of snowdrops in the garden at Laykin before the building works took place. They were nivalis doubles. I have planted clumps of nivalis atkinsii in the 2 front lawns- most last year and 3 new clumps this year. Eventually when they clump more we can split them and form a continuous strip of snowdrops by the front wall to cheer up the garden in winter.

The atkinsii variety grow well in my garden at home and originated from friends who used to live at The Dingle, East Dundry near Bristol where 6 bulbs were planted in 1936. They now cover the entire 2 acre garden with enough to spare for 1500 to be split and sold every year!

I also planted a clump near the apple tree and some by the wood shed in the top garden.

Atkinsii snowdrops are sterile so they don't colonise naturally but they are large and early flowering and I find them very attractive.

Grouse chat

I filmed this grouse on Grinton moor yesterday- love the noise they make! I am adding my first blogger video!

Facebook

Laykin cottage now has a Facebook page!

If you like it, click the like button on the page.

thanks!