Tarset Tor
Perched just on the edge of Kielder forest, Northumberland, is the Tarset Tor eco-Holiday settlement, set up in July 2013.
Nestled deep in the beautifully unspoilt Northumberland national park, Tarset Tor evolved as part of a regional plan to support sustainable local communities. Rob Cocker and Claire Briggs have created a chic location where you can set up base before exploring the rugged local countryside. With experience in hospitality, Rob was the brains behind the original Fieldtrip festival which featured many big name DJs.
"Personally the Kielder area is special to me because as a boy our family moved here as my Dad was working on building Europe's biggest man-made reservoir which nestles in Northern Europe’s biggest man-made forest," says Rob. "I have grown to see the area develop into an interesting sculpture park with great mountain biking and water sports." The area has recently gained international 'dark sky' status, meaning that the sky is free from light pollution and so is a perfect place for stargazing. No need for a fancy telescope either; when the night draws in just grab your binos, a bite to eat and a hot coco then explore the milkyway from the comfort of your deckchair.
The funky Bunkhouse is a fantastic place to socialise and sleeping up to 20 guests is a perfect base for a group getaway. Eating, sleeping, showering and lounge facilities are all available in the bunkhouse as well as a veranda with south-facing al fresco views. Self-contained bothys offer a more private space to enjoy some tranquillity.
Tarset Tor is a new build with loads of eco features such as biomass boiler and high performance glass. The modern and airy bunkhouse and bothies are all made from sustainably sourced cedar wood with recycled newspaper cavity wall insulation. There are several ways in which you can reach Tarset Tor, there are a few buses to Bellingham from Hexham and for those who own a bike the surrounding area is criss-crossed with plenty of cycle trails and footpaths to trail.
Activities such as quad biking, salmon and trout fishing on the River Tyne and Kielder Water as well as a number of golf courses will keep the adventurer in you busy. Historic Roman market towns of Hexham and Corbridge are within easy reach if a spot of relaxation is what you’re after and are home to plenty of galleries, boutique shops and restaurants. Hexham Abbey, originally a monastery, is well worth a visit with its captivating early English gothic style of architecture.
Just under an hour away by car, you’ll find Hadrian’s Wall, Britain’s greatest Roman monument, the perfect guideline for a stroll across some of the wildest and dramatic country in England. Black Middens Bastle House, only ten minutes from Tarset Tor, was originally built as a defensive structure to protect against Border Reivers - raiders of the Anglo-Scottish borders from the 13th to 17th century.
So what does Rob and Claire have up their sleeves for the future?
"We are at the beginning of our Tarset Tor journey and will be building
Bothies at the end of the season to be open for next year. By mid-summer we will also have some camping and campervan bays," explains Rob. "We like to think that we have a chilled vibe and can accommodate all type's of folks." Well, I think that's certainly enough to entice us all off the beaten track this summer... see you there!
