Autumn in Swaledale
Autumn in Swaledale
It has been a while since I posted an update from Swale View here in, currently, sunny Swaledale. Back in May we were looking ahead and trying to figure what the coming months would bring, both in terms of Swale View as a holiday let but also for the wider local community. Just how would the Covid virus affect us all? Would we be able to let out the cottage to visitors? Would local shops and restaurants be able to open? How would local medical services cope? It was all very unclear, as indeed a lot still is today.
But the generally good news is that by and large yes we have been able to open and many pubs, restaurants and shops have also managed to open and keep going as well. Not without a lot of hard work and effort as I am sure we can all appreciate. And financially it has been very hard for many people and business and still remains a great challenge to make things work.
As for people who have visited the area my experience is that most have behaved responsibly and their custom has been greatly appreciated. It is also encouraging that many people are still looking to take a staycation and continue to visit during what would be a normally quieter period for us. For that we are all grateful.
The only downside that I have seen is the increase in litter, mainly on the side of the roads. When out walking the dog the prevalence of masks, cans and and takeaway wrappers has increased which is a shame. So we tidy up what we can but would really encourage people to take their litter with them and wait until it is possible to dispose of in a sensible way. Many villages dont have bins so it can be a bit inconvenient to take home some items and I shouldn’t need to say this but there you go.
As for Swale View we have taken the opportunity to make a few changes, mostly cosmetic but we have fitted new lighting downstairs in all rooms and in the hallway. We have also repainted some areas, same colour, so you may not notice if you are revisiting and work is ongoing in the barn where I have been staying. Plan is for a new kitchen soon and once that is fitted we may be ready to let this as a separate unit for short stays. And only for those who can climb a ladder!
Below are some photos taken over the last few months as we have been on various local walks and bike rides around Muker, Keld, Low Row, one of the local Alpacas, some new lights in the kitchen and fancy new garage door paint job!
If you want to come and visit please do so, but do so responsibly. See you soon!