Some really lovely accommodations on this list for outdoorsy types

I'd read that too and some of the places do sound wonderful. I can definitely recommend the Castle Hotel in Bishop's Castle ( a lovely small town not on the tourist itinerary but the equal of anywhere in the Cotswolds,.. The surrounding area is pretty good too with more delightful small towns to explore).

It does look wonderful wasleys. And your description of “not on the tourist itinerary” makes it even the more so! Adding that one high up the list.

While not familiar with the majority of places on this list (I have made a note of a couple of them though!) I’ve been past The Traddock at Austwick lots of times. Never stayed or eaten there as usually it’s been on, or on the way to or from, a hike, so I’m usually rocking the muddy and ‘been dragged through a hedge backwards’ look which kind of legislates against entry! Austwick is just off the main road from Leeds/Bradford to the Lake District (A65) so is easily accessible and a little away from the main walking hubs, so quieter in general. If the dining costs are a bit rich for your blood, there’s a pub in what there is of the village which does the usual pub grub menu (which I have visited while camping nearby). Taking a copy of Wainwight’s ‘Walks in Limestone Country’, which the article recommends, I would view as compulsory!

Ian

I've stayed at the Rose & Crown in Romaldkirk (a few years back) and it was wonderful. Highly recommended.

Bishops Castle and the wider area are very nice ,sister lived on a farm in south Montgomeryshire.
Wonder if Bunners is still open and the Andrew Logan studio