Byre Cottage is at the edge of Daddry Shield, Weardale. In medieval times, Daddry Shield had its ‘pinfold’ for stray animals. Medieval woodland became hunting ground for Prince Bishop from mid-13th Century.
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Later valley floor land was leased out to stockmen who cleared the woodland to create meadow and pasture for cattle, deer and sheep. Daddry Shield means summer only farms or ‘shielings’. The terraced village of Daddry Shield is the product of a population explosion in the early nineteenth century due to the booming of lead mining industry. A characteristic of the local buildings, whether for human or animal habitation, was the tremendously thick walls to withstand the weather, and perhaps to ensure durability. In Pennine dales it was common to have dwelling house and farm buildings in one block, house one end, byre and barns at the other. Byre cottage was built around this time as a byre for the cows attached to the farmer’s house. In the late 1970’s it was converted into living accommodation.
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Under the current owner, the whole building has been completely refurbished for high quality living while keeping many original features.
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In November 2016, major repair work was carried out for the front roof. Each stone slate was taken down carefully by the local stonemason, checked and put back (or replaced when broken).
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Daddry Shield is situated between St John's Chapel and Westgate, and is a short walking distance from both villages.
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Westgate is the entrance to Slitt Wood and the West Rigg Geotrail, a 3-mile walk through a dramatic North Pennine dale in miniature. Village pub the Hare and Hounds has offered a selection of local hand-pulled and guest ales and beers. Its Sunday roast is popular among the locals. St John's Chapel features a splendid Georgian church on the site of an original 15th-Century chapel. It boasts a Dales and Lakes (a Co-operactive shop) and a Post Office. Chatterbox Café was rated by Tripadvisor as the Travellers’ Choice 2020. Pubs in the village include The Blue Bell and The Golden Lion and are an integral part of the local community.
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The largest settlement in Upper Weardale is Stanhope (6 miles from the cottage) – a lovely town to spend a day. Don't miss the spectacular fossilized tree stump (originally from a quarry near Edmundbyers) in the churchyard.
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Visit the Durham Dales Centre and relax or have fun at the Weardale Open Air Swimming Pool. Have a ride on the Weardale Railway which runs between Stanhope and Wolsingham – it is the only heritage railway based on part of the world first Stockton and Darlington Railway.
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Those interested in local history should visit the Killhope Lead Mining Museum (6 miles). You can have hands-on experiences of what life was like in the lead mines. Gift shop, café, impressive underground tour, waterwheels, dazzling mineral/spar box exhibition, woodland trails and red squirrel hide.
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A visit to Weardale Museum will reveal quite a few cultural gems. Catch a glimpse of home life for lead miners a century ago. Discover how lead miners combined mining with work on the farm.
9 miles across the hill you will come across High Force, England's biggest waterfall, with a spectacular 70-feet drop.
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Alston (14 miles), England’s highest altitude market town, is well worth a visit too. An array of small independent shops, galleries, unspoilt streets and a choice of quality cafes and restaurants await you.
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As Byre Cottage is conveniently located near the border of Durham, Northumberland and Cumbria, you can manage day trips to all the fantastic areas in the North either taking the A686 to M6, or through A689 to A1(M). You can even visit the Yorkshire Dales through High Force.
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