TREATS have always come in different shapes and sizes, The same may also be said of tents.
However the treat of "luxury camping" is a relatively new concept and that has sprinted from candlelit yurts to the spectacular glamping pods of Catgill Farm, nestled above Bolton Abbey.
The Covid pandemic saw an explosion of interest in the good old open air and many farms across the land swiftly installed campsites and camping pods to cater for huge demand. Some projects were undoubtedly quick triumphs of enthusiasm over wisdom. Not so at Catgill, where owners Oliver and Cat Barker have created not just luxury, but intelligent luxury in the most stunning natural setting. Clever comfort, even in chilly February rain. All the facts, history and details are on its exemplary website which (roll on the drums) contains no known exaggerations.
Enough guff, let's get at it...
Boot, my young Lakeland terrier and I were kindly invited to stay in one of Catgill's new dog- friendly pods for a night in the week before Valentine's Day - a week when the weather was "testing" shall we say. We arrived in the dry and keen to get walking before even seeing the accommodation, headed off half a mile to the Bolton Abbey Estate entrance near the Tithe Barn and just down the road from the ever-empting Devonshire Arms.
There were a few folk about, but we pretty much had the whole beautiful place to ourselves as we rambled beside the peat-black Wharfe, up past the ruined Abbey and along the well maintained uppy-downy path to Barden Bridge and back
Love was in the air as early spring birdsong filled the ancient woodland and some of the other walkers were spotted holding hands. Terriers don't go for that sort of thing, it's more about sniffing.
After a smashing (and dry) eight mile walk we were back at Catgill and met by Sam, one of its 23-strong staff team., who helped put luggage into a golf buggy, yes, a golf buggy, and we trundled uphill to where the pods sit with delightful views of the dale below. Now the first bit of intelligent luxury is that each pod is positioned to create individual privacy. They are staggered down the line of the hill, so there are no intrusions to the view - just the clear sweep of natural beauty from paved patio to the far horizon. They are also shielded by stone walls and dense shrubs with plenty of pace between the sites.
Now, we've all seen pods before - little wooden Nissen huts, sometimes with a bit of turf on top. Catgill's are something different, very different. Let's imagine a Scandic design guru had been tasked with creating a pod for the gods. That's more like it. Our dog-pod named "Duck" looked huge from the front with its towering timber canopy, panorama window and frameless glass doors.
They are designed to sleep six, and so the interior seemed extra spacious for just me and Boot and again, everything inside was clever comfort to the highest standard - nothing left un-thought.
Shall return to inside fixtures and fittings, but the main point of such places is the outside offering. A huge freestanding iron firepit sits in just the right place to be viewed against the black night sky from the very solid wood deck chairs that sit beneath the pod's canopy. Cleverly, that view is not interfered with by the wood-fired hot tub for six, set neatly to the left. Oh, the hot tub was already piping hot when we arrived, thanks to its very efficient log burner and this is were another bit of cleverness comes in. Because each of the dog-friendly pods has its own fenced-off piece of field as a dog run, I could sample the waters, care free without any "where's he got to?" angst. Result.
Firepit lit, and possibly visible from Mars, a bottle of beer from the lovely welcome pack (clever, quality stuff, again) ended the outdoor experience perfectly.
Back inside, everything is designed with wit so that it all feels neatly done. With an 10ft apex, the domed roof gives a sense of space and the kitchen space is fully equipped, without being intrusive. A great double bed with a stunning view through the all glass frontage.
Being a dog-pod, we now come to possibly the best bit (in Boot's opinion). His own bottom bunk bed, at the back of the pod opposite the ensuite shower room, complete with high quality beg and blanket, toys and a fully stocked "treat station." Delights beyond a little dog's wildest imaginings, and mine.
The rains came during the night, hammering in across the hills, but not enough to disturb a wonderful night's sleep and when the morning came, there was our buggy to take us back down to the parking area and reception, with its cleverly stocked shop - head torches, Calpol etc.
Forgot to say, Boot's bed had his name on a welcome board and perhaps by coincidence, at the footwear and dog washing station (warm water for pooches, cleverly).
Now that's attention to detail and why the Catgill experience is second to none for those on two or four legs.
For more information and bookings: www.catgillfarm.co.uk
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