Where the Lake District tails into the Dales stand the Howgill Fells, wild, craggy and with cheeringly few visitors – perfect territory for the long walks that will earn you a few indulgences at Orton farmers’ market (second Saturday of the month, 9.30am-2.30pm; (www.ortonfarmers.co.uk ). This tiny village is in game country, so you’ll find pigeons, rabbits and game birds for the pot at Austen Davies’s stall – and something to warm your cockles at the renowned Weardale Soup Company. To show you how far this whole foodie movement is progressing, the Cumbrian Fair Trade Cooperative will also be there, for more exotic goods. Most of the stallholders also crop up at Brough (third Saturdays) and Pooley Bridge (last Sundays until winter). Where to stay: Orton Hall (0151 482 5543, www.ortonhall.com ).

Source - TimesOnline.co.uk