Tosside
Nestled on the border between North Yorkshire and Lancashire, Tosside is a quaint and small village that allows for easy access to the Forest of Bowland, Gisburn Forest, Slaidburn, Clitheroe and Wigglesworth (to name a few). It is the perfect spot for a short getaway and provides a great base for those who want to go walking in the hills; mountain biking in Gisburn Forest or simply relaxing and taking in the surrounding 360 countryside views. On a clear day, you can see Pen-y-ghent, which is part of the three peaks!
In the village, there is a little Bistro named ‘The Old Vicarage Tea Rooms’; quite a popular spot for cyclists passing by as it is a great place to grab a bite to eat and a brew whilst sitting outside, admiring the views. The bacon and sausage butties are very tasty, as is the coffee, all of which is complimented by the friendly service that meets you there! Great value and a great bit of hospitality.
One thing you certainly notice upon arrival into Tosside, is the many fox emblems dotted around the village and we were curious as to why this is; See below:
“The name Tosside is believed to be derived from Old Norse/Anglo-Saxon. It can be traced back to two old Scandinavian words - 'Tod' meaning fox and 'Saetr' meaning a high summer pasture. The name gradually changed to Toddsett, then Tossett and ultimately to Tosside. This fact is recognised to this day with the symbol of the fox being present on the top of the small water fountain at the centre of the village.”- Wikipedia
We stayed in an Airbnb in the centre of the Village called Pinfold Cottage, which was a steal for many reasons. Though petite in size, it is full of character and in the past was used as a post office before being converted into a charming getaway. As we entered the accommodation through the kitchen, we straight away felt at home; it was cosy, warm and as we explored each room, it was the little details and added touches that caught our attention and gave the cottage its homely vibe. Upstairs, there are two small bedrooms with elevated beds and steps for easy access, which make for an extremely cosy and comfortable night - the perfect retreat after a long day of hiking! Overall, it was ideally located, wonderfully decorated, clean as a whistle and all at an appealingly low-price tag
If it’s a relaxing and peaceful getaway you are looking for, look no further than this!
Hikes whilst staying in Tosside