The North Pennines are home to some very special species such as the handsome Black Grouse, one of our rarest birds, along with its commoner cousin the Red Grouse. If you are up for an early start Ashley can take you to witness the spectacular courtship “Lek”, where male Blackcock show off their splendid plumage to attract the female Greyhens.

In spring the hills echo with the calls of Eurasian Curlew, our largest wader. Though nationally threatened the North Pennines are a stronghold. Also here in good numbers is our most beautiful wader the Northern Lapwing, and in spring the skies are alive with their tumbling display flights, as their liquid calls ring out over the landscape.

You can expect to see many other species on a morning out with Ashley. Oystercatchers, Common Snipe, Redshanks, maybe Golden Plover and with luck Barn or Short-eared Owls. Also possible in spring are Wheatears, Whinchats and Common Cuckoos as they return from Africa to breed.

Ashley will take you to explore the lovely local rivers to look for the only perching bird to swim, the White-bellied Dipper alongside Grey Wagtails and Common Sandpipers.

Depending on the time of year there really is a lot to see in our part of the world, game birds, waders, wildfowl, raptors, owls, many smaller birds and always the chance of Brown Hares and Roe Deer.

Ashley will organise a tailor-made excursion for you ranging from a few hours or a full day.

Hospitality Packages include hearty breakfasts, luxury lunch hampers and two to seven course menus at The Kirkstyle Inn with accompanying wines; tailored to meet you parties needs and preferences.

For more information please email [email protected]

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Once the menu is set, our Sommelier will liaise with you to pair the wines from your favourite regions with your chosen dishes.  He will walk you through the options, offer advice, choose for you or steer you in the appropriate direction.

Depending on timings, numbers and preferences you can visit The Kirkstyle kitchen to watch the chefs prepare the meal.  Your meal will be finished off, plated and served in The Old Rectory, and our Sommelier will serve your wines.

This is very much a bespoke event, designed around you and your party’s preferences. You can be as much or as little involved as you like.  Depending on the season and your choice of dishes, a guided forage could be arranged.

To find out more please email [email protected].

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Fishing packages are available when staying at The Kirkstyle Inn and/or The Old Rectory.  More information about packages can be found at the foot of this page.

The Fishing………..

Most of the pools are easily accessible and wading is not required.  It’s predominantly a spate river and can actually be fished in very high water as long as the colour has dropped out.  Fly fishing is the preferred method of fishing, however, in high coloured water spinning is acceptable.

Tackle wise all the pools can be covered by a 10ft single handed rod.  Although some prefer an 11ft switch rod, which covers water beautifully in normal height to +2 feet.  After that a 13/14ft double handed rod comes into play. Loaded with normal spey lines there is no long casts on the pools; 30ft being as long a line as you need to throw.

However, be warned the delicate approach ends there.  Sink tips of varied weights are a must as are flies of different weights.   There are deep holding pots and fast runs in high water, so you need to get down deep quickly; some tails and glides fish better with lighter tips and smaller flies.  In good conditions with fish running, it’s advisable to go down with two rods set up to cover the options.   As for leaders go strong; the South Tyne salmon run big.  A fish under 10lb is rare and fish over 20lb are encountered every year.  So, with big fish, rocky runs and over hanging trees, you need to bully the fish at times!

Fly wise anything you like as long as it’s red or pink, is the old Tyne saying; with a selection of tubes, doubles trebles, all have their place.

Also, please don’t forget about the sea trout.  Average fish is in the 3-7lb class with double figures in most fish runs.  These are excellent sport and seem to arrive in the littlest lift of water.  Swinging a stoats tail over the tail of a run on an evening, can be heart stopping fun.  Trout fishing is also very over looked, with traditional north country wet flies swung through, it’s a great sport.  Wild Brownies weighing ½-¾lb are fairly abundant, with fish of 2lb plus to test the purists nymph.  Dry flies fished up stream on a 10ft #4 is absolutely fantastic sport.  The best time for fishing is late March to June trout : July to October salmon and sea trout (given water salmon have been landed in May).

Packages can be tailored to meet your parties requirements, please see some suggested options below:-

• Spey casting tuition is bookable if required
• Ghillie (Guide)
• Fishing tackle hire
• Champagne breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Chefs Dinner for parties staying at The Old Rectory
• Wine Tasting Dinner designed around your parties preferences – served at The Kirkstyle Inn or *The Old Rectory (* when staying at The Old Rectory)

Non-fishing members of the party can enjoy a range of activities such as golf at Close House Championship Golf Course, walking and cycling, sightseeing at Hadrian’s Wall, Hartside, and High Force Waterfalls – to name but a few.  Or explore Hexham, Corbridge, and Newcastle all of which are within an hour’s drive.  Racing enthusiast may like to know that Newcastle, Hexham and Carlisle race courses are nearby.  A day trip to The Lakes is fun, where there are plenty of wonderful culinary options for lunch. Whatever you choose to do you are guaranteed breathtaking scenery on route.

Please note, fishing packages are always subject to availability and must be booked in advance.  All persons fishing are responsible for their own fishing licences.

To check availability please call 01434 671526  or email [email protected]

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Twice Brewed is situated at Hadrian’s Wall and has it’s own on-site brewery and tap room, producing a wide variety of beers and lagers, packaged up in cask, keg, bottle and can. There is something for everyone, whether it be a traditional best bitter through to a DDH IPA or a chocolate stout. Click here to see some of the award winning titles and to book a tour.

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Today you can explore the Wall’s rich history and its dramatic landscape at over twenty fascinating sites, including Housesteads Roman Fort, Chesters Roman Fort, Corbridge Roman Town and Birdoswald Roman fort.

Hadrian’s Wall is just 19 miles from the Kirkstyle Inn, with beautiful views along the way.  You might like to visit the English Heritage site for details of tours and family days out.

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