About Us
Hi, my name is Diana and I took over the running of High Swinside in March 2016 from its previous owners, Jacques and Hilary (who are well and still living in the area if you've stayed here before and were wondering how they are). I live across the way in the Brewhouse with Raffa my cat should you need any help, suggestions for walks, or delicious free range eggs. Otherwise please make yourselves completely at home as if I wasn't there.
Some previous history ...as a smallholder
I moved here from a smallholding in the Shropshire hills where I milked goats, made cheese, kept hens, and grew organic fruit & veg. Three lovely hens came with me and there are now quite a few more - but alas there was no room here for the goats!



Though born further south, my father's family was originally from the north, and I've long felt the Cumbrian fells to be my spiritual home - a feeling common to many people, I'm sure.
...as a walker and walking guide
I've walked in the Lake District for many years and have worked here as a walking guide. So if you need any suggestions or advice about walks, don't hesitate to ask. I'm happy to help. You will also find plenty of maps and walking books in your cottage which you are welcome to borrow during your stay. (A youthful looking photo - I'm now a good 16 years older!)
...running holidays & an airbnb
In Shropshire I also had an airbnb, and before that I spent 10 years running a walking holiday company. I like meeting new people and helping them get the most from their precious time away.


This is Raffa - caught snoozing between hunting expeditions.
I hope you enjoy your stay
Whether you've stayed at High Swinside before or are thinking of coming for the first time I hope you will have a wonderful holiday, all the time and space you are looking for in this beautiful setting, and will make yourselves completely at home.

Thank you, Diana, Raffa, and my current 12 hens (too many names to include here!)
My website guru brother
This is my brother Oliver, who is responsible for the technical side of this website. He served in Greater Manchester Police for 30 years, but is now retired and living in East Ayrshire in Scotland.

Oliver is a very keen landscape photographer and spends as much time as possible in and around Skye and Wester Ross. When not behind a camera lens he designs and builds database-driven websites for friends (and now me, of course, for which I'm hugely grateful).

If you notice something wrong with the site please let me know so he can fix it.