Motorcycle Explorer October 2014 Issue 2 | Page 77

Haggs Bank Bunkhouse

I had a walk around the place with Danny and it was very impressive , the solid stone retains the feeling of the ‘ country house ’ but with all the mod cons that the traveller wants these days . There is even a washer and dryer on hand for a small fee to sort out your bike gear as you move to a fully equipped kitchen . Microwave , kettle , toaster , fridge and a great touch for me is cutlery laid on as I always forget mine !

There is a fine eating area at the back that is glass laid with views of the camping fields and a slate chip yard , this could also be used for meetings with the wide tables being able to take on a great deal of map porn . I could just imagine many an excited group chatting over maps that are spun around and roads pointed at with joyful and animated voices echoing the route to be !

Moving up the stairs you cannot help but notice the warmth of the place and a great deal of cash has been sunk into the insulation , money well spent as this heat just adds to the restful feel of the place . You come to the bunkrooms , all the beds have duvet covers and I was surprised at the level of comfort . I ’ ve been in plenty where you drop your sleeping bag on the 3cm mat and get on with it . Little things like the pictures on the walls all give a more ‘ home ’ feeling than bunkhouse . The mattress looked better than the ones I have at home , deep and clean with well sprung strength that just beckon you to climb on for a full nights sleep . Of course you may well be in the top bunk room and have the access to the on-suite ! Yeah , you read that right an on-suite shower room to make the ‘ home ’ feeling complete !

Of course you can also unwind in the day room , done out with a selection of fine green leather arm chairs and sofa set . The shelves are littered with travel books that range from guide books to novels of some of the riders that have passed through . If you ’ re a writer then I know Danny would not turn down a copy of your book or magazine to stock the shelves and inspire the guests .