My wife and I started our Lake District ramble in Ulverston and our trip couldn't have had a better beginning. The barn is beautiful, spacious, modern, private (yes, that was a plus as we discovered elsewhere later!), and with a gorgeous view. Our breakfast, brought up to us, was incredibly decadent and delicious. Sam and Angus were wonderfully accommodating. When we discovered we were not yet ready to go tramping across soggy cowpastures and had to return daunted next day, since they had their house rooms free, they gladly put us up. And the house room was delightful too. Two rooms, but they'll rent both only to one group -- so you don't have to put up with annoying or noisy strangers. (Aside: we loved the orchids that grace the home.) We were impressed by the wonderful renovation Angus has done to this 200-plus-yearold home. They raise their own pigs, parts of which were part of the full Cumberland breakfasts. After two delightful days, we had asked how we could get to our next destination, having had to cancel our first day of walking. Since he was going that way anyway, Angus offered to drive us. What a pleasant start to a wonderful Lakeland holiday. We hope one day to come back (from Canada).

We were lucky to be able to book the same day following a cancellation, and were very impressed by the very warm welcome, the size and cleanliness of the barn room and the extra treats (biscuits, DVDs etc). The location was also perfect, just on the edge of town and under 10 minutes' walk to the centre. Finally the breakfast was gorgeous and came from the local pigs, even the sauces that came with it tasted amazing. Deservedly number 1 in the local list!

We stayed for 2 nights 6 adults and 2 energy packed 2 year old boys (our grandsons Adam and Max) sensibly my wife and I stayed in the barn and the boys and their parents in the house! A lovely, lovely place with extra special hospitality from Sam and Angus, Sam even going out of her way to book tables for us at local eateries. It was greatly appreciated and her recommendations were spot on. After a slight hesitation, Adam and Max (two little townies) quite enjoyed feeding the pigs (but only if at least 3 grownups were keeping them at a distance!)

We stayed at the Candlewyck after finding it through trip advisor, and I did wonder whether it could really be as good as the reviews suggest. In short, it is! We stayed in the barn - a lovely spacious conversion which is as big as the bedsit my 20 year old lives in full time! It's beautifully decorated, and has a DVD player and selection of DVDs as well as a TV.

Breakfast was brought over to our room each morning, and was very good indeed. Candlewyck is just a short walk into the centre of Ulverston. It's not obviously a B&B when you first approach, so keep a good eye out - the directions on the website are very good and clear which helped!