A rare surprise - twins for Kyla!

Posted: 08/06/2025

We were recently treated to a very special – and very rare – event here at The Old Vicarage. One of our Highland cows - Kyla - surprised us all by giving birth not to one, but two beautiful calves.

Heading into the field early one evening to check if Kyla had calved, we spotted a lovely little black calf nestled close by. But then, just a few paces away, we saw a second brown calf standing quietly on its own. A spare calf? Surely not! But yes – Kyla had given birth to twins, an extraordinary and unexpected sight!

Twins in Highland cattle are highly unusual, much less common than in other beef breeds, so this double arrival has caused quite a stir! The first few days were a little challenging as we worked hard to keep all three together – carrying calves up and down across the hilly, hummocky field – but we’re delighted to report that mother and twins are now thriving.

Kyla is producing enough milk for both, and their synchronised suckling is a joy to watch. They’re growing stronger each day and becoming a familiar sight to anyone walking past the field.

We’ve not yet settled on names, so we’re turning to you for help! We’d love suggestions for Scottish Gaelic-inspired names, beginning with the letter K – one for a heifer and one for a bull calf.

Please send your ideas to julia@marrickpark.com – we can’t wait to hear them!

 

A special time of year on the Coast to Coast path

Posted: 04/06/2025

Guests at The Old Vicarage are lucky to have one of the UK’s most iconic walking routes right on the doorstep. The Coast to Coast path, which winds its way from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay on the Yorkshire coast, now has official National Trail status — a recognition of its national importance and enduring appeal to walkers from across the country and beyond.

The section that runs close to The Old Vicarage is already benefiting from fresh investment, with smart new signs and improved waymarking helping to guide visitors through this glorious stretch of Swaledale. It’s a welcome upgrade that makes exploring the local landscape even more inviting.

Guests staying at The Old Vicarage can enjoy walking sections of the trail as part of their stay, either heading out for a gentle local stroll or taking on a more adventurous day’s hike through the surrounding hills and valleys. The Coast to Coast offers a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Dales on foot.

And what a time of year to do it. With the fresh green of newly unfurled leaves, longer daylight hours, and a golden evening light that casts a gentle glow across the hillsides, the valley is full of magic. The recent warm, dry weather has also encouraged a proliferation of insects, which in turn has brought about an extraordinary chorus of birdsong — perhaps the most vibrant we’ve ever known here. Cuckoos, in particular, have been calling from the woods and meadows in greater numbers than usual, their unmistakable echo reverberating across the valley.

If you're planning a stay at The Old Vicarage, now is a wonderful time to explore the Coast to Coast and the many nearby footpaths. The combination of nature, tranquillity, and walking heritage makes this corner of the Dales something truly special.