Information for Visitors

Please note this document is available to print as the “Lodge info-pack” on the Downloads Page along with building plans for the lodge.
Location of Gearstones Lodge

Location of Gearstones Lodge

INTRODUCTION

The converted Shooting Lodge and barns have a fascinating history, whereby the original Gearstones Inn evolved into a Shooting Lodge for the local landlord.

In 1972 the premises were purchased by public subscription, monies were raised by the People of Mirfield, and Gearstones Lodge Charity was formed.

LOCATION

The centre is located at Ribblehead, Chapel le Dale on the B6255, the main road linking the two towns of Ingleton and Hawes.

ADDRESS: Gearstones Lodge Outdoor Centre, Ribblehead, Ingleton, Carnforth, LA6 3AS
MAP: OS NO: Outdoor Leisure Map 2 Grid SD 780800

PREMISES LAYOUT

GROUND FLOOR

Ground Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan

On arrival entrance should be gained via the main door into lobby, where a payphone facility is situated, then into the main hallway where the Health & Safety notice board and Fire Alarm System can be found.

The room to the left is the Information Room, this should be used in the first instance as an arrivals/departure area for personal luggage keeping the corridors free, information on activities and events in the Dales live here. This room is an ideal briefing area before departure onto the fells.

A well-equipped Kitchen with a large LPG gas cooker services two large Dining rooms.

Comfortable seating can be found in the two lounges, where the main lounge French windows open on to a balcony with a fantastic view of both Pen y Ghent and Ingleborough. The balcony also leads into the back garden of the lodge.

Male / Female toilet and shower facilities are housed in the Annex adjoining the secondary stairwell which also leads to the Education Unit

EDUCATION UNIT

The education unit is located past the cottage and contains both a pool table and table tennis table, along with chairs and tables. By default the room is set-up for playing games, but the table tennis table can be folded up to provide more room.

Please note we can no longer provide any extra equipment, with the exception of a projector screen. If you wish to use the room for educational/training purpose please bring your own equipment.

First Flor Plan

First Flor Plan

THE FIRST FLOOR

The first floor offers eight bunk style rooms, which vary in size sleeping between two and eight persons, providing accommodation for up to forty people. The floor is split into two corridors, each with toilet and shower facilities.

THE CELLAR – WET AREA

The Cellar has been geared up for the outdoors, when returning from activity access should be gained via the Wet Entrance at the side of the Lodge, which leads into changing area.

A Drying Room is available in the cellar for wet clothing. The Drying Room has background heating, with the optional turbo booster and dehumidifier charged by a 50p meter.

The cellar also contains the boiler house and pump house for the bore hole.

THE LODGE EQUIPMENT

KITCHEN:

YOU NEED:

CLEANING STORE:

BEDROOMS:

YOU NEED:

EDUCATION UNIT:

YOU NEED:

HOUSE RULES

  1.  Smoking is prohibited throughout the premises.
  2. Alcohol should not be consumed on the premises by those under the legal minimum age.
  3. A sheet should be used to cover all mattresses.
  4. Should the premises be left unattended at any time make sure that all doors and windows are closed and locked.
  5. No food or drink to be taken onto the first floor.
  6. Persons staying in the adjoining cottage have no right of access unless in an emergency or permission granted.
  7. The meadow area at the bottom of the rear gardens is out of bounds, bar the use of the public footpath to traverse field.
  8. Groups must be made aware of the Country Code and Safety on the Hills relating to the Gearstones area
  9. The lighting of all fires and barbecues in the lodge grounds is prohibited.
  10. Please keep noise to a minimum after 9pm – despite the remote location we do have neighbours.
  11. Animals or pets are not allowed in the premises.

CAR PARKING

The centre has its own car park; the space is limited providing parking for approximately 12 vehicles. Over spill space can be found past the cottages below the centre towards Ribblehead.

Access to the neighbouring cottages next door must not be restricted at any time.

On Arrival

On arrival access should be gained via the front door. Please use the information room as the luggage handling area, keeping the corridors free in case of emergency. The Party Leader must take time to read the Health and Safety notice board located in the entrance lobby. The party leader must ensure that ALL members of their party are aware of procedures; as soon as possible on arrival.

A Fire Register Must be completed and kept up to date in case of building evacuation. The Party leader should then make a preliminary check of the premises and note any defects on the “Fault Sheets” provided.

BEFORE DEPARTURE

You are asked to leave the premises clean and tidy in readiness for the next visitor. Cleaning logs are provided in the Information Room to assist in your cleaning schedule. Please pay particular attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. The aim is to leave the premises as you would wish to find them.

Please return any items moved back to their original places.

Please empty vacuum cleaners after use and return to their stores and empty all rubbish into the bins outside the Lodge premises.

On your FINAL CHECK of the premises:

Your co-operation all these matters will ensure that a high standard can be maintained, keeping running costs to a minimum, which reflect in the letting charges.

GENERAL INFORMATION

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM:

The Fire Alarm System is situated in the entrance hall; the system covers all areas of the centre: including the cottage.

Please note that the system does not have an automated link to the fire service, and that if required you will need to dial (9)999 and ask for the fire service.

FIRST AID:

Gearstones Lodge no longer has its own first aid kit – groups should bring their own kit.

HEATING & HOT WATER:

The centre is fully heated throughout by LPG gas central heating. The system operates on timers with a booster switch situated in the small lounge if required. The hot water operates on a timer system – times for this will be posted on the notice board in the small common room in the lodge.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY:

The main electricity supply is situated in the boiler house. This area is out of bounds. If you do have any problems – please contact support. Should a fuse blow or trip out, the fuse boxes are situated in the downstairs corridor above the common room door and upstairs above the door of the “Selside” bedroom.

SEPTIC TANK:

The septic tank will only accept BIO DEGRADABLE WASTE. Sanitary towels, Wet Wipes and Tampons of any sort should be placed in a bag and disposed in the dustbins. NO DISINFECTANT, BLEACH (unless bio-degradable) OR ANTI BACTERIAL AGENTS should be put down the sink or toilets, as this impedes the action of the septic tank.

VENTILATION:

On fine days it would be appreciated if party leaders will open windows to allow air circulation throughout the premises. Please ensure all windows are closed when the lodge is un-occupied.

MOBILE PHONE RECEPTION:

Please note the Cottage and Lodge buildings are located in a black spot for mobile phone reception – as such most mobiles and mobile internet will not be able to connect. There is a payphone situated in the entrance way should you need to make any phone calls.

BROADBAND:

We provide free unlimited access to wireless broadband with enterprise class content filtering to help block inappropriate websites. See notice boards for further details.

Please note that the streaming of ‘live’ television requires an appropriate TV license which is not provided by Gearstones Lodge. Personal TV licenses are only valid providing the device is being powered by batteries and not plugged into the mains electricity supply.

INSURANCE & LIABILITY:

Gearstones Lodge Charitable Trust accepts no liability what so ever for damage, loss or injury to persons, property or vehicles on or around the Gearstones Lodge complex. A responsible adult (ages 18 years or over), must accompany any persons or group wishing to stay at the centre.

DAMAGE:

Any damage must be reported and made good at the expense of the party organiser.

SUPPORT / PROBLEMS

If you encounter any problems, faults or have any questions whilst staying at the centre, please contact a member of the Gearstones committee as listed on the Help poster on the notice boards.

All centre staff carry identification cards. Any member of staff on the premises whilst a party is on site should make themselves known to the party leader ASAP on arrival.

BUILDING WORK:

The premises and grounds are under constant refurbishment. Where it is possible, building works are kept to a minimum whilst parties are in residence. Some works are of a nature or urgency where this may not be practical; please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

CONTACTS

Lodge Telephone Number (Payphone): 015242 41449

Lodge Booking Secretary (Graham Nind): 01924 499837
Cottage Booking Secretary (Hazel Naylor): 01924 463702

Email:
(Enquiries) info@gearstones.com
(Lodge Bookings) lodge@gearstones.com
(Cottage Bookings) cottage@gearstones.com

The management and committee sincerely hope you enjoy your stay and would welcome suggestions for improvements.

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