Many thanks for advising me of the walking boots I left. If it is okay with you, I will collect them on our return in September.

Thank you once again for a fabulous holiday. See you soon.

Barbara, 30/5/2011 - 3/6/2011

Buzzard

Our first stay here – and hopefully not our last! Delightful rural retreat – everything catered for. A truly relaxing break – the perfect escape. We saw lots of wildlife, including deer and kingfishers, but missed the elusive red squirrels! The swans & ducks kept us well entertained!

The lodge was cosy and well equipped & the hot tub was great. Thank you for giving us such a warm welcome – first class service, we look forward to our next visit…

Telleck family, 22/4/2011 - 25/4/2011

Heron

This has been our first visit to the Tranquil Otter and we’ve had a great time. The lodge & location are fantastic. Gnocchi the dog was mesmerised by Dave and the web-footed posse. We will be back! Many thanks.

The Gilberts, 18/4/11 – 22/4/11, Gadwall

My lovelies Born Day.

Greeted by the 3 Amigos (Ducks) who stayed all weekend chilling with us. Big Dave knocked on the door & hung around for a while. Leah visited regularly & sat in the boat relaxing with us too.

The walks around the lake & the lovely bird hide were magical. Sunday was gorgeous wife’s Born Day. Barbecue then picnic moored out on the lake, bobbing about – watching buzzards above & just the sounds of birds to be heard.

Hot tub – so relaxing & moresome.

Loved it all – first time for ages head wasn’t busy joy. Thanks for a fab birthday weekend.

Mags & Mow (Ashbourne, Derbys), 15/4/11 – 18/4/11, Gadwall

Our first visit to the Tranquil Otter – a surprise trip by my husband for my ‘40^th’ & what a wonderful way to spend my birthday week! Weather started off with high winds & rain but has gradually improved & now sitting here is sunshine listening to the birdsong. Have had a fabulous week – not doing a great lot apart from eating well, drinking, lovely walks around the Lough, cosying up in front of the fire & of course the hot tub!

Made friends with the ducks & swans & each tried to get out of the rowing boat although wind blew us back in quicker than we could row at!

Thanks for a wonderful relaxing break in this retreat away from it all.

Lorraine, Byron & Bobby the Dog, 4/4/11 – 8/4/11, Fieldfare

Had a lovely 50^th Birthday 26^th Feb. Views are fab. Shame the hot tub started playing up, was told it was ok to use just couldn’t face the cloudy water. My back started to play up which spoilt my walks round the Lough. Not the cabins fault just my condition. Thanks for cake on arrival it was brill. PS Be aware of the smoke alarms when cooking.

Grace, 25/2/11 – 4/3/11, Fieldfare

This is our first visit to the Tranquil Otter, upon arrival we were given a friendly greeting, shown around the lodge and made to feel very welcome. We were also impressed by the personal touches, such as the tasty cupcakes!

The lodge is fantastic, very well kept and maintained with all the mod cons and stylish, contemporary fittings required. The surrounding environment is very peaceful and relaxing, it’s like having your very own personal nature reserve at your back door.

We were visited ‘hourly’ by the local welcoming committee i.e the ducks(!) who felt free to roam up the steps onto the decking and on occasion almost through the double doors and into the lodge! They even took the bread from our hands! The hot tub is a very luxurious touch which we thoroughly enjoyed! My husband enjoyed taking the boat out onto the lake.

One of the highlights that we found was the ‘cars of the stars motor museum’ which if you’re a film/tv buff you will find quite rewarding. Dodd Wood is also worth a visit, very picturesque surroundings. If you’re looking to go out for a pub lunch, we would recommend the food at the ‘Royal Oak Inn,’ Curthwaite.

Overall, a delightful place to visit, we really enjoyed our stay and will sorely miss the hot-tub! Thanks for a great weekend.

Jayne & Tim (St. Helens, Merseyside), 8/4/11 – 11/4/11, Fieldfare

This has been an amazing week for us. The cottages were very comfortable. Our children loved going otter spotting & feeding the ducks. We were extremely grateful for the hospitality of Tazeem, Nick & the crew, who made our stay all the more enjoyable & stress free. Love the view! Thank you for making our holiday so special.

Anne, Tim, Lucia & Francis Wand, Syndey, Australia, 15/4/11 – 22/4/11, Egret

We had the most relaxing time & just chilled out walking, hot-tub, sauna & beauty treatments – amazing! Wild life & scenery is grand – we both loved being here and will be back soon. Thank you so much.

John & Isabel, 28/2/11 – 4/3/2011, Egret

A great place to be based in Cumbria. Well organised facility.

Chrissie & Paul Wand, Bondi Beach, Aus, 15/4/11 – 20/4/11, Dunnock

Another great time had by all.

Mr & Mrs Ferguson, Mr & Mrs Smith, 18/3/11 – 21/3/11, Dunnock

Otterly Tranquil.

Noo, Moo, Sarge & Sarge, 25/2/11, Dunnock

Thank you Tazeem & Nick for helping with our problem! Excellent customer service.

A brilliant relaxing Tranquil place – Dave the Swan knocking at our door everyday has made us laugh! He is VERY persistent & very tame! We will most definitely be returning as it is very special to us – we got engaged our first night here!

Amanda & David, 10^th Jan 2011, Dunnock

Wonderful way to see out the New Year, lodge & surroundings were fabulous, lots of lovely peace and quiet, will miss feeding the ducks & swan in the mornings! P.S. We fully intend to visit again soon!

Michelle and James Clancy, 29/12/10 – 31/12/10, Dunnock

Lovely lodge and a beautiful setting. We all had a wonderful time. Loved feeding the ducks. We’ll definitely be back. Didn’t want to leave!

Sandra (Sue’s sister) and Nigel, 19/11/10 – 26/11/10, Dunnock

We’ve all had a brilliant week – the humans loved the hot tub – all enjoyed the walks. Lodge is lovely warm & comfy – wood burner us what we want! Hope we make it back again.

Sue & Gerry, Riwi & Mase, 19/11/10 – 26/11/10, Dunnock

Thank you for a lovely relaxing week. We hope to be back soon. P.S The tea, coffee and cake on arrival was a lovely touch, thanks.

Little Eona, Big Eona, Elaine and baby Kiara, 5/10/10/- 12/10/10, Dunnock

Our new favourite place.

The Jones, 29/10/10 – 1/11/10, Dunnock

Perfect setting and perfect lodge for what we needed – relaxation! Even better than we imagined, and in a beautiful location. Will be back & will recommend. Loved the ducks and Leah!

Emma, Emma & Vicky, 22/10/10 – 25/10/10, Dunnock

Absolutely wonderful. We will definitely be back soon.

Fiona, Daryl and Boston the Dog, 22/4/11 – 29/4/11, Chiffchaff

Our fourth visit since October ’10. This place is addictive. Nature is blooming: saw a Kingfisher on the post by the boat & a family of Moorhens are nesting to the left. I wish the ducks would get a room though. We’ll be back & so will you.

Mark & Michelle, 18/4/11 – 22/4/11, Chiffchaff

Despite bad weather we had a very relaxed time in this lovely hospitable place. Thank you. The ‘Eastern Cuisine’ in Carlisle is a good take away.

Alex & Jan, 1/4/11, Buzzard

The hot tub was amazing we loved it. The walk is really good Daisy loved it. We have had a lovely relaxing break and look forward to a return visit.

Joan, Jean, Kerry, Georgia and Daisy the Dog, 11/3/11 – 13/3/11, Buzzard

Words can not describe how perfect the Tranquil Otter is. My partner booked our stay for a relaxing weekend in the busy run up to our wedding in May.

We have loved being here and could stay longer. We love the hot tub, views, Leah the Dog and the cheeky chappie who taps on the window every morning! This place is beautiful a true paradise. Already thinking of when we can come back. Thank you for making our weekend perfect.

22/4/11 – 25/4/11, Arctic Skua

Why did we only book for 4 nights – we’d like to stay forever! We would never tire of the view and tranquillity. Never felt so relaxed, We’ll be back. Many thanks

Jen & Phil (Driffield, East Yorkshire), 18/4/11 – 22/4/11, Arctic Skua

Pure tranquillity. Thank you for a very warm welcome and fantastic stay.

Helen & Matthew (Drax, North Yorkshire), 15/4/11 – 18/4/11, Arctic Skua

What can we say that hasn’t already been said about this beautiful Tranquil special place from the minute we arrived we felt at home. Here on our honeymoon after a busy wedding and weekend spent with family. The Tranquil Otter was just what we needed so relaxing just sitting back and enjoying the wildlife. The funny little chaffinch is great, such a cheeky little fellow tapping on the window. Leah the dog took us on a lovely walk around the lake showing us which direction to go in so sweet. We’ve had great time and can’t wait to come back with our boys.

The newlywed Johnsons, 4/1/11 – 8/1/11, Arctic Skua

Tranquil Otter is wonderful – we came for a family weekend and had a great time. There is everything you need in the lodge; the hot-tub is amazing (sitting in there looking at the stars) and the setting is beautiful. Thank you for a lovely mini-break.

The Turners and The Holdsworths - 12th–15th November 2010.

Wonderful weekend, it’s been said many times in this book but this place really is heaven. Will be back soon we hope.

Kate and Tim - 3rd–6th December 2010

Lovely, lovely relaxing break yet again. Some things never change except maybe the name of the lodge! Our 6th anniversary and as perfect as ever. Never mentioned it before but the ‘Retreat’ spa (few miles down the road) is the perfect luxury treat. Alan has his back and neck massage and manicure. I had a lovely facial and pedicure. You will need to book as there is a discount for Tranquil Otter guests. Wildlife as varied as ever with the water rail making a rare appearance in front of the lodge. Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to you. xxxx p.s. It will always be Lodge 5 to us!

Linda and Alan - 10th–13th December 2010.

Lovely lodge and beautiful setting. We all had a wonderful time. Loved feeding the ducks. We’ll definitely be back. Didn’t want to leave!

Sandra and Nigel - 19th–26th November 2010.

Arrived on the Friday for a week away before the boyfriend was deployed away for 5 months. As soon as arriving Danny switched off into relax mode, letting Laura take in all the info about the cabin. From the minute of being here we were blown away by everything. The cabin, scenery, ducks, privacy and the hot-tub.

We enjoyed a lovely early Christmas here and ventured out a few times. But after about 10 minutes of being out Laura was drawn back to the cabin like a magnet. So we were never gone very long.

We definitely have no complaints about the cabin or anything that comes with it. Funniest memory on an icy morning feeding the ducks on the lake. A bunch of ducks flew over for breakfast, but one duck waddled all the way from the other side of the lake, only to get to the cabin when all his mates had ate everything. As soon as all the food was gone the ducks flew back to the other side of the lake, and that one duck waddled all the way back slipping and sliding everywhere...

We definitely recommend the boat, even though we had a terrible time trying to row, and even funnier time pushing Laura out in the boat on her own, and yet it took an hour for her to get back. We enjoyed every minute and hope to come back many years down the line when we’re old and grey. Have a great stay.

Laura and Danny XXX - 19th–26th November 2010.

This was a last minute decision, we just didn’t feel like flying anywhere and wanted somewhere relaxing, beautiful and interesting. Thank you to the chap who recommended The Tranquil Otter. The lodges are perfect – character yet comforts of modern living with a perfect view. Walking round the lake in the snow is like walking into Narnia, without the need of a wardrobe! We ventured out a little but weather prevented some jaunts. However, it’s very easy to spend days at the lodge with the company of the birds and ducks and swans. Sun all week. Just had the most wonderful time. Dog loved it too. Nick and Tazeem and staff are very welcoming and friendly! As is Leah! Thanks and see you again.

Lisa, Allison and Maddie - Chepstow, Monmouthshire - 27th Nov – 4th Dec 2010.

This is our first visit to The Tranquil Otter and certainly won’t be our last. Had a fantastic, chilled out and relaxing weekend. Hot-tub with glass/bottle of champagne staring up at the stars at night, so romantic! Also enjoyed a massage/facial by Vanessa. An absolute must. Hope to see you soon.

Chris & Emma X (Johnstone) 3rd–6th December, 2010

I wanted to drop you a line to say that we had a great time at the Tranquil Otter. I particularly wanted to mention that the wheelchair facilities in the lodge were excellent - the best I have encountered. It makes a refreshing change that someone has taken trouble to accommodate all needs. We hope to return. Thanks.

James

We even looked out one day and the woodpecker was at the tree just outside! The walk around the lake is lovely and rowing out into the middle is a must as well. Thanks again and we hope to see you again.

Hi Tazeem - The lodge was luxurious beyond our expectations, and we had a great time with the hot tub and the boat especially. I did finally see an otter ... what a privilege ...and our own little troupe of adolescent ducklings...

Louise

Thank you for a wonderful week's break in Lodge 6 at the Tranquil Otter. We will miss the ducks bullying us to feed them and the swans hissing at us for getting too close.

Rob & Catrina

Hi there, Thought I'd send a quick email to say thanks for the great stay. I'm a keen photographer, and found the location spot on! Wish I got a better quality of the Otter though.

Gary

We had a great time and certainly enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. We certainly feel refreshed and hope to return again in the future. We promised to send some photos of the otters ... they seem to be a bit camera shy!!

We had a marvellous time during our stay at the Tranquil Otter ... the lodges are extremely comfortable and clean and could not be in a more idyllic location ... we found ourselves more inclined to just relax in the lodge watching the wildlife on the lake.

Ross & Suky

We all had a great time and didn't want to come home.

Stephanie & girls

Thank you so much to you both for making us feel so welcome at The Tranquil Otter in April, The lodge was gorgeous and you were so acommodating and helpful, ensuring that the stay was exactly what we had hoped for. It was so refreshing to have a nature reserve on our doorstep, and such a serene environment.

Sarah & Will

A wonderful week, plenty of wildlife the highlight being while rowing on the loch seeing two otter playing together, diving in and out of the water, an unforgettable experience!!

Shirley & Jeff

Just to say thank you for last week. Cabin and location was fantastic. Even had a punt out on the boat and of course full use of hot tub. Wildlife neighbours were great, could not feed them enough, but tried.

Darren, Karen & Barney

A return to this little bit of paradise for our second visit was a must. We enjoyed every minute. The beautiful autumn colours were breathtaking. Many thanks.

Dennis and Margaret

If we were any more laid back after our stay we'd have been horizontal! Can't wait for our return in the summer.

Russ and Claire

Excellent - what more needs to be said! Beautiful lodge and surroundings, lovely out on the lake, really too good to leave. Will definitely be back. Thanks for all your help and recommendations.

Anne and Jeremy

A little taste of heaven. Thank you!

Tom and Anna

Wonderful warm welcome, breathtaking view, peace and quiet to relax and unwind. Beautiful unspoilt place with lots of wildlife. Hope to be back soon.

Angelina and Iestyn

Another wonderful week.

Relaxation started as soon as we saw the Lough. A cosy welcoming lodge. Thank you for making the place so special.

Daphne and Trevor

Another fantastic totally relaxing week.

It just gets better and better. Love the new lodge. It is a credit to you both. Seeing the otter and the woodpecker feeding was the icing on the cake. Thanks again.

Linda, Phil, Jennifer and Stephen