The Rumblie Guest House

I walked the EHW with 3 friends and we stayed at The Rumblie for 1 night. During our initial interactions with Fiona and Simon, we realised that there was no flexibility in relation to what we were allowed to eat and the time of the meal, but we accepted that ruling. Part of the package was that they collect us from a designated spot at the end of the 20 mile day. I spoke to Fiona to arrange a time, and she advised us to contact them if we thought we were going to arrive before 5pm. It transpired that we were going to be at the pick up area before 3pm and one of our group spoke to Fiona, who stated that they were unable to collect us before 4.15, although the collection point was on a main road and there was nowhere apart from the roadside to wait; we realised that the b&b is a 7 minute drive from this point, but she stated that they didnt open until 4pm. After a misunderstanding in relation to where we were to stand, Simon arrived; he did not make any attempts to hide his annoyance at the fact we had accidentally stood at the wrong place, which was 5 miles from where we should have been, and he made us feel very uncomfortable. We were shocked when he told us that it was because of walkers that they had decided to sell their b&b as they had never meant to be on a walking route, although they had signed up to several walking travel agencies during their 18 years of business. On our arrival, the atmosphere was lighter and he showed us to our rooms which were very pleasant. Shortly afterwards we went to the bar and this was when we met Fiona. I was shouted at for leaning on the bar and she told us in no uncertain manner that we should knock on the kitchen door if we wanted a drink; we had not been advised of the rules. Rachel knocked on the kitchen door and apologised for the inconvenience we had caused, which led to a polite conversation about the route and where we should have stood, albeit that we were told that in the last 7 years, the majority of walkers had interpreted the notes incorrectly. Simon did then offer to make the drinks and the evening became more relaxed, although our interactions with Simon and Fiona did make us feel as though we were walking on eggshells. Our tables were not placed next to each other which felt odd, but the food was nice and Simon did an educational whisky experience which was interesting. At no point did Fiona appear during the evening. The next day, the breakfast was good, although our tables were again not joined; Fiona shouted at one of our group when she put a foot inside the kitchen when asking about our payment. Her reaction on both occasions felt irrational. This experience did put us on edge, but the other b&bs, and the people we met more than made up for our experience at The Rumblie. Other reviews have been great, so we wondered whether Simon and Fiona have simply got to the point of biding their time until they sell their house and dont have to tolerate walkers or cyclists.
Sep 9th, 2022

Aug 16th, 2022

Aug 15th, 2022

I came across this perchance, 7pm on Wednesday night. I saw the sign for vacancies at the turning, over the bridge, where there's an excellent, caf bothy & gallery. Parked outside on the road, I dismounted my trusty steed, removed my helmet & approached the door. Simon answered my ring of the doorbell & confirmed my request. I was shown to my airy, fresh, newly carpeted room, which I had anticipated, then he provided the price, b&b. I accepted & returned to my bike, depisited it behind the hedge & unpacked, all three pannier bags. I was not expecting that there is three course dinner, if booked earlier. Simon & Fiona kindly provided me with sandwiches & coffee in the lounge. Nothing was roo much trouble, they were there when needed & out & about when not. I decided to have a day off the bike, walking, with lunch at the caf & dinner for two nights. By far the best appointed b&b, anywhere, with their personal touch & the provision of 4star hotel. I have dinner to go to now, there are no more superlatives to add.
Jul 30th, 2022

Jul 28th, 2022