LORD Stones Country Park, a 160-acre site on Carlton Bank, near Stokesley, has long been a pivotal spot for walkers tackling three of the country’s most popular trails – the Cleveland Way, the Lyke Wake Walk and the Coast to Coast.

Now it has been given a muchneeded polish by a local family and is due to re-open on Monday.

Lord Stones is named after the three iconic stones positioned high on a Bronze Age mound behind the country park’s cafe, once believed to mark the ancient land boundaries of Lord Duncan, Lord Dudley De L’isle and Lord Wharton.

The hidden gem, on the western edge of the North York Moors National Park, has undergone an extensive transformation by local landowners John Reeve and his three sons, Dominic, Patrick and James, on a mission to breathe new life into their community and bring a taste of gourmet glamping to the area.

The family, who run the neighbouring Urra Estate, have redeveloped the cafe, restaurant, shop and camping facilities at the park, including camping pods.

The cafe, headed by chef Michael Chase, previously of The Star, at Harome, and Jesmond Dene House, Newcastle, is home to a bespoke Spanish charcoal Josper oven, popular with chefs including Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal.

Belted Galloway cattle roam the nearby pastures and the meat features, along with other native breeds, on the Lord Stones menu, including Bisdale Beltie steak and ale pie, 100 per cent Beltie burgers and dry-aged steaks – all perfect for ravenous ramblers.

The park also has a well-stocked shop, selling local food and drink including grouse, beef, lamb and pork from the local estate.

“As a family-run business, we live and work in the community and we’re passionate about Lord Stones becoming a local hub for the community and visitors alike, driving new business and employment to our local area.” says Dominic.

“Respecting the site’s natural beauty was very important to us and we feel we’ve created something special – a new chapter in Lord Stones’ history book. We hope that everyone is as excited as we are to explore the new facilities.”