Attempts to keep our weekend as foot and pedalled-powered as possible were somewhat thwarted. We wanted to minimise our carbon footprint, so took the GNER train from King’s Cross to Darlington, which takes two and a half hours, then hired bikes from Dales Mountain Biking, to get around for the weekend. The bikes were great for visiting Richmond, which was a scenic 20-minute pedal away, but for the pub at Grinton and the railway station transfer we needed a taxi.

For families staying here the bikes are great for pottering locally, but if you stayed for a week and wanted to visit some of the attractions further away, a car is a must. It’s not ideal for eco junkies because a car would lighten your eco holiday by a few shades, but compromise with a spot of carbon offsetting, and you're back in the green.

Need to know

Aislabeck is the first of a number of eco retreats planned by Natural Retreats. Other retreats are mooted for Wales and Scotland, and there are plans to extend the existing Aislabeck site, with up to five more lodges. The lodges cost from £250 for two nights in low season, and from £545 for one week. In high season, which includes most of July and August and the Christmas period, prices are £330 for two nights and £770 for one week.

The price includes accommodation, a hamper, logs for the stove and linen and towels. Cots and high chairs are available and there is a minimum two-night stay, rising to five nights in the Christmas period.

Darlington is the closest railway station, which is linked by regular GNER services to London, Leeds, York, Edinburgh and Glasgow – click here for the full network map. Tickets cost from £11 one-way if booked online, but to get this price you're advised to book from 12 weeks ahead. The 20 to 30 minute taxi to Aislabeck from Darlington costs around £25 - make sure you print out the directions from the Natural Retreats website as many taxi drivers don't know where it is.

Dales Mountain Biking will drop off and collect bikes at a charge of £20 per bike per day. They also offer bike riding skills and maintenance courses and bike riding holidays.

Your eco retreat colour chart

Ivy green

The Eco Lodge near Old Leake in Lincolnshire is a two-bedroom cabin with a windmill, rainwater showers, and numerous examples of recycled materials, from pub beer pumps to old car batteries. A week at the Eco Lodge (Friday to Friday) costs £340 plus a one-off £5 supplement per person.For more information visit the Eco Lodge website or call 01205 871396..

Racing green

If you can handle sleeping under canvas, Cornish Tipi Holidays is strong on eco principles. The site in Pendoggett hosts 37 tipis decked with Turkish carpets and Moroccan lanterns. Each also has a Belling cooker and camp fire kit for al fresco cooking. The site is car-free and there’s a lake for swimming and even a toddler pool. Tipis cost from £315 for one week or £225 for short breaks.

Pea green

Trelowarren near Helston in Cornwall has 13 eco cottages in leafy English woodland. The founder of the cottages strives to be self-sufficient, in terms of food and energy supply, and showers are fed by rainwater. Wildlife walks and bike hire can be arranged. Prices start from £425 per week for two people.

Lime green

Little Comfort Farm in Braunton, Devon is a working organic farm on 70 acres, with five self-catering cottages. Its another retreat aiming for self-sufficieny, growing cereal to feed its cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry. The farming practices have been adapted to accommodate the Greater Horseshoe bat, which breeds and feeds in the valley. Children and adults are invited to help feed the animals and learn about the farm. A cottage for four costs from £350 per week in low season to £752 in peak season, with three night breaks available from £199 per person.

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