Birchwood Cafe Shap

08/10/2026

Another delivery from Hills Books. Thank you. We have local interest, crime drama and environmental reads.
New to our bookshelf is Wild Service by Nick Hayes. If The Book of Tresspass got you thinking about the complete inequality of how our lands are owned, then this one will bring on the red mist.
As we are heading closer to the inaugural run of The Postman's Challenge, we have lots of copies of The Postal Paths by Alan Cleaver, which had inspired us. And of course as they are so popular, no delivery would be complete without a replenishing of

06/10/2026

On Saturday 31st October a band of intrepid adventurers will set out on the inaugural run of The Postman's Challenge. They will follow in the footsteps of the hardy local postmen who delivered the mail to the rural areas.
If you would like to take part, have a look at the The Postman's Challenge website and get yourself signed up.
If you would prefer a solo adventure, the fells are always there and if you wish, you could pop in when you have finished and add your name to the leader board.

Walk or run the old Shap postman's round: a heritage route through Swindale and Wet Sleddale on the eastern edge of the Lake District, starting and finishing at Birchwood Cafe.

30/09/2026

This is absolutely, definitely the last rhubarb baking of this season. We have a delicious rhubarb, orange and almond cake and some amazing rhubarb and stem ginger scones.

24/09/2026

On this most beautiful morning, with a nip in the air and sun shining brightly, you may be in need of some internal warmth. Pop along and have a slice of this amazing stem ginger and white chocolate cheesecake. Warmth for the soul.

18/09/2026

We have just been given some leaflets regarding the new, flexible, bookable, bus service. It is free for a couple of weeks and then tariffs will apply. You can book your trip with a minimum of 15 hours notice. The bus will run from 7am to 7pm.
A brilliant idea for rural communities, whether you have an appointment in town or just fancy a couple of pints in the next village.
Grab a leaflet and give it a go. Like all things if it doesn't get used it will disappear.

09/09/2026

Thanks to a kindly donation of rhubarb, you know who you are, we have a rhubarb and orange almond cake. These proved very popular earlier in the season, so get it while you can.
Also if you are just passing through, either C2Cing or LEJOGing, we have some amazing date flapjack for a boost of energy or perhaps one of our perfectly pocket sized sausage rolls. Today's choice are, black pudding, caramelised onion and thyme or traditional. All at Birchwood cafe Shap.

04/09/2026

Today is our 2nd birthday and to celebrate we have one of Sylwia's amazing Victoria sponges.
Come along yo help us celebrate and get a piece of cake with your coffe or tea.

02/09/2026

We are nearing the end of our rhubarb season here in Shap. To celebrate a bountiful crop we have, fresh from the oven, rhubarb and stem ginger scones and the possibly the last rhubarb crumble until next year.

01/09/2026

We did have some amazing sundried tomato and cheese scones but they really were the fastest treats in the west as they are gone. Fear not, we also have some gorgeously delicious, fresh mint brownie and some fantastic caramelised onion and thyme sausage rolls

29/08/2026

So, normally on this bank holiday weekend, we would be relaxing in Sandyhills. Tradionally, my dad would make us camping crumble. A quick forage for brambles, a packet of digestives and a bit of custard, what's not to like. This year we are left behind, working hard!
These bramble tarts are an ode to my dad's camping crumble. If there are any left he may get one on their return. If, a big, if, there are any left.