the site of the Hartside Cafe – a mecca for motorcyclists with world-famous views, which was destroyed by fire in March, is up for sale.

The site, at the top of the A686 Penrith-Alston road, some 1,903ft above sea level, is on the market, with David Britton Estates inviting offers over £300,000.

Cafe owners Kathryn and Colin Renwick, who have been in charge of the business for 17 years, have decided to retire in the wake of the fire.

Details released by the selling agents state: “For the current owners, this situation has been very emotional and they are wishing to retire rather than construct a new building, leaving the future of this site to the next generation.”

The 1.34-acre Hartside site Alston is largely a hardstanding area. The original cafe building of around 3,400sq ft, was a commercial premises with residential accommodation.

Those handling the sale believe the site has potential for retail, holiday accommodation, restaurant/cafe or a mix of uses, subject to planning consents.

Despite the efforts of firefighters, a major blaze tore through the building in March, destroying almost everything but the walls.

At the time of the blaze, the road was closed by heavy snowfall, making the already remote location even more difficult to reach.

Bikers, car enthusiasts and fans of the cafe were devastated by the blaze.