A YORKSHIRE DALES GUIDE

WENSLEYDALE and the CENTRAL EASTERN SIDE

The Ordnance Survey maps that cover this area are 1:50000 Landranger sheets 98 &99. NGR = National Grid Reference. Numbers in brackets are Guide Map locations.

This guide is not intended to be definitive. It is designed to offer suggested places of interest for those who have come to this area of the Yorkshire Dales for the first time. There are many books available, often in your local library, for those who want more information.

MASHAM (Pronounced Mass-ham) NGR: SE223806 (1)

Bellfield (Left), Kings Head Hotel (Right)

A delightful village, northwest of Ripon, on the river Ure at the eastern end of Wensleydale. It has, what is probably, the largest market square in the country. On one side is the church, most of an adjacent side is occupied by The Kings Head Hotel and on the other two sides are shops and houses. In the village are many varied shops, including a delicatessen type which has a fantastic range of pastries and cheeses also a ‘sweet shop’ which has a large range of tempting goodies, a glass blowing workshop (open to the public), four public houses (including the hotel) all serve excellent bar meals and two breweries one of which is Theakston’s the other is Black Sheep, both have visitor centres. It is an excellent base from which to explore the eastern side of the Yorkshire Dales. There are many opportunities for accommodation at all levels. On the western edge of the village is a large Victorian house, Bellfield, which was the home of Thomas Theakston and is now self-catering accommodation of a good standard at a reasonable price. There is a caravan and campsite at the rear of the Black Swan at Fearby (NGR: SE192808).

Market day: Wednesday.

JERVAULX ABBEY NGR: SE169858 (2)

A Cistercian abbey in an advanced state of ruin, but well worth a visit. There is a teashop and car park across the road. Jervaulx is the frenchified version of Yore Dale, the original name for Wensley Dale.

MIDDLEHAM NGR: SE128878 (3)

It claims to be the smallest town in Yorkshire. It has two squares each with it’s own cross and an extensive ruined castle which was the home, for a brief period, of Richard III. Nowadays it is more famous for it’s racing stables and ‘gallops’ on Middleton Moor.

Market day Saturday.

Middleham Castle, Richard III statue

LEYBURN NGR: SE112905 (4)

A pleasant small town. At Swineside Ceramics is the Teapottery that makes and displays nothing but teapots in every shape and size. There are many other craft shops.

Market day: Friday.

Leyburn Market Place

BOLTON CASTLE NGR: SE033918 (5)

At Castle Bolton. Built by the first Lord Scrope in 1397 and still in an excellent state of preservation. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here between July 1658 and January 1695; one room is restored in the way it would have been at the time. A visit to the dungeon is a must; if nothing appears to happen when you enter the room just wait. But it may be advisable to keep a tight hold of the hand of any young children.

AYSGARTH FALLS NGR: SE012888 (6)

There is a large car park, cafe and information centre on the left over the river and up the hill. There are three falls. The upper falls are near the road bridge, the middle falls are down stream through the wood and the lower falls are further down

ASKRIGG NGR: SD947911 (7)

The television series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ was filmed here. The vets house can be seen across the road from the ‘King’s Arms’, in the series this is called ‘The Drovers Arms’. All the interior takes were actually shot inside the inn not in a studio. The bar menu is extensive, to say the least.

The King's Arms

BAINBRIDGE NGR: SD934904 (8)

Like Ripon, Bainbridge has a horn. This is kept in the Rose and Crown Hotel and is sounded occasionally between Holy Rood (27^th September) and Shrove Tuesday at 9pm.

Bainbridge Green

HAWES NGR: SD873898 (9)

Regarded as the capital of Upper Wensleydale. It has an Information Centre a Museum of Dales Life and large car park at the old railway station. Outhwaite’s Rope Works with an associated gift shop is nearby. Wensleydale Creamery, where Wensleydale Cheese is made, is also nearby on the Gayle road. Unfortunately it can only be visited by prior arrangement.

Market day: Tuesday.

HARDRAW FORCE NGR: SD869916 (10)

Within easy walking distance from the Hawes car park, via a section of the Pennine Way. Claimed to be the highest falls in England at about 100ft. To see them you go through the Green Dragon Inn and there is a modest payment. In the gorge is a podium, built about 1885, where brass band concerts were held. These were revived in 1990 in the form of a brass band competition held every September, but as from January 2000, the month has been changed to June.

THORP PERROW ARBORETUM NGR: SE 258851 (11)

For anyone who loves trees this Arboretum is a wonderland and not to be missed! There are 85 acres of native and exotic trees. In good weather a whole day can be spent walking round the many avenues and walks. There is a tearoom and field centre where a guide to two tree trails and a map of the arboretum can be purchased, essential if you do not want to get lost. There is also a large Falconry with many birds of prey on view. Some of these are demonstrated in flight at certain times.

THE FORBIDDEN CORNER NGR: SE095866 (12)

Something completely different! Although often used excessively, such words as weird, fantastic and fascinating truly apply to this ‘garden’. Much of it, possibly the most interesting part, is underground! Allow plenty of time, a minimum of two hours is needed to explore the intricacies.

Entrance Door

DRUID’S TEMPLE NGR: SE175787 (13)

An interesting feature, not widely advertised. Not as old as it appears, it was ‘built’ in the 1800’s as a sort of folly. Never the less, it is worthwhile seeking out.

Druid's Temple

HOWSTEAN GORGE NGR: SE094734 (14)

A small delightful limestone gorge, with a café and gift shop. There is a short ‘cavers’ cave that you can visit, hard hats are available but you will need to take a good torch. Do not ignore the warning signs about the slippery rocks, especially if you have plastic soles on your shoes!

BRIMHAM ROCKS NGR: SE213650 (15)

A large collection of massive weather worn rocks. An absolute wonderland for children but they should be closely supervised as climbing the rocks can be very dangerous. This is where the episode of ‘Emmerdale’ showing the fall and end of Rachael was filmed! There is a large car park at the entrance and an information centre, snack bar and toilets further in.

LIGHTWATER VALLEY NGR: SE285753 (16)

This is a Theme park; the main attraction is the Ultimate, which is claimed to be the world’s biggest Roller coaster. It has all the usual facilities that one expects to find in a Theme park.

RIPON NGR: SE313714 (17)

A small market city with a Cathedral. Every night at 9pm. the Ripon Hornblower blows his horn in the market place and the curfew bell is rung at Ripon Cathedral. There is a Prison and Police Museum and many shops, including a large supermarket.

Market day: Thursday.

Compiled by Derek E. Beeston. 46, Florence Road, Gedling, Nottingham. NG4 2QH.

Tel: (0115) 9562431.

E-mail: Derek.Beeston@ntlworld.com

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