Yorkshire Dales guide to Wensleydale
Upper Wensleydale
Wensleydale
is a lush sweeping valley, distinct for its wooded knolls and hidden waterfalls;
the most famous being Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force. The latter is the site
of an annual brass band contest in September.
Hawes, known as the capital of Upper Wensleydale, is a busy
market town with many hotels and tearooms. Local industries
thrive with pottery, wooden toys, the famous Wensleydale cheese
and ropemaking for visitors to see. Interesting antique shops
offer a glimpse of times gone by and the Dales Countryside
Museum and National Park Centre are essential for those interested
in traditional countryside life.
The
village of Bainbridge is centred around a spacious village green complete with
stocks. The River Bain, the shortest river in England, flows from Lake Semerwater
over a picturesque waterfall near the village.
Askrigg is famous for its associations with the James Herriot
television series "All Creatures Great and Small".
It has regular craft fairs, an annual art exhibition and flower
festival.
Coverdale and Bishopdale
Both tributaries of Wensleydale, these are secret dales off
the main tourist route and provide an ideal place to escape
to peace and tranquility.
Middleham
sits at the junction of Wensleydale and Coverdale. It has
many attractive buildings gracefully arranged around two market
squares, a legacy of the race horse training industry which
started here as long ago as the 12th century and still thrives
today.
Attractive shops and tearooms make Middleham well worth
a visit together but its highlight is the ruins of Middleham
Castle, the home of Richard III in the 15th century.
The attractive villages of Carlton in Coverdale and West
Scrafton nestle further up the dale. A major attraction in
the area is the modern folly of The Forbidden Corner, now
one of Yorkshire's leading tourist attractions with its fascinating
underground and overground passages. Bookings can be made
via Leyburn Tourist Information Centre.
West Burton in Bishopdale is a picturesque village centred
around a large village green. You need to make a short detour
to enjoy its charms and discover the hidden waterfall. Thoralby
and Newbiggin also lie down hidden lanes off the main route
down the dale.
On the road towards Leyburn pass through West Witton then
to the village of Wensley, where in an old watermill
are candle makers who make candles by traditional and modern
methods. Across the Dale is Bolton Castle, where Mary Queen
of Scots was held. It is open to the public, and features
regular historical events.
Leyburn and Lower Wensleydale
Only a short drive from the A1, Leyburn is a thriving market
town set amongst the rolling hills of Lower Wensleydale. A
good range of traditional shops are centred around three distinct
cobbled squares and lively produce and livestock markets take
place each Friday. There is excellent accommodation and services.
Leyburn
boasts one or two unusual attractions having its own cinema,
a Teapottery producing novelty teapots,
a chocolate maker,
violin maker's workshop and a fine arts and antiques auction
house. Craft workshops and galleries also offer a range of
locally and regionally made items including woodturning, stained
glass, paintings and pottery.
To the east of Leyburn, Bedale is another interesting market
town, with Newton-Le-Willows a glorious listed Georgian hideaway.
Lower Wensleydale opens out into gentle sweeping countryside
with the majestic ruins of Jervaulx Abbey hidden in a peaceful
wooded setting beside the River Ure. The garden at Constable
Burton Hall is also well worth seeking out for its fine trees,
woodland walks and rose garden.
