Yorkshire Dales and Harrogate

Tourism Information

Out & About

Future Events!

Working Sheepdog Demonstrations by Richard Fawcett

Every Thursday in June, July and August at 6.30pm. Every Thursday in September and October at 2.30pm. Demo field is on the Hawes to Hardraw road. Adults £4 Children £1 under 5s free.

Hawes 3.7 miles

Hawes is an attractive market town at the upper end of Wensleydale. The market place is filled with hustle and bustle on a Tuesday, as the market stalls set up and the farmers take their animals to the sheep and cattle market at the other end of the small town; the auctions are well worth a visit.awes is the home of the famous and delicious Wensleydale Cheese; the creamery is open to visitors. Near the children's' play park is Tom Outhwaite's Rope Works.Tom no longer makes the ropes but rope making is still carried on - a fascination for watching children. Nearby There is an excellent National Parks visitors centre and museum, in the the old railway station yard.

Hardraw Force 3.5 miles

Cascading unbroken for more than 100 feet Hardraw Force near Hawes is one of the areas most well-known waterfalls features. Alternating strata of limestone shale and sandstone erode and weather at different rates in the Dales, resulting in the characteristic stepped landscapes which give rise to falls - or 'forces' such as this.On the walk to the imposing falls is an old band stand: brass band concerts have been popular here for many years and generally occur in September. Entry to the force is via the Green Dragon Pub, which - unusually, features two coal fires in the bar.

Askrigg 8.7 miles

Askrigg is an ancient upper dales market town. The main street passes the church which was built in 1240, replacing an earlier chapel of ease. Outside the church in a cobbled area is the old market cross and bull ring where bulls were once tied for baiting. At one time Askrigg was renowned for clock-making but a more recent claim to fame was its use as the location for the television vet series 'All Creatures Great and Small'. Listed in the Doomsday Book, Askrigg was granted a market charter in 1587 by Queen Elizabeth I but declined in importance with the coming of the railways to Hawes, a railway which was sadly closed down in the early 60's,but which is now in the process of being reinstated.

Pendragon Castle 11.2 miles

Pendragon Castle in Mallerstang is said to have been the stronghold of Uther Pendragon, King Arthur's legendary father. There may well have been a Dark age fort built on a mound occupied by the remains of a former Roman signal station cum watch tower in this strategic valley. A roman coin was once found there -- by chance, but there has been no definitive excavation, and certainly not within the dee, tumbled debris of the interior. Pendragon castle once belonged to Hugh de Morville, one of the four knights who - in 1170, murdered Archbishop Thomas Becket in front of the altar in Canterbury Cathedral in response to Henry 11's exasperated cry: "Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?"

Pendragon Castle was burnt down by Scots rampaging into England after their great victory over Edward 11 at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The castle was later restored; but at the present day is a romantic ruin, in a beautiful natural setting.

Aysgarth Falls 11.6 miles

Aysgarth Falls cover almost a one-mile stretch of the River Ure. These spectacular falls are best seen after a decent downpour. There are three distinct waterfalls; upper, middle and lower - the upper falls are a must.

Bolton Castle 12.5 miles

A spectacular mediaeval fortress on the back road to Askrigg. It was built in 1379 for Richard le Scrope, Lord Chancellor of England (to Richard II), 1st Lord Scrope of Bolton. His descendants still own it. There is an immense wealth of history surrounding both the castle and the Scropes. Oak beams raised more than six centuries ago still support many of the great halls and galleries, walls nine feet thick soar upwards to battlements from which Royalist guards eyed their Parliamentary besiegers during the Civil War. There is an atmosphere which hangs over Bolton Castle which you can't quite put your finger on - perhaps not helped by the people imprisoned there in the past. One of the most famous of its captives was Mary Queen of Scots; she spent six months imprisoned there during 1568/1569. There is also the macabre - in the dungeon there is a hole carved from solid rock, in which an arm bone was found still manacled to the wall! The well in the courtyard also gives one a feeling of darkness and depth beyond its normal depth. The old loo's are still in evidence - in the 14th century Garde-robes (lavatories) were constructed with such sophistication that they were still in use some 500 years later.

Dent 13.4 miles

Dent is a classic Yorkshire Dales village, full of cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages and little shops. Dent was the birthplace of Professor Adam Sedgewick, an eminent Victorian geologist, and a huge granite fountain in the village commemorates his life. The village has existed since Norman times, St. Andrew's Church having a Norman doorway, and the village even today certainly has an ancient feel about it. Well worth a visit.

Ingleton 14.2 miles

Ingleton nestles in the shadow of Ingleborough on whose distinctive flat top an impressive iron age hill fort is situated. Well worth a visit for those who are able enough, perhaps passing by the vast pot hole of Gaping Ghyll on the way there.

White Scar Cave is open to visitors. Colouring is Spectacular with good examples of stalactites and stalagmites (the mites go up and the tights go down!). The drive from Cotterdale to Ingleton is an interesting one, passing by Limestone Pavement - a natural feature, and the Ribblehead Viaduct on the preserved Settle to Carlisle railway route.

Sedbergh 14.6 miles

Sedbergh is an anomaly. Still in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, it was politically part of Yorkshire until 1974, when it was placed in Cumbria. Surrounded by the Howgill Fells, this former market town's narrow cobbled main street is lined with shops. Its location where four rivers meet made it a natural for early civilizations and the development of a market from the 13th century. Sheep grazing on local hillsides provided wool for the five mills (in production until 1992), the main source of employment for the village. Both the 12th century Norman church of St Andrews (restored in 1886) and the 14th century chemist's shop (seen on BBC's "House Detectives") attest to the age of the village. St Andrews has a five light stained glass window and a tower with a ring of eight bells. There is evidence of more ancient settlers in Sedbergh. The Romans, Saxons, and Vikings left behind their architectural clues. A motte and bailey castle, Castlehow, protected the town from Scottish raiders.

Leyburn 20.7 miles

Visitors to Leyburn often miss this, spending their time in the shops and attractions in and near the Market Place. But there is glorious scenery and fresh air right there on the doorstep. if you follow a sign off the market place for "Leyburn Shawl" you're in for a treat. In no time you find yourself in the peace and quiet above the town with splendid views and great walks. The Shawl is the name for the hill above the town - lots of versions for why it got it's name, but the most romantic is about Mary Queen of Scots losing her shawl here while trying to escape from nearby Bolton Castle.

Middleham 21.9 miles

Middleham noteworthy for its long history, its imposing castle, and the breeding and training of racehorses - which are usually in evidence there. Middleham's prominence began shortly after the conquest when it became a Norman stronghold. It once had political importance as the seat of the powerful Neville family. It was at Middleham Castle that the Yorkist King Edward IV and his brother Richard Duke of York (later King Richard III) learned to be knights - in social as well as military terms. Mock battles are still held from time to time at Middleham. It was also at Middleham that Richard fell in love with Warwick the Kingmaker's daughter, Anne Neville - one of his childhood playmates. Eventually, after her first 'child husband' - the then Prince of Wales, was killed at Tewkesbury during the Wars of the Roses, Richard married Anne and made Middleham Castle his own seat of power. However Middleham's importance declined after the death of Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, and the castle is generally now in ruins; its walls still massively imposing. In front of the castle, in Middleham's cobbled upper market, worn carvings on the much weathered Swine Cross are thought to be Richard's emblem of a white boar, an emblem once common in the area. It is believed that the cross was built to mark the town's market charter of 1479. You will also find in the Swine Market an old bull ring where bulls were tied for baiting.
On display in the Castle Visitor centre is a replica of the Middleham Jewel, an ornate 15th Century gold pendant that was found in 1985 in a field near Middleham. Sold at the time for over a million pounds the original is now at the Yorkshire Museum, in York. Middleham's Church of St Mary and St Alkelda, dates from the 13th Century. it is held that St Alkelda was a local 9th Century Saxon princess strangled by pagan Viking women at a holy well hard-by the church.

Kendal 25.6 miles

Kendal is an interesting old town whose Norman Castle is associated with Henry VIII's sixth and last wife Katherine Parr - who outlived him, though not without some sticky moments. Kendal has its splendid Brewery Arts Centre, and is picturesque with good shopping; and well worth a visit, perhaps via Fairfield Mill and Sedbergh.

Richmond 30.4 miles

Richmond is the chief town of Swaledale, and many of its houses are from Georgian times. The town has numerous attractions including waterfalls, a huge Norman castle and a maze of winding streets and old buildings. The centre of town is dominated by a large cobbled market place off which runs Frenchgate, a steep and ancient street well worth negotiating. Richmond Castle on the river Swale was constructed by one of William II most trusted supporters - Alan the Red of Brittany. One of the few Norman castles that never suffered a serious siege, it remains today in a better state of preservation that do most other castles from those times. The castle walls 109 feet high and 11 feet thick form an impressive barrier to attack along the top of the cliffs above the river.

The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond is a magical, Grade 1 listed building - as well as being living theatre. Its is a treasured part of Britain's national heritage. Guided tours are available, or you could perhaps see a performance.

On the outskirts of Richmond are the ruins of Byland Abbey. The church by the old Abbey has in it wall paintings of medieval origin, showing peasant agricultural activity amongst other rare depictions.

Future Events!

Just a small selection of the many events in the dales

September - October

Wed 1 Sep 2010 Muker Village Show Muker Village Muker, Richmond, North Yorkshire Tel:01748 886564

Thu 2 Sep 2010 YDNPA Event - Introduction to the National Park Dales Countryside Museum Station Yard, Hawes, North Yorkshire 12:30 to 13:30 Tel: 01969 666210

Sat 4 Sep 2010 Bentham Agricultural Show Bellfleckers Field Bentham, nr Ingleton, Lancaster 09:00 to 17:00 Tel: 015242 61606

Sat 4, Sun 5 Sep 2010 Fuchsia Festival & Craft Fair Gargrave Village Hall West Street, Gargrave, Skipton Tel: 01756 752175

Sat 4 - Thu 23 Sep 2010 Ripon International Festival 2010 Ripon Ripon, North Yorkshire Tel: 01765 605508

Sun 5 Sep 2010 Demonstration Day at Gayle Mill Gayle Mill Gayle, Hawes, North Yorkshire 11:00 to 13:00 14:30 to 16:30 Tel: 01969 667320

Sun 5 Sep 2010 YDNPA Event - Grinton Mines and Mills Yorkshire Dales National Park Yoredale, Bainbridge, Leyburn, DL8 3EL 14:00 to 16:30 Tel: 01748 884059

Sun 5 Sep 2010 YDNPA Event - Weaving Demonstration Dales Countryside Museum Station Yard, Hawes, North Yorkshire 11:00 to 16:00 Tel: 01969 666210

Tue 7 - Thu 9 Sep 2010 Malham 3 Day Photography Workshop Yorkshire Photography Holidays various locations throughout Yorkshire 18:00 Tel: 07530 850198

Sat 11, Sun 12 Sep 2010 1940s Weekend Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire 10:30 to 16:00 Tel: 01756 710614

Sat 11 Sep 2010 YDNPA Event - Victorian Kitchen - Preserves Dales Countryside Museum Station Yard, Hawes, North Yorkshire 13:00 to 16:00 Tel: 01969 666210

Sun 12 Sep 2010 Hardraw Scar Brass Band Festival Green Dragon Inn Grounds Hardraw, Hawes, Wensleydale, North Yorkshire 10:00 to 17:00 Tel: 01969 667392

Sun 12 Sep 2010 YDNPA Event - Stone Mine and Stone Circle Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre Leyburn, Aysgarth, North Yorkshire 13:00 to 16:30 Tel: 01969 662910

Sun 12 Sep 2010 YDNPA Event - Where did the Water Go? Yorkshire Dales National Park Yoredale, Bainbridge, Leyburn, DL8 3EL 11:00 to 15:00 Tel:01969 652380

Mon 13 Sep 2010 "Rust, Dust and Glue" Gayle Mill Gayle, Hawes, North Yorkshire 10:00 to 16:00 Tel: 01969 667320

Fri 17 - Sun 19 Sep 2010 Darlington Championship Dog Show Newby Hall & Gardens Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, North Yorkshire 09:00 to 17:30 Tel: 01423 322583

Fri 17 - Sun 19 Sep 2010 Harrogate Autumn Flower Show Great Yorkshire Showground Harrogate, North Yorkshire 09:30 to 17:30 Tel: 01423 561049

Sun 19 Sep 2010 Late Summer On The Dales Wharfedale Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales 10:45 to 15:45 Tel: 0796 951 2743

Sun 19 Sep 2010 Mossdale and Cotterdale Round at Yorkshire Dales National Park. Meet at Appersett village green. A moderately strenuous 8 mile (12.8km) walk along the Ure valley to Mossdale then over the hill to Cotterdale. Bring boots, wet gear/sun protection, picnic and drink. Prices Adult £3 Concessions Free, Child Free 11:00 to 16:00 Tel: 01969 666210

Please note: I am in the process of adding more events.

Friday 24th September to Sunday 3rd October 2010 Richmond Walking & Book Festival

Back for it's sixth year this popular, friendly festival offers over 30 guided walks through Swaledale and Wensleydale. In the evening there is music, films, slide shows, talks and a series of authors, poets and writers events.
See separate information on each day and the full festival programme on the website.

Saturday 25th to Sunday 26th September 2010 Masham Sheep Fair at Masham area

Sheep centred event in the market square & various other venues within walking distance, with sheep showing, sales & races, sheepdog trials, craft fairs, stalls, funfair & much more.

November - December

Please note: I am in the process of adding more events.

Click image to enlarge.

A view of Cotterdale

Above Cotterdale

Some lovely photos taken by Mr S Burford around the Yorkshire Dales

View towards the Hamlet

Bridge in Cotterdale

Bird Watching

Yorkshire Dales

The tranquil pursuit of bird watching can be enjoyed in the Yorkshire Dales, an area that boasts a vast and varied collection of local birds. Often bird watching is incorporated into walking.

Yorkshire Dales Bird Guides offer you a wide range of bird watching activities to meet your personal needs. Their activities are based in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

They provide activities and experiences for individuals and families. Catering for all levels of bird watching ability beginners, developing skill and experienced. Offering a high standard of experience, knowledge, skills & expertise of birds and the Yorkshire Dales.

Andy and Roy are available to provide guided bird watching to our guests personally tailored to meet your exact requirements. They can arrange anything across the whole of the the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

To book your guide or if you have any query please telephone Andy or Rod at Yorkshire Dales Bird Guides they will be very pleased to help you.

Andy Asquith Tel: 07905335978 & Rod Brown Tel: 07857499084

Yorkshire Dales Bird Guides

Old hut in Cotterdale

Hubberholme Church

Mouse in Hubberholme

Buckden Yorkshire Dales, 15 miles from Cotterdale

Fishing Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales boasts many fast flowing rivers and streams, and upland lakes teaming with wildlife, all set amid spectacular scenery. River fishing is centred around the River Wharfe, River Nidd and River Ure, but also includes other rivers such as the River Ribble, River Swale, and the smaller rivers Skirfare, Cover and Bain.

The Yorkshire Dales also have many fine lakes. These lakes provide typical upland trout fishing for both wild brown trout and stocked rainbow trout.

This really is the perfect location to enjoy fly fishing. Whether you would like to learn the gentle art of fly fishing, or hone your skills.