Wensleydale - Yorkshire Dales.... - UK and Ireland Discussion Forum, Holiday Forums

Wensleydale - Yorkshire Dales....

Vanlaywan

2005-04-18 17:47:11

Last week we decided to take off for a few days and booked a cottage in Wensleydale - Yorkshire Dales.

As a native of the area I have personal favourites regarding location and attractions to visit.

We booked a cottage online via http://www.countrycottageholidays.co.uk who we always use when visiting the area. The company is very accommodating and will always try to help find you accommodation either for a short break or for a week at a time.

We booked into a cottage between Hawes and Bainbridge.

<img src=http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0210.JPG>

The cottage was very remote and isolated and only accessible via a farm track and is located at the end of the dead end track.

<img src=http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0183.JPG>

This was ideal for us as we wanted the peace and quiet and some time to ourselves away from the pressures of daily life! We certainly got that!

The cottage has an open fire and coal was included in the rental costs as was all electricity and oil for the oil fired central heating system.

<img src=http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0182.JPG>

The cottage was spacious with 3 bedrooms one with ensuite. a large farmhouse kitchen. A barbeque was also included and patio furniture but as the weather was mild we never used these facilities.

<img src=http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0213.JPG>

<img src=http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0218.JPG>

The sloping field at the back of the property was home to a multitude of rabbits and sheep and they were a delight to watch.

<img src=http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0165.JPG>

This was a view from the bedroom over looking the back of the property one morning when we awoke...I had to grab the camera quickly to get this shot!

<img src=http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0211.JPG>

For days out we visited the creamery in Hawes and got hold of our favourite Wensleydale cheese. The shop has a selection of all cheeses made at the creamery including a rather nice Wensleydale with caramalised onions! Delicious

Naturally we visited Hardraw force which is accessible through the green Dragon public house and located approx 5 minutes drive from Hawes on the road to Sedburgh.

<img src=http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0199.JPG>

We travelled further toward sedburgh passing the Garsdale Head station on the Settle to carlisle railway line and on to the Howgills located just outside Sedburgh.

<img src=http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0195.JPG>

We also visited Cotterdale, a small community of around 12 houses with no public phones, no pub and no street lighting. http://www.countrycottageholidays.co.uk have 2 properties here and we went to take a look around the area.

<img src=http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0188.JPG>
The road into Cotterdale

<img src=http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0190.JPG>
Cotter Beck that flows thorugh Cotterdale.

<img src=http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0192.JPG>
A small stream falls into Cotter Beck.

If you're looking for dramatic scenery....peace and tranquility...and a get away from it all holiday I highly recommend a trip to Wensleydale and highly recommend country cottage holidays.

Regards

Van

jessop

2005-04-18 20:41:56

That looks lovely! hope you had a goog time.
Just spent an hour looking for this website so i could show everyone this wonderfull place in the lakes. Ive been here twice and had an amzing experience here, you really feel a million miles from anyone else. Its very excluded.
One thing though you do have to book really far in advance as its really popular.
It has log fire threw out gas lighting (no electrcity) and running water which comes directly from the stream next to it! but the views from the balcony are just stunning. :lol:

heres the link,
http://www.dalemain.com/bungalow.htm

Pippy

2005-04-18 21:11:00

Great piccies Van

Must have been very relaxing for you, you deserved a break after all the hard work you put into this forum.

Your pics remind me of the holiday I had in the Lake District a couple of years ago (Bridge End Farm, Boot, Eskdale), dramatic scenery, a real getaway from it all type of holiday....................lovely!

Nice to see you back though

Philippa

Vanlaywan

2005-04-18 21:26:37

Excellent Jessop...Gotta love these away from it all locations..and yes we had a fantastic time

Thanks Pip.....We really love the peace....still many mountains to climb :yikes

Van

alit

2005-04-19 06:42:16

Glad you had some relexing time away Van - great photos!

We have often stayed in the North York Moors, last few stays being at cherry view cottage, lovely farm cottage near to Kirkbymoorside. Will have to scan some pics in if i can find them as its a great little escape of a cottage.

Alison

Jay Trip

2005-04-19 20:13:44

post subject

Van,It really is a beautiful area,just the place to recharge your batteries!.We have a static caravan not far from here in upper Teasdale,there is nothing between our front window and the Lake district except wonderful scenery.I would never go abroad if we got good weather all summer!.

Del

2005-04-21 08:20:49

That's a lovely bit of Wensleydale Grommit !

loates123

2005-04-24 11:33:24

sss

did not know u were traveling to gods country i work in wensleydale live in richmondshire

medot

2005-04-24 12:12:02

how fantastic is this. i've just come back from center parcs and have got the "post holiday blues". this has cheered me up no end. we're going to the yorkshire dales at the end of july, staying in a converted barn near Malham Cove. i'm really excited now. can't believe the amount of water at hardrow force. i've got a photo of hubby standing under it with just a trickle!! OOOoooo can't wait. medot.xx :hyper

i know its a bit cheeky but have you got any more photo's pleeeeeeese!

cool4cat

2005-04-24 14:50:34

Have to say you got a result there mate.

I'll be saving this for future reference

Very impressed the views are fantastic.

Cheers :wink:

Vanlaywan

2005-04-24 15:33:51

Loates,
I've gotta admit, of all the dales, Wensleydale is my favourite and it's a good location for touring the nothern dales....

Medot,
We had a fair amount of rain over the night and knew Hardraw would be teeming due to this....Great Shunner Fell is reknown for it's rainfall...I'll say no more....but suffice it to say if it rains in Wensleydale for a while then Hardraw will be gushing!

We didn't go behind this time as the path has become very worn, renovations are taking place at the moment so by July you should be able to access the falls a lot easier...altohuhg they still don't reccomend going behind...but I've never had an issue with it...More pics...I have some and will upload them later...

Cool4cat...
I highly recommend Country Cottage Holidays if you are looking for somewhere to stay although I am aware that availablity is low for this year now.....If you call them they'll try and find you something for any dates you may consider. Couldn't fault the cottage we stayed in....

HTH

Van

loates123

2005-04-24 16:03:55

did u visit richmond while there, the views across the redmire, wensley valley in wensleydale are fab....

Vanlaywan

2005-04-24 16:38:13

OK...Some more pics for you....

This was the view from the front door facing forward but it came out a little blurry :oops:

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0162.JPG

This was the view facing East with Bainbridge village in the distance...

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0163.JPG

This is the track to the cottage taken from above the cottage...

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0169.JPG

One of the cottage from up the hill looking over the back of the property.

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0170.JPG

A Ewe with a Baaaaaaaaa Lamb at Cotterdale..........

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0184.JPG

Looking into Cotterdale from the junction on the main road...

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0185.JPG

As mentioned in my first post we visited Cotterdale to look at two properties......Town Head House....

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0189.jpg

and Eller Haw....both pictures taken from the properties back gardens where the Cotter Beck flows...see original post for picture of the beck...

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0191.jpg

And just for Medot.....a few more of Hardraw....Enjoy!

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0198.JPG

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/images/Van/100_0206.jpg

If anyone has any questions about the area or places of interest let me and Loates know (

- Loates our new authority on Wensleydale :lol:

)

Loates we tended to stay on the Hawes end of the dale, there's plenty to see East of that but we didn't have the time to head out that way.

HTH

Van

Pippy

2005-04-24 17:03:20

More great pics Van.

I wish I'd had my dig camera when I went to the Lakes, would have taken so many pics.

Baaaaaaaaa Lamb

Were there lots of bunny wunnies, doggies, moo cows and birdies too?!

medot

2005-04-24 20:14:24

thanks for the photos i've just shown my hubby. he was most impressed with the hardrow force ones. is that Pen-y-ghent in the first photo? if so have you climbed it. we're going to try and do all three peaks this holiday if possible ( different days ) my daughter and her friend can't wait to do our "walking holiday". medot.xx

Vanlaywan

2005-04-24 21:12:23

Pip,
Loads of bunny wabbits in the back field...No moo cows

Medot,

It's Addlebrough on Thornton Rusk Moor....

I did the three peaks as a bairn many many moons ago....a sponsored walk and I managed it....:D

Peny isn't too bad as its a fairly gentle climb up the shallow side...make sure you come down the scar not up it as its an easier route.

This map shows the route...I'd go North-East out of Horton following the Pennine way rather than the other way around.

Click here

Here's a good page with excellent pics of Peny and a route guide but personally I'd follow this one backwards:

http://www.skiptonweb.co.uk/tourist/walks/04_penyghent/

Whernside is very deceiving...half way up you'll think you're at the top but....its only a ledge...take your time you'll love it...

Probably teaching grandma to suck eggs but be aware that the weather can turn on these mountains very swiftly so carry some thin sweaters and a Kagool to be safe....and pleant yof chocolate or kendle mint cake

You'll have a fab time and I look forward to seeing some pics from the tops!

Also...I notice you're staying in Malham...try to get a few hours and trek up Gordale Scar...another fantastic bit of natural beauty...:D

http://www.skiptonweb.co.uk/tourist/walks/gordale.htm

Van :wave

I keep editing this to add more bits...:lol:

Here's a good one for Malham Cove / Tarn and Gordale all in one route...

http://www.skiptonweb.co.uk/tourist/walks/01_malham/index.htm - Van

medot

2005-04-25 13:23:35

Van please edit as many times as you want i'll be "nipping" back to this post for some time! yes i like that website regarding the walks very useful. we've already walked from malham cove to gordale scar before but its such a fantastic walk thats one we'll deffinately be doing again. and we've walked up whernside starting fron the ribblehead viaduct my daughter can't wait to do that walk. and you don't have to mention about "being prepared" when we tried to walk up ingleborough the cloud came down so fast i was really worried. i realised how unprepared we were we learnt from it though!!
its going to be hard to fit everything in to just one week.medot.xx

Vanlaywan

2005-04-25 17:06:32

Thanks Medot that helps a lot to know your level of experience....

OK, so based in Malham....3 peaks....that's 3 days....

If you fancy a gorgeous picnic spot head upto Buckden and then take the road toward Hawes..It's a single track road coming out of Buckden so mind the passing places

Go through Hubberholme and head to Yockenthwaite....You'll come to an area off the road were the river flows on your right. It's a soft grassy area with loads of space for the kids to go paddling and parents too!! :lol:

It's only shallow.....

Don't know the ages of your children so they may be too old for paddling in which case head into Burnsall...with a dinghy!....Take the road to Appletreewick....Opposite the, I believe 2nd pub,on the right, is a farmers field with a box for coins...deposit a few coins and drive down the dirt track to the edge of the River wharfe...There you will find a lagoon....and rope swing! The kids will have a field day in the dinghy.....

Walk a minutes upstream and you'll come to the rapids....sit at the top and let the water carry you into the lagoon :yikes

Excellent fun..... a few swings on the rope and let go...splash!!!

Take a picnic and chill......

Let me know what else you fancy doing and I'll pass ideas and suggestions....

Van :wave

medot

2005-04-25 21:25:50

http://img245.echo.cx/img245/7580/untitledscanned013xf.th.jpg

ok Van well i'm not very good at posting these pictures but heres my one of hardrow force. this was taken way back in May 1989 . if you look really really closely you can just see my hubby standing by the side of the waterfall. :shock:

my maps have now come out. the area we plan to spend our time are from Ingleton to Hawes across to Aysgarth down to Brimham rocks across to Skipton and back up to Malham all in six days! the two walks you have suggested have been pinpointed on one of my maps. thanks for that. my daughter and her friend at 15 are up for anything! my daughters friend only ever goes abroad for her holidays she is really looking forward to "climbing a mountain" as she puts it. i can't wait to see her face when we get to malham cove!

feel free to offer any other suggestions this is getting me well into holiday mode yet again! medot.xxx

Vanlaywan

2005-04-26 15:04:25

Wow, that's one large area for a week.....

Hardraw had a trickle that day.....:lol:

Brimham is lovely if you head out that way....Watch out for big brother at Menwith Hill....

What about caving? fancy that? I'm talking large caverns with public access not small crawling chambers....there's a good one at Ingleton and also one on the way East just outside Appletreewick....

WhiteScar @ Ingleton: http://www.whitescarcave.co.uk/frame.htm
Stump Cross Caverns http://www.stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk/

Back to Ingleton for a sec...There is an excellent waterfall walk based around Ingleton.... http://www.ingletonwaterfallswalk.co.uk

Have you done the Buttertubs?

Take the road to Muker / Thwaite from Hawes and you'll pass the Buttertubs.....Careful you don't fall in or off for that matter :lol:

Naturally there's Bolton Abbey and the Strid.....makes a nice leisurely stroll through the woods...the stepping stones will be open too.

Have you seen Linton Falls near Grassington....?

If you really fancy a stunning walk head upto Great Shunner Fell...It's the highest point on the whole of the Pennine Way but isn't steep to climb....You access the walk in Hardraw and head up the slope. It's a 5 mile hike up ascending 1500ft to an altitude of 2340ft.....The views are amazing....I didn't get chance to get up it on my last trip but never fear...there's always next time

I'm just throwing ideas here...there's too much to see in one week really for the area you're covering so I'd just pick the bits you fancy and then go with the flow...as it were

HTH

Van :wave

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