The Yorkshire Dales

Some recommended sights

Today's travel post covers the highlights of the Yorkshire Dales.  I've been there a handful of times, and the Dales is always a nice day out, regardless of weather.  This national park is large, and though I've hit many of the highlights, this post is by no means exhaustive.  Finally, note that some things covered are just slightly outside of the park's borders . . . but I cover them anyway due to geographic proximity.

When you think Yorkshire Dales, think several things:
- sheep
- rolling hills
- lots of sheep
- 'dry' stone walls (walls without mortar holding the stones together)
- sheep
- quaint villages
- the James Herriot novels (All Creatures Great and Small, etc.)
- impressive scenery- often with sheep

So, from south to north, here are some things to see:

Bolton Abbey

One of the many picturesque ruins that dot the north England landscape, Bolton has a nice "beach" to go along with the abbey.  Sheep are frequent abbey "visitors," though I doubt they get charged the same entrance fees.

Skipton

Skipton is a nice little dales town, dotted with shops for the myriad hikers who use it as a base to explore the surrounding area.  The highlight is Skipton Castle, the courtyard of which reminds me of something out of Lord of the Rings.

Stump Cross Caverns

The smallest and (probably) worst of the Yorkshire Show Caves, we visited Stump Cross last weekend.  They're not kidding when they say you need to duck at places . . . what they don't tell you is that you have to duck most of the time.  It has more of a tunnel feel than a "proper" cave, and so I'd recommend (though I haven't seen) a larger one in the area- like White Scar.

Grassington

Another quaint dales town, worth an afternoon stroll (or drive).

Malham Cove

One of my favorite hiking spots, Malham Cove (along with nearby Goredale Scar and Malham Tarn) features some fascinating landscape and breathtaking views- if visibility is good.

Settle

Another quaint dales village, and I can't for the life of me find any pictures of it.  It does have "the Naked Man Cafe," if that matters.

Ribblehead Viaduct

It's a viaduct- in Ribblehead!

Jervaulx Abbey

Not in the dales, but close enough.  On the way to Middleham Castle, so a convenient stop if you're in the area.

Middleham Castle

Richard III was from here.

Bolton Castle

I enjoyed this one for several reasons:
- it's half-finished and half-ruined, so there's something for everyone
- the setting is beautiful (in a nice village, overlooking the dales)
- it has a bush maze
- Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned here . . .

Aysgarth Falls

As seen in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves.

Askrigg

Another quaint town.  I think the TV adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small was filmed (partly) here.

Hawes

Yes, another quaint village . . . and associated with nearby Wensleydale (and their cheese).  I can't find the picture or two I have of this . . . and yet, I don't care.

Richmond

An enjoyable day out, Richmond features a castle ruin, nice river area, and nearby Easby Abbey.

Conclusion

Visit the Yorkshire Dales.  It's nice, and has sheep.