Three very different dales, this is ideal walking country with walks to suit all levels of fitness.

Wensleydale

Many people associate the name of Wensleydale with the famous crumbly cheese produced in Hawes, where you can visit their factory and enjoy sampling the cheese.  Wensleydale is known for many other things; it lies in the heart of Herriott country where the famous Yorkshire vet practiced, and the original television series was filmed in 1977 and aired in televised to great acclaim in 1978.  (Now neighbouring Wharfedale is the location used).

Wensleydale is one of the widest valleys in the Yorkshire Dales and the only dale not to be named after its river or the river named after the valley.  Wensley, which the valley is named after, was once the centre for trade with a market, until the plague arrived in 1563 wiping out the population and the main centres of trade then moved to Leyburn and Hawes. The River Ure, unlike other rivers, does not take its name from the valley but retains the old name of the valley Yoredale.

Don’t Miss – The Wensleydale Heifer in West Witton was one of only 2 restaurants to feature in the Open Table’s top 100 restaurants in 2023.

Wensleydale sheep
The distinctive Wensleydale sheep with their long curly coats and shaggy mains, are renowned for the soft wool they produce.

Coverdale

Across the valley lies the town of Middleham, reputed to be the smallest town in Yorkshire.  Middleham Castle, once home to Richard III, is tucked behind the market square and is a fine example of a Norman Castle and one of the most recognisable landmarks of the town. The other is the number of racing stables here and it is no wonder that Middleham is often referred to as the ‘Lambourne of the North’.  Guests staying in Middleham will wake up to the sound of clip clopping horses on the cobbles as the stable lads and lasses take their charges up to the gallops on the moor above the town. Follow the moor road towards Kettlewell and after a couple of miles you will come to the Forbidden Corner, an extraordinary attraction based around a garden full of follies, tunnels and surprises created by the owner Mr C R Armstrong CMG O.B.E for his children. Due to public demand this was subsequently opened to the public. (Booking is essential as tickets are limited).

Swaledale

In contrast, Swaledale is a steep u-shaped valley characterised by the stone barns that stud the sloping hills and valley floor. The Coast to Coast walk, a 190 mile walk through Cumbria across North Yorkshire, transverses the valley from west to east and is a busy route throughout the year keeping the many guest houses and inns occupied. At Reeth, the main hub of the valley, the remote dale of Arkengarthdale branches off northwards. An area designated one of Natural Landscape, it spans the counties of Cumbria, Northumberland, County Durham, North Yorkshire and Teesdale.

Places To Fall For
How to keep the little ones interested is to visit a series of waterfalls and encourage them to walk. Wensleydale and Swaledale have plenty to choose from.

Wensleydale

Aysgarth Falls - triple flight of waterfalls, surrounded by woodland and farmland.

Redmire Force - multi drop waterfall a couple of miles downstream from Aysgarth Falls.

West Burton Falls – also known as Cauldron Falls because of the beautiful plunge pool.

Mill Gill Force – just outside the village of Askrigg, best known as the setting for All Creatures Great and Small in the first series filmed in 1978.

Hardraw Force - England`s largest single drop waterfall set within the grounds of the historic Green Dragon Inn near Hawes.

Swaledale

Wain Wath Force – a great place for a picnic on a sunny day and the most accessible, it is also a popular spot for a dip.

Kisdon Force – two spectacular waterfalls set in a woody gorge where there are two plunge pools you can swim in.  Not easily accessible with a short climb down holding onto a rope.

East Gill Force – Situated on the confluence of the River Swale, this impressive waterfall with a 15-foot drop, is situated just under East Gill Bridge.

Catrake Force – Not visible from the road, it is only accessible through a private campsite.

Richmond Falls – Lying beneath the castle, the falls are a popular spot.

Local attractions

Middleham Castle – Explore this magnificent castle and learn about the childhood home of Richard III.

Forbidden Corner – Bring out the inner child in you and explore this magical secret garden.  Great for kids and adults alike.

Jervaulx Abbey – Former remains of one of the great Cistercian abbeys of Yorkshire.  There is an honesty box system in place.

Bolton Castle – This medieval castle was once one of the finest and most luxurious homes in the land.  In 1568, Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here for six months out of her 19 years of incarceration before being beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle in 1587.

Wensleydale Creamery – See how this famous cheese is made and sample the many varieties in their tasting shop.

Richmond Castle – With its breathtaking views, Richmond Castle towers above the River Swale below and fully deserves its place as one of the finest tourist attractions in North Yorkshire. The castle was originally built to subdue the unruly North of England and is one of the greatest Norman fortresses in Britain.

Tan Hill Inn – Visit the highest pub in Britain, a magnet for cyclists, bikers, and tourers.