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Big county. Big-hearted (not to say big-headed) people. Very clean and tidy for the most part. Good food, and still some decent beer to be found.

I realise, with some horror, that (apart from a flying visit to York University with my son and a recent trip to the North Yorkshire Moors) it is now over 42 years since I was up that way, so some of these photos may be a little dated.

Bridestones Moor

Location

Yorkshire_north Map

Strange weather blasted sandstone rock formations set in a nature reserve. There is a 2½km (1½ml) long nature trail, and superb views from nearby Blakey Topping.

The name is probably derived from St Bride also known as St Bridget. She was an Iron Age deity also known as Bridia, Brighid, Briga, or most often as Brigantia, the goddess of the Brigantes tribe of northern England.

External Links and References

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The Druid's Temple

Location

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Modeled vaguely on Stonehenge or, at least Stonehenge as it would have looked if it had been designed by a Yorkshireman, this folly was created by one William Danby (1752 - 1833) to relieve some of the local unemployment.

According to a 1910 guidebook, "the builder of the temple offered to provide any individual with food and a subsequent annuity, providing he would reside in the temple seven years, living the primitive life, speaking to no one and allowing his beard and hair to grow.

It is said that one man underwent this self-imposed infliction for four-and-a-half years, at the end of which he was compelled to admit defeat. Several others made the attempt, but had to relinquish it."

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Hardraw Force

Location

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The approach to England's highest unbroken waterfall is unusual, to say the least, as it is via a flag-stone passage through the Green Dragon Inn, and up a narrow gorge.

Turner and Wordsworth both visited in their day.

External Links and References

  • External Links

    • Hardraw Force
      Plenty about the waterfall, and links to the inn's main site
      http://www.hardrawforce.com/

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How Stein Gorge, Nidderdale

Location

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Spectacular narrow limestone gorge cut into Nidderdale's lush green countryside. Walkways have been built into the sides of the steep-sided ravine - over 25 metres (80 feet) deep in places.

Also a cave and a 3km (2ml) way-marked walk

Check the How Stean Gorge website for opening times etc.

External Links and References

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Hubberholme Church, Wharfedale

Location

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Pretty little Norman church in the neck of Langstrothdale.

It is noted for its magnificent 16th century rood-loft, and for being the resting place of the ashes of the writer and playwright J B Priestley.

It also has a rare polygonal font, and the pews are by 'Mouseman' Thompson of Kilburn; look out for the mouse he always included in the carved decorations.

Comments

Anonymous

I have an old autograph Album, dated 1898 there is a pencled picture of 2 figures walking across a bridge towards an old house, the atist has printed "At Ilkley Wharfedale" the artist is Thomas Smith Jan 1898, is this anywhere near your pictures please?

Strolling Guide

Sorry, don't think I can help you there. The only Ilkley I've heard of is the one in the song, which is south of Bradford.

Ric Halsall

Please note the spelling mistake below your photographs of Hubberholme Church.

Strolling Guide

Thanks Ric. Duly corrected

Richard Goodall

To Anon 17/06/2007. The Ilkley on your picture will be Ilkley near Bradford. This is the subject of the famous song "On Ilkley Moor Ba'ht hat" This town has great roman connections etc. The use of 'Wharfdale' is the key as the river Wharf is wide and was forded there. Hobberholme is normally said to be in Langstrothdale and although it is arguably the place where the Wharf rises it not usually called Wharfdale so high up. Watch the movie "Calender Girls" for more views of this area especially the two boys sitting on the 'Cow and Calf rocks at Ilkley.

Strolling Guide

Interestingly searching Google for 'Hubberholme Langstrothdale' produces 691 documents whereas 'Hubberholme Wharfedale' produced 11,000 documents. It may be wrong, but I think I'll stick with the latter.

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Jervaulx Abbey

Location

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Although privately owned, Jervaux Abbey is open to the public. Built by the Cistercians from the mid-12th Century onwards. Although the church and most of the other buildings were destroyed in the dissolution, substantial sections of the monks' dorter and the infirmary are still standing.

Check the Jervaulx Abbey website for opening times etc.

External Links and References

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Richmond Castle

Location

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Remains of a Norman castle dramatically situated on a high rocky promontory. The castle's keep has fine views down to the River Swale and over the rooftops of Richmond.

Check the English Heritage website for opening times etc.

External Links and References

  • External Links

    • Richmond Castle
      English Heritage Handbook entry
      https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/richmond-castle/

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