Nidderdale, a Lesser Known Yorkshire Jewel: Quiet Beauty, Tucked …
Quiet Beauty, Tucked into the Eastern Flanks of the Pennines
Apr 7, 2009 Anthony Toole
In terms of visitors, it suffers from proximity to more illustrious neighbours, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Wharfedale, Ilkley Moor. To the north-west is the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, while to the east lies the North York Moors National Park. Nidderdale’s beauties are quieter and on a smaller scale, but they are many and varied. Most could be seen in a day. Yet even after several visits, one would be aware that there were secrets still to be discovered.
Outdoor Activities at Bewerley Park
The AONB Authority operates from offices in Pateley Bridge. In conjunction with Bewerley Park Outdoor Education Centre, situated in the same town, this small but vibrant body has organised a programme of short-break activity holidays that offer the visitor something different.
From heritage weekends at Fountains Abbey to rock climbing at Brimham, these cover a huge spectrum of interest, including canoeing, sailing, horse riding, caving, bird watching, gardening and photography. Visitors may take part as individuals or as members of a group. Those who prefer a less structured approach, or wish to go their own way will find a great deal to interest, and perhaps surprise them.
Brimham Rocks and Fountains Abbey
Brimham Rocks are relics of an ancient sea that have been sculpted by centuries of wind blasting, into piled up pillows of gritstone, which poke their heads high above the bracken and birch forest. A few miles to the east are the more tranquil ruins of Fountains Abbey. Brimham is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Fountains Abbey was founded in 1132 by Cistercian monks, and in 1986, became the first site in Yorkshire to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Industrial Archeology and the Wildlife of Nidderdale
The valley and surrounding moors are ideal for walking, and leaflets are available describing some of the walks. Many of these are themed around the industrial archaeology of Nidderdale, and vary in length from three to nine miles. The industrial history of Nidderdale reaches back to Roman times. Lead mining and smelting were carried out for many centuries, and limestone quarrying is still undertaken today.
An abundance of wildlife thrives along the river banks and in the broad-leaved woodlands. This includes otters, water voles, kingfishers and dippers. Grouse nest on the moorland fringes. Prey is sufficiently plentiful to support populations of raptors such as buzzard, kestrel and peregrine. Even kites and juvenile eagles can sometimes be seen here. Natural England has designated ten Sites of Special Scientific Interest around the dale.
Upstream of Pately Bridge, the limestone rocks of the valley floor support a rich, colourful flora, which contrasts sharply with the bleak, somewhat monochrome beauty of the high gritstone moors. They also give access to numerous cave systems that can be explored by potholers.
Reservoirs and the Ruins at Scar House
The ten reservoirs of Nidderdale provide habitats and wintering sites for migrating wildfowl such as teal and widgeon. Waders like redshank feed on the invertebrates to be found in the mud, while several breeds of geese stalk the margins.
At the northern edge of the AONB is Scar House Reservoir, beside which lie the ruins of the temporary village, built in the 1930s to house the families of the dam construction workers. Despite its transient nature, the village contained a cinema, shops and a concert hall.
There is accommodation in the dale to suit all tastes, whether one takes part in a structured break or travels independently. This ranges from dormitories at Bewerley Park, to self-catering facilities in local cottages or barns, to approved Bed and Breakfast in guest houses or hotels.
For More Info: nidderdale.co.uk/
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Brimham Rocks – Anthony Toole
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Scar House Reservoir – Anthony Toole
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Northern Reaches of Nidderdale – Anthony Toole
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Gouthwaite Reservoir – Anthony Toole
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Activity at Bewerley Park – Anthony Toole