We all know and love the rolling hills of the Yorkshire dales. It is the perfect place to holiday and walk. Explore with us some of Yorkshire’s finest places in the dales that you should visit!
Malham cove
Malham cove is a large curved rock face. It was formed by a waterfall during the last ice age more than 12 thousand years ago. Today it is a well respected site of natural beauty and a favourite for rock climbers.
A stream named the malham beck originates on the moor above the cliff face and emerges from a cave at the bottom of the cove. Cave divers have so far explored about a mile of cave system under Malham cove.
The cove is popular with climbers offering traditional climbs as well as sport climbing. It is the UK’s first 9b grade sport climb. Due to the south facing orientation it is a popular rock for winter climbing as during summer the cliff face can radiate heat very strongly.
The cove has made multiple appearances in the media. Featuring in BBC TV series Seven Natural Wonders as one of the natural wonders of Yorkshire. The cove was also featured in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part 1) as one of the places Hermione and Harry visit.
Ribblehead Viaduct
In the Ribble Valley at Ribblehead sits the gorgeous Ribblehead Viaduct. This viaduct carries the Settle – Carlisle railway over the valley. It is a grade two listed structure, with the land underneath also being a scheduled ancient monument with the remains of the construction camp somewhere underneath.
Construction on the viaduct began in the late 1860s using a workforce of up to 2300 men. Shanty towns were built underneath to facilitate the workforce while constructing. Over 100 men lost their lives to construct this architectural marvel. As such the Settle to Carlise line was the last main railway to be built primarily with manual labour.
The building of the Viaduct was the inspiration behind ITV’s period drama Jericho. Also featured in the 2012 film Sightseers.
Ingleborough
Ingleborough is the second highest peak of the Yorkshire Dales with a staggering height of 2372 feet. It is famous for being one of the featured mountains off the three peaks walks. A large part of Ingleborough is designated as a site of special scientific interest and also a national nature reserve.
The summit plateau of Ingleborough is encircled by the remains of an iron age hillfort with stone ramparts and the foundations of iron age huts. With its name loosely translating as “a fortified place”.
Aysgarth Falls
The Aysgarth Falls are a stunning set of triple waterfalls surrounded by woodlands and farmland, settled near the village of Aysgarth. The Falls are especially spectacular after heavy rainfall as thousands of gallons of water cascade down the flights.
Aysgarth Falls have attracted visitors for 200 years. With its rich environs being classified as a site of special scientific interest. The area also contains a visitors centre and carpark to better facilitate the influx of visitors. The visitors centre features an exhibition, information services, items for sale and a café. The falls themselves were also featured in the television show ‘seven natural wonders’ as one of the wonders of the North.
