Self-guided holidays : Self-guided short break walking holidays : Rural retreats
Yorkshire's Limestone Dales
Nestling in the shadows of the mighty ‘Three Peaks’ of Ingleborough, Pen-y-Ghent and Whernside lie Yorkshire’s limestone dales. The gleaming white of the limestone scars, laid bare by the last Ice Age, add light to a rugged landscape, whilst the sweet springy turf provides the perfect walking surface. This is an area famed for its tradition of access to the hills and valleys and every picturesque village offers a warm welcome.
The limestone geology of this area has created a unique landcape of ‘limestone pavements’ and weathered scars. It is hard to resist the temptation to leave the path to touch the rocks, walk across the ‘pavements’ where rare lime-loving plants hide in the crevices, and sit on the abundant rocky seats thoughtfully provided by nature for the purpose of picnic stops! The crystal clear river and streams which run through Ribblesdale and the surrounding area meander over smooth shelves of limestone or, where harder rocks extrude, rush and boil through rocky constrictions and thunder over series of dramatic waterfalls.
One of your walks will start in the village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale, where the shapely form of Pen-y-Ghent dominates the skyline, and working its way along the moorland ridge with views across to Ingleborough before dropping down to the delightful village of Clapham. The second will take you down into the valley of the River Ribble, before heading up onto the high ground above the Dales town of Settle where limestone caves and crags rise above the path. Highlights of the walks will include the unspoilt farming hamlet of Feizor, the waterfalls at Stainforth and Cowghyll, the field of huge boulders known as the Norber Erratics, the spectacular limestone pavement of Moughton Scars, the panoramic views of Pen-y-Ghent from Winskill Stones and the cobbled market square in the bustling little town of settle.
During your time in Yorkshire’s Limestone Country you will stay at The Traddock Hotel, an elegant Georgian country house which has been tastefully refurbished over the last few years and is set in its own attractive grounds in the attractive village of Austwick. In a bygone era the grounds were the horse trading paddock – hence the name. Family owned and run, the Traddock provides an excellent standard of food and accommodation, plus a very warm welcome. The restaurant has been awarded two AA rosettes and was also named as the 'Best Restaurant of the Year' in the Organic Industry Awards 2006.
Holiday options
| Code: SBYDL |
| Nights: 3 |
| Price: £395 |
- All of the above prices are per person, and based upon two guests sharing a double or twin-bedded room.
- Single traveller supplement; £150
(More about single supplement). - Discounts available for parties of three or more guests.
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