Wensleydale & Area

As well as the rolling landscape of the valley itself, Wensleydale is overlooked by the distinctive flat- topped hill of Addlebrough, above the village of Bainbridge and Penhill, which stands guard over Leyburn. Wensleydale's dramatic scenery is dotted with ancient towns and villages, offering a great range of shops, pubs and tea rooms.

Hawes, at the head of the valley, is the centre of the famous cheese-making industry as well as rope- making, while Hardraw is home to Hardraw Force, one of the highest waterfalls in England.

At Aysgarth, the River Ure tumbles down a limestone staircase at the beauty spot known as Aysgarth Falls.

There are many other fascinating towns and villages in the valley; hidden treasures abound as the Ure flows eastwards. Middleham, with its castle, was the childhood home of Richard III while at West Burton, you can visit the famous Cat Pottery.

Although a walker's paradise, tired feet can let the train take the strain with a trip on the Wensleydale Railway. Heritage steam and diesel trains run along 17 miles of line between Redmire and Leeming Bar at the eastern end of the dale.

Don't forget the famous Buttertubs Pass, a great walk that leads from Hawes and Hardraw, over a high moorland pass and down to neighbouring Swaledale.