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Writer's pictureAnne B 10milesfrom

Mini Meander Part 2 Yorkshire and Lancashire October 2021

Updated: Jan 19, 2022

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We moved up to Yorkshire, driving through the tempest from Suffolk! A good use of a rainy day. We headed for Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale, to the Riverside site recommended by amotorhomecalleddonald. Thank you!

Then a super day after the storms, waking up to bright sun. We headed up Nidderdale for a slightly adventurous walk through the Gorge and cave at How Stean. Hard hats required, and a bit of a Narnia theme!

We had a deluxe hot chocolate in their super cafe as a reward. Then we continued to explore lovely Nidderdale by walking around Scar House reservoir, surrounded by gorgeous scenery, amazing fungi and fun cloud shapes. We hardly saw another person!

Another peaceful night, then we headed across the Dales on a rather grey day, but with plenty to see and do. As we left Pateley Bridge, we headed west and, parking at the old limekiln carpark, we hiked up to the dramatic Coldstones cut sculpture overlooking the huge Limestone Quarry. The sculpture makes an interesting link between the new industrial methods with the old Limekiln below. Definitely worth the short walk up the hill. Great views too, if a bit misty!

A few miles further west are the interesting Stump Cross Caverns. Perhaps a bit pricey, but that is offset because if you ask they may let you stay overnight in your campervan!

Continuing west, we dropped down into the beautiful Ribble valley and parked at Stainforth. From the village, the climb to Catrigg Falls was rewarded by a torrent of water pouring down after the heavy rain, and amazing views all around. Then, back down to the carpark and across to see Stainforth Foss in full spate... and the Salmon had arrived, trying to jump the falls to get upstream to their spawning grounds. They really picked the wrong day! It was the first time we had seen this, and was incredible to watch.

Finally, we drove north on a pilgrimage to the wonderful Ribbleshead Viaduct to see the steam engine Tornado crossing. The mist lifted just in time! Grey day? Great day!🙂

A peaceful night at Niffany campsite near Skipton (£20 pn with electric, loos and shower). You could walk into Skipton from here, but we have visited before and chose to head for some new places. It was a super day of contrasts. Firstly to a place I have always wanted to visit. Haworth, home of the Bronté sisters, authors of some of my favourite books. Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights were written on this table and desk! An excellent museum in the Parsonage, where you could imagine them walking in through the door. The little books are real treasures. Tiny books written to each other, they are less than 2 inches high, and the writing is minute. Such a tragic family history, with the 3 wonderful authors, Charlotte, Emily and Anne, dying aged 37, 30 and 29 respectively. It is free to Art Pass holders, and Haworth is a pretty town as well.

Then on to Burnley and the absolutely fascinating Queen Street Mill Textile museum. Just £3 admission for a great tour explaining the history of England's only running steam powered cotton mill. At it's height there were 900 looms in the main room! Richard was a weaver himself, and one of the best guides ever! He brought everything to life. Really worth going out of your way to find this.

Staying in Lancashire, we drove to a super Caravan and Motorhome certificated site, Bank Top Farm bungalow near Clitheroe. £12.50 pn with ehu and a fabulous view of Pendle Hill... of witches fame!

A short walk from the site is the Spread Eagle Inn on the river bank.

This area is the Forest of Bowland, with stunning scenery, pretty villages and great pubs. Ssshh...keep it a secret. Tolkien even got the inspiration for the Hobbit here! The rivers Ribble and Hodder are so pretty. The first bridge is Cromwell's Bridge. He marched an army across in 1648! We did some super circular walks around the River Hodder, and over the fells!

Refreshment was needed. Drinks at the Parkers Arms in Newton, and the Inn at Whitewell, and an excellent dinner at the Coach and Horses, in Bolton by Bowland. Fabulous. Where to next?!

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