One of the most popular areas of the Dales is Wharfedale, thanks in part to its many stunning villages and also its proximity to towns in West Yorkshire.
The River Wharfe winds (the origin of its name) its way through some of the Dales' best-known villages and acts as the boundary between North and West Yorkshire.
The river flows for 65 miles before joining the River Ouse. Its source is in the centre of the Yorkshire Dales National Park - where Oughtershaw Beck and Green Field Beck meet in lovely Langstrothdale. From there it flows toward Hubberholme, home of the wonderful George Inn and landlord Ed who has the gift of remembering an astonishing number of names.
The River Wharfe winds (the origin of its name) its way through some of the Dales' best-known villages and acts as the boundary between North and West Yorkshire.
The river flows for 65 miles before joining the River Ouse. Its source is in the centre of the Yorkshire Dales National Park - where Oughtershaw Beck and Green Field Beck meet in lovely Langstrothdale. From there it flows toward Hubberholme, home of the wonderful George Inn and landlord Ed who has the gift of remembering an astonishing number of names.
From there it's on to Buckden and then Kettlewell, which many people recognise from the Calendar Girls' film. It passes Kilnsey Park, an excellent place to visit to learn to fish, where you're almost guaranteed a catch. The market town of Grassington is also home to one of the Yorkshire Dales National Park's visitor centres where you can pick up books and leaflets about the area, and discover lovely walks such as the one to nearby Linton. Linton falls are a focal point for many visitors, worth going to see after a good downpour.
After this the river Wharfe makes it way towards the popular picnic spot of Burnsall and then Appletreewick, which sounds totally different when a local pronounces it and is home to the Craven Arms which hosts ferret racing each year and has a superb cruck barn.
As it flows through the Bolton Abbey Estate, there a chance to see The Strid waterfalls and to cross the river just as the monks did centuries ago, using the stepping stones.
A wonderful way to experience Wharfedale is to walk the Dales Way, which follows the river Wharfe from Ilkley all the way to its source on Cam Fell.
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