If you've ever driven along the B6160 from Grassington to Kettlewell, you'll have seen the iconic Kilnsey Crag on your left and probably spotted one of the fishing pools.
It's hard to imagine that this small road was once an important coaching route between London and Richmond.
Nearby Mastiles Lane links Kilnsey with Malham and was once a key drovers' route, probably used by Romans, and then the monks from Fountains Abbey who used to farm sheep on the estate here.
In 1911 the Roberts family took over the Kilnsey Park Estate and it's now run by Amy and Jamie Roberts who have created a beautiful setting to appreciate nature and enjoy outdoor activities. They have a strong commitment to the conservation, with a red squirrel breeding programme, their own electricity generator using renewable sources and wonderful hay meadows. If you visit in late May/early June you could be lucky enough to see the UK's rarest orchid, the Lady's Slipper Orchid. Flowers may not appear until the plant is up to twn years old, and then it just produces a single flower which looks a bit like a yellow shoe, hence the name.
It's hard to imagine that this small road was once an important coaching route between London and Richmond.
Nearby Mastiles Lane links Kilnsey with Malham and was once a key drovers' route, probably used by Romans, and then the monks from Fountains Abbey who used to farm sheep on the estate here.
In 1911 the Roberts family took over the Kilnsey Park Estate and it's now run by Amy and Jamie Roberts who have created a beautiful setting to appreciate nature and enjoy outdoor activities. They have a strong commitment to the conservation, with a red squirrel breeding programme, their own electricity generator using renewable sources and wonderful hay meadows. If you visit in late May/early June you could be lucky enough to see the UK's rarest orchid, the Lady's Slipper Orchid. Flowers may not appear until the plant is up to twn years old, and then it just produces a single flower which looks a bit like a yellow shoe, hence the name.
You could easily spend several hours at Kilnsey Park, understanding more about the Yorkshire Dales, and enjoying the glorious views. Kilnsey is particularly known for its fishing ponds - one for fly-fishing, and another for families where children can catch their first fish (rods and bait provided).
The ponds are well-stocked so there's a high chance of success!
You can see the various trout breeding areas and see the frenzy when they're fed. It's thought that Kilnsey once supplied carp to Fountains Abbey.
The ponds are well-stocked so there's a high chance of success!
You can see the various trout breeding areas and see the frenzy when they're fed. It's thought that Kilnsey once supplied carp to Fountains Abbey.
Children (and adults) will delight in spotting the many animals wandering around the Park. Ducks, geese and hens roam freely, and there are enclosures for the angora goats, pigs, pygmy goats and alpacas.
A butterfly garden and bee hive with a glass sided observation hive add interest to the walk up towards a magical spring and fountain of youth - Sikes Beck.
Take a look at the website for details of the events programme at Kilnsey Park which includes den building and nature walks, and for opening times of the onsite cafe.
A butterfly garden and bee hive with a glass sided observation hive add interest to the walk up towards a magical spring and fountain of youth - Sikes Beck.
Take a look at the website for details of the events programme at Kilnsey Park which includes den building and nature walks, and for opening times of the onsite cafe.
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