Stainforth

Around now every year Stainforth in Ribblesdale becomes an even more delightful spot to visit, thanks to an incredible sight: salmon leaping. They spend most of their life in the sea and then return to fresh water to spawn. Their journey to lay their eggs is one of the most incredible in the natural world with countless obstacles and challenges along the way, so it's really special to be able to see the salmon as they make their way up Stainforth Force.

Force is an old word for 'waterfall' but in this case, Force is a good name as there really some power in the River Ribble. It's best to go to see the salmon leaping at the spot just outside Stainforth between late September and November, after a spate of rain. The limestone can be quite slippery so do be careful.

You might also like to take a little wander around the village of Stainforth itself. Look out for the Craven Heifer pub, one of many named after a famous shorthorn cow bred at Bolton Abbey and known for its incredible size.

Image by Andrew Locking

The photogenic packhorse bridge is just above Stainforth Force, and nearby is the curious and much-loved Hoffman Kiln. There's a nice story about another local spot, a hollow filled with rocks. This is said to be the site of a mill owned by a very greedy miller called Robin Hood who worked all hours, even Sundays. His mill was so busy it eventually ground its way into the earth and completely disappeared. But if you put your ear to the ground below the stones (!?), you can still hear the millstones grinding away below - or maybe the river...

All these images are by Andrew Locking who runs the website Andrews Walks. Take a look to see the one in Stainforth.