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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.
Picture
Image by Andrew Locking
Picture
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. ​

Find more places to visit in the Yorkshire Dales

Wharfedale
Grassington
Kettlewell
Burnsall
Appletreewick
Kilnsey

Bolton Abbey Estate

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Swaledale & Arkengarthdale
Reeth
Richmond
Muker
Thwaite
Keld
Buttertubs
Langthwaite
Gunnerside
Crackpot Hall
Corpse Way
Swale Trail
Wensleydale
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Hawes
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Leyburn
Masham
Middleham
Askrigg
Wensley
Aysgarth
Carperby


Ribblesdale & Three Peaks
Settle
Settle-Carlisle Railway 
Yorkshire Three Peaks
Clapham
Feizor
Hoffman
Ingleborough
Ingleton
Stainforth
Nidderdale
Pateley Bridge
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Scar House Reservoir
Coldstones Cut
Fountains Abbey

​Brimham Rocks

About DalesDiscoveries.com

This independent not-for-profit website was created using recommendations from Dales insiders' - people who live in, and love the Yorkshire Dales. 
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​Copyright Susan Briggs 2021
The Tourism Network
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Image; Guy Carpenter
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