Wharfedale - Yorkshire Dales National Park

Left: View of the River Wharfeat Bolton AbbeyBelow: Bus at CrayThis guide has been produced to provideinformation about access opportunitiesin Wharfedale for visitors who are lessmobile, are wheelchair users or have youngchildren. The guide is not definitive, butoffers a selection of natural and heritageattractions for mixed ability parties as wellas essential information such as the locationof information centres, car parks and toilets.We have also suggested a number of trails,describing the terrain and any potentialobstacles along the route.If you have any comments to make aboutthis guide, please contact the YorkshireDales National Park Authority’s AccessDevelopment Officer on 01969 652363.IntroductionThe Yorkshire Dales is an amazingplace where you will find outstandingwildlife, rich cultural heritage andmany opportunities to enjoy theunique qualities the area has tooffer. In 1954, the Yorkshire Daleswas designated a National Park inrecognition of these special qualities.Public transportFor information on public transport in thearea, call Travel Line on 0870 608 2 608 orvisit www.traveldales.org.uk. Some bus andtrain services in Wharfedale run wheelchairaccessible services.Car parkingSome of the parking areas detailed withinthis booklet are informal with space for a fewvehicles only and no specific facilities forpeople with disabilities.Please give consideration to where andhow vehicles are parked so as not to causeinconvenience to others.3

Burnsall SE 032611Kettlewell SD 968723BurnsallBurnsall village is one of the Yorkshire Dales’prettiest villages. It is situated by the RiverWharfe and it is famous for its beautiful viewsand scenery and its historic bridge.ToiletsThe nearest public toilets, including RADARfacility toilets, are at the Grassington NationalPark car park.ParkingBurnsall has a private car park withparking fee.GeneralThe village green is an ideal place to relaxby the river.Kettlewell ‘Scarecrow Trail’Kettlewell is a small village situated at thefoot of Great Whernside just north of Kilnseyin Upper Wharfedale. This is ‘Calendar Girls’country – the hit movie having been filmedhere and at other locations in the YorkshireDales during the summer of 2002.ToiletsThere are public toilets, including RADARfacility toilets, in the Kettlewell National Parkcar park.ParkingThere are public parking facilities – includingthree designated bays for blue badge holders– in the Kettlewell National Park car park.Normal charges apply.GeneralFor two weeks in August each year,visitors are encouraged to explore bywalking the ‘Scarecrow Trail’, identifyingselected scarecrows and solving associatedclues which, each year, are based on adifferent theme.6 7

Grassington town centreGrassington E 002637Grassington is a small market town withcobbled square and traditional stonebuildings. It has several shops and there areplenty of places to eat and drink.ToiletsThere are public toilets, including RADARfacility toilets, in the Grassington NationalPark car park.ParkingThere are public parking facilities – includingdesignated bays for blue badge holders– in the Grassington National Park car park.Normal charges apply.Swaledale sheepPlaces ofinterest1. Hesketh Farm SSE 060537Park, Bolton AbbeyHesketh Farm Park is part of a 600 acreworking farm situated in one of the mostpicturesque areas of the Yorkshire Dales,Bolton Abbey.ToiletsThere are public toilets including wheelchairaccessible toilets, at Hesketh Farm Park.GeneralThe Upper Wharfedale Folk Museum hasexhibits that illustrate the history of the area.It is on two levels with one small step on thelower level. The museum is open daily from2 to 4.30pm from 1 April to 31 October andat weekends only during the winter.Look out for events during the summer whenthe fortnight-long Grassington Festival takesplace (www.grassington-festival.co.uk).For three Saturdays in November andDecember Grassington is transported back tothe time of Charles Dickens with a traditionalVictorian market.Part of the main street through Grassingtonis cobbled with a maximum gradient of 1:8and some of the pavements are narrow.ParkingParking is permitted near the entranceincluding five designated bays.Normal charges apply.GeneralEverywhere on the farm is accessible to allvisitors, as well as the tractor and trailer tour.Opening times vary. There is an admissioncharge. Carers enter free of charge.Contact details01756 710444www.heskethfarmpark.co.uk8 9

Visitors to Bolton Abbey2. Bolton Abbey SE 077553This country estate in Wharfedale – ownedby the Chatsworth Settlement Trustees –features extensive open moorland, riversideand woodland trails as well as a café, shopand visitor facilities.ToiletsWheelchair accessible toilets are availableat The Strid, Bolton Abbey village andSandholme car parks.ParkingThere are public parking facilities – includingdesignated bays for blue badge holders– at The Strid, Bolton Abbey village andSandholme car parks. Normal charges apply.Teal3. GrimwithReservoir SE 062640Grimwith Reservoir lies between Grassingtonand Pateley Bridge and is managed andowned by Yorkshire Water.It is a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic,with good views of the reservoir from theparking area.ToiletsWheelchair accessible toilets are available atthe Grimwith Reservoir car park.ParkingThere are free public parking facilities atGrimwith Reservoir.GeneralPre-booked wheelchairs and electric scootersare available for visitors to use between Apriland October giving access to the priorychurch and ruins, riverside, Strid Wood, TheStrid and the Cumberland Trail. There is a hirecharge per vehicle.Contact details01756 718009www.boltonabbey.comGeneralGrimwith Reservoir is one of the best placesto see wildfowl in the Yorkshire Dales so takealong your binoculars and you might seewigeon, teal, greylag and Canada geese onthe water.Ringed plover can be seen on the watersedge at certain times of the year and northernlapwing, common redshank, Eurasian curlew,reed bunting and lesser redpoll can often beseen on or from the path.10 11

4. Kilnsey Park SD 9736765. Historic ChurchesKilnsey CragKilnsey Park is a working trout farm whereyou can watch the stages from the baby troutin the top raceway until they reach maturity– then feed the giant trout. Other attractionsinclude the goat ‘skyway’, fly fishing lakes,fun fishing, squirrel and nature trails, farmshop, deli, restaurant and coffee shop.ToiletsThere is a wheelchair accessible toilet atKilnsey Park.St Oswald Church, ArncliffeWharfedale is an area rich in cultural heritageand many of the churches are linked totheir surroundings and tell stories of thecommunities they share.5a St Oswald Church, SD 933719ArncliffeLocated beside the River Skirfare, St OswaldChurch was built in 1841, on Normanfoundations and still retains its fifteenthcentury tower.ParkingFree parking is available on site.GeneralThe restaurant, farm shop and lake areasare fully accessible. The nature trail followsa surfaced path with some steep gradients.Please note, there is a fee for the nature trail.Carers are admitted at a reduced rate.5b The Priory Church, SE 073542Bolton AbbeyFounded in the twelfth century, the PrioryChurch is regarded as one of the finestchurches in the north of England. At theDissolution of the Monasteries in 1539,the nave was left intact. The unfinishedWest Tower, now roofed in, forms amagnificent entrance.Contact details01756 752150www.kilnseypark.co.uk5c St Mary’s Church, SD 971722KettlewellThis attractive 19th century building was builton the site of an early twelfth century churchfrom which only the ‘tub’ font remains.There are two interesting modern windows,commemorating young men from the villagewho died in the Second World War.12 13

A RoadB RoadWaterB6160BUCKDEN PIKENational Park CentreBBUCKDENLANGSTROTHDALEKETTLEWELL5cRIVER WHARFEARNCLIFFEGRIMWITHRESERVOIRSCAR HOUSERESERVOIRWHARFEDALE4GREATWHERNSIDE9ACar parksPublic toiletsRADAR toiletsPlace of interestAccessible routeRIVER SKIRFARE5aLITTONDALEB6160GRASSINGTON3B6165RIVER DIBBBURNSALLABARDEN MOORB6160BARDEN FELLB6165A655b2BOLTON ABBEYC1A59A59A65A59A629SKIPTON© Crown copyright. All rights reserved 100023740 200914 15

OystercatcherAccessibleroutesA. Burnsall SE 032611TrailA 700m length of a popular section of theDales Way runs between the village ofBurnsall and Loup Scar. The route is wellsurfaced and level. There are two kissinggates along its length which can be difficultfor scooters.Whilst walking along the river, look out forpied and grey wagtail, dipper, commonsandpiper and oystercatcher.benchLoup ScarAccessible kissing gatebenchRIVER WHARFE8m section where thegradient is up to 1:7Accessible kissing gateToiletsThe nearest public toilets, including RADARfacility toilets, are in the Grassington NationalPark car park.FinishBurnsallStartParkingBurnsall has a private car park withparking fee.© Crown copyright. All rights reserved 100023740 200916 17

B. Buckden SD 939773The village of Buckden lies at the northern endof Wharfedale, nestling under the impressivebulk of Buckden Pike.The National Trust is responsible for a largearea of Upper Wharfedale around Buckden, andhas a permanent exhibition in Town Head Barnwhich provides information and leaflets aboutthe area. From the car park, there is a slightincline to Town Head Barn and inside there is astone cobbled floor. Please contact the NationalTrust on 01729 830416 for opening hours.Buckden Garth picnic site is accessible bywheelchairs.There is a gentle incline to reach it.KingfisherTrailThis 1km level footpath runs alongside theRiver Wharfe. The surface is constructed of amixture of stone flags, aggregate and grasswith a general width of 100cm. There are threeaccessible gates along the length of the route.Whilst walking beside the clean waters ofthe River Wharfe, look out for kingfisher,oystercatcher, dipper and sand martin.ToiletsThere are public toilets, including RADAR facilitytoilets, in the Buckden National Park car park.110cm wide gateStartBuckden110cm wide gateRIVER WHARFEFootpath is at least 100cmwide and is a mixture of grass,aggregate and stone flags.There are no steep gradients.120cm wide gateFinishParkingThere are public parking facilities includingtwo designated bays for blue badge holdersin the Buckden National Park car park.Normal charges apply.Water GillWood© Crown copyright. All rights reserved 100023740 200918 19

Visitors to Bolton AbbeyC. The Green Trail, SE 077552Bolton AbbeyThe Strid and Strid Wood are owned andmanaged by the Chatsworth SettlementTrustees and are a Site of Special ScientificInterest (SSSI).Pre-booked wheelchairs and electric scootersare available for visitors to use between Apriland October. See page 10 for contact details.TrailThe trail is 1.8km in length. The surface iscompact stone at a width of at least 200cm.There are passing places and accessiblebenches along the full length of the route.Most of the route is flat with some areashaving a gradient up to 1:10.RIVER WHARFE100cm gapbenchbenchStartbenchThe trail ends near The Strid, a dramaticseries of rapids and waterfalls on the RiverWharfe. There is a wheelchair accessibleviewpoint here to fully appreciate thesurrounding area.benchToiletsWheelchair accessible toilets are available atCavendish Pavilion.FinishParkingThere are public parking facilities – includingdesignated bays for blue badge holders – atSandholme car park. Normal charges apply.benchbench and anaccessible viewpoint© Crown copyright. All rights reserved 100023740 200920 21

Right: Belted GallowayBelow: Access for All in WensleydaleUseful informationThe Yorkshire Dales National Park Authorityhas also published three other booklets‘Access for All in Garsdale, Dentdale andSedbergh’, ‘Access for All in Wensleydale’ and‘Access for All in the Yorkshire Dales’. Thesedetail access opportunities in these areas forvisitors with disabilities, as well as the locationof facilities such as toilets and car parking.For a free copy contact the AccessDevelopment Officer on 01969 652363.For more detail of the area and routesdescribed in this leaflet, refer to the followingOrdnance Survey Explorer maps:Explorer OL2 – 1:25, 000 scaleYorkshire Dales Southern & Western AreasExplorer OL30 – 1:25, 000 scaleYorkshire Dales Northern & Central AreasYou can view maps and details of the routesin this leaflet when you visit the ‘Rangers’pages in the Looking After section of ourwebsite www.yorkshiredales.org.ukCountryside Code● Be safe – plan aheadand follow any signs● Leave gates and propertyas you find them● Protect plants and animals,and take your litter home● Keep dogs under close control● Consider other people.View the full Countryside Code atwww.countrysideaccess.gov.uk22 23

Useful contactsand further informationThe Yorkshire Dales National Park Authorityis committed to providing opportunities forenjoyment and understanding throughoutthe area.If you have any comments on the contentof this leaflet, please contact the AccessDevelopment Officer Rachel Briggs on 01969652363 or rachel.briggs@yorkshiredales.org.uk. You can also write to us at YorkshireDales National Park Authority, FREEPOSTBD625, Grassington, Skipton, BD23 1BR.Left: Visitors to Bolton AbbeyBelow: Boat on theLeeds-Liverpool CanalA section of the Authority’s website –‘The countryside for everyone’ – offersadvice on accessible services, attractions,accommodation, trails, toilets and viewpoints.Visit the ‘Enjoying’ section ofwww.yorkshiredales.org.uk to find out more.Skipton and Craven Action for Disability(SCAD) provide minibus transportation forpeople with disabilities living in and aroundthe Craven area with an aim to enhancetheir quality of life. SCAD organise groupactivities for care homes, nursing homes andother charitable institutions, one of whichis day cruises on its specially adapted widebeam canal boat, ‘Endeavour’ on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Please note, this needs to bebooked well in advance.Contact SCAD on 01756 701005 or visitwww.scad.org.uk to find out more.Open Country is a Harrogate-basedorganisation that seeks to enable anyonewith any disability to access the countryside,providing advice, transport, and volunteersupport. Open Country has produced threeBreakfree packs which are great for shortwalks, nature trails, children, cycles andpeople with disabilities.Contact David Shaftoe on 01423 507227or visitwww.opencountry.org.uk to find out more.24 25

Help us safeguard ourprecious landscapeDid you know that over 98% of landin the National Park is privately owned?National Park Authority Area Rangers havean important role to play in maintaining thebalance between the needs of residents wholive and work in the National Park and thedesire of visitors to share in the beauty ofthis special place.Left: Ranger in WharfedaleBelow: Pyramid orchidHelp them maintain that balance by followingthe Ranger Code:● Keep your dogs under close control,preferably on a lead● Keep to public rights of way and access areas● Avoid trampling meadow grass by stayingin single file through meadows in summer– grass is winter food for sheep and cattle● Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone● Take only memories home, not wild flowersor plants● Dress and equip yourself to suit theweather, the location, the walkingconditions and length of time you aregoing to be out● Always take the clothing and equipmentyou might need● Park thoughtfully, and try to usedesignated car parks where available● Take special care when driving on narrowroads, especially during lambing time inApril and May● Give your car a break – leave the car athome and use environmentally-friendlypublic transport where possible● Enjoy the countryside and respect its lifeand work.26 27

We would like to thank Open Country,Skipton and Craven Action for Disabilityand the Yorkshire Dales Access Forumfor their help and advice in the compilationof this leaflet.This publication can be supplied in otherformats on request. Please contact theAccess Development Officer on 01969 652363.Other guides available:l Access for All in Garsdale, Dentdale and Sedberghl Access for All in Wensleydalel Access for All in the Yorkshire DalesFront cover photograph: The Green Trail, Bolton Abbey. Photographs by: Whitfield Benson,Iain Mann, Kathryn Storey, Andy Ryland and the Chatsworth Settlement Trustees, Bolton Abbey© Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, March 2009Printed onto environmentally friendly paper obtained from a managed, sustainable source.Designed and produced by roomfordesign.co.uk