Kettlewell in Wharfedale

- basic data

The ancient village of Kettlewell lies in the Dales National Park on the banks of the Upper Wharfe and at the foot of Great Whernside (2300ft.) The passing years have dealt kindly with it and indeed a visitor from the last century would see little outward change in the village itself whilst the surrounding countryside with its peace and serenity remains unaltered. The three hotels mentioned in the history of the village still serve the needs of the community and visitors and there is also an excellent guest house, and several holiday cottages.

There are now four shops in the village, one of which is also the Post Office, a garage, filling station and good riverside car park, and a fine Village Hall. The District Nurse lives in the village and the nearest Doctor is at Grassington, six miles away. Regular services are held at the Anglican Church in the village, Methodist and Roman Catholic churches are in Grassington. There is a Y.H.A. hostel in the village and also a hostel which may be booked by youth organisations and others.

Communications are of course improved and there is an irregular bus to and from Skipton, the nearest railway point. During the summer months there is a through bus on certain days which goes over to Wensleydale and back, enabling a very pleasant half-day excursion to be made to this lovely dale. The times of the buses can be found on the notice board at the bus stop at Townfoot Bridge.

Apart from the many pleasant walks around the village, Kettlewell is an excellent centre for motor excursions around the Dales. A very picturesque run is to go up Langstrothdale, past the ancient church at Hubberholme with its unique rood screen and over Fleet Moss to Hawes.

Near Hawes is Hardraw Scaur, the highest single-drop waterfall in England and from here the road goes over to Swaledale past the ancient giant's butter-tubs which are near the road. A pleasant run along the Swale brings the visitor to the ancient town of Richmond with its castle and original Georgian playhouse. From here the return through the market town of Leyburn takes one over Kidstone Pass and down through Buckden back to Kettlewell.

Further down Wharfedale is the ancient Cistercian Abbey at Bolton, the road passing through the lovely village of Burnsall and pastBarden Tower. Another Abbey well worth a visit is Jervaulx; the road goes over the famous Park Rash and into Coverdale past Middleham Castle the "Windsor of the North." Bolton Castle the massive fortress which imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots, is a mere fifteen miles away in Wensleydale and near which are the well known Aysgarth Falls. By way of Littondale a visit may be made to Malham Tarn and the impressive Malham Cove and Gordale Scar, and the Trial Gardens for the North at Harlow, near Harrogate give a magnificent show of colour.

For the more energetic there is golf at Skipton, swimming and squash at Long Ashes Leisure Park, Threshfield. Horse riding is available at the Kilnsey Trekking Centre, and there is trout fishing in the Wharfe; day tickets may be had at Buckden and Grassington and also a limited number (fly only) at Kilnsey. For the enthusiast with his own craft there is sailing and water-skiing on the large natural lake at Semerwater, about 14 miles away, canoeing on the River Wharfe, as well as some rowing boats for hire on the river at Burnsall.

Distances in miles:

Leeds 37	Bradford 33	Durham 59	Skipton 14	Harrogate 34
Manchester 56	Darlington 40	Newcastle 74	Ripon 32	Ilkley 25	London 234