Explore England
Margaret Brecknell sets out from the historic market town of Skipton to discover the array of delights that the Yorkshire Dales have to offer
Skipton and surroundings by Margaret Brecknell
VISITORS have flocked to the North Yorkshire market town of Skipton ever since the opening of the first railway line in the area in 1847. This picturesque market town on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal regularly features in newspaper polls as one of the best places to live in the UK and, with its historic buildings, scenic canal towpath and thriving market, it is well worth a visit on its own.
Skipton also makes an ideal base from which to explore the glorious Yorkshire Dales that lie on the doorstep and the town is often referred to as the “gateway to the Dales”.
The most obvious treasure Skipton boasts is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the country, situated at the top of the high street. A castle has existed on this site for over 900 years. Entering through the impressive gatehouse, visitors are greeted by the sight of the imposing inner keep, flanked by its massive round drum towers. You would never guess from this foreboding exterior that on entering the inner sanctum a light and airy inner courtyard known as the Conduit Court is revealed.
The ancient yew tree with a distinctive twisting trunk at the centre of the Conduit Court is thought to have been planted in 1659 by the castle’s best known former occupant, the formidable Lady Anne Clifford. It is fair to say that Skipton would look entirely different today if not for the efforts of this remarkable woman.
Much of Skipton’s appeal lies in the fact that it has retained many of its traditional features. The town’s awardwinning market, which operates four days a week, has been a fixture on the cobbled high street since medieval times. Skipton celebrates its origins with an annual “Sheep Day” in early July; an event that showcases all the Yorkshire countryside has to offer with its famous Sheep Show and entertainment such as live music. The clue as to why Skipton holds a
Sheep Day lies in the origin of the town’s name. In Anglo-Saxon times Skipton was called “Sciptone” or “Sheep Town”.
For anyone looking to escape from the activity of the town centre, the towpath of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is easily reached by wandering down one of the alleyways which lead off the high street. Take a detour on to the Springs Canal that branches off from the main canal at the Canal
Basin and you will soon reach the tranquillity of Skipton Castle Woods.
As you enter this ancient woodland, the hubbub of the town centre is immediately forgotten. A choice of different woodland trails, totalling some two miles in length, are available to follow, allowing the visitor to explore all the woods have to offer. Some of the trees are over
250 years old and include oak, ash, beech and sycamore. The woods also provide a safe haven for a rich diversity of wildlife from birds, butterflies and bats to larger mammals such as deer and badgers.
A short car journey or bike ride
away from Skipton lies Bolton Abbey, the large country estate owned by the Cavendish family (who also own Chatsworth House in Derbyshire).
The Bolton Abbey estate is situated in Wharfedale, at the southern end of the Yorkshire Dales, and enjoys an idyllic location on the banks of the River Wharfe. It takes its name from the ruins of the 12th-century Augustinian monastery known as Bolton Priory. The ruined church in its glorious riverside setting has proved an inspiration for artists for centuries including J.M.W. Turner and Sir Edwin Landseer.
Beautiful as the priory is, there is so much more to do and see here. The estate provides over 80 miles of footpaths to explore across a wide range of different landscapes. Highlights include the Strid Wood nature trails or, for the more energetic, a climb up Simon’s Seat to savour the spectacular view over Wharfedale.
Malhamdale and Ribblesdale sit to the west of Wharfedale. The Pennine Way passes through this area, renowned for its dramatic limestone scenery. The huge limestone crescent