Wharfedale

One walk which should not be missed in Wharfedale leads along the west bank of the Wharfe River to the Strid. Here the Wharfe surges through a gorge which at times is not much more than 3ft/1m wide. From here the path continues past Pembroke Seat (fine view) to Barden Bridge, about 3mi/5km from the abbey. Walkers should return from here along the east bank of the river.

Railroad enthusiasts are advised to visit the collection of old locomotives and carriages assembled at the railroad station in the village of Embsay, near Skipton. On Sundays throughout the year an old steam train travels from Embsay to Holywell; in July it is also in operation on Saturdays and in August it makes the journey daily.

An excursion can be made northwestwards from Skipton to Malham, where visitors can enjoy walks among the very romantic scenery to Malham Cave, a rock formation in the form of an amphitheater, Gordale Scar, a ravine, and Malham Tarn, a hidden marsh lake.

Settle (pop. 2,300) is a nice little town with an historical museum. Several caves were found in the area around Settle containing prehistoric remains such as a mammoth, bear, reindeer, and flint with other tools.

Settle holds a market every Tuesday in the centre of the town with some items that are unique to the town.