Henrikdoc

After a most comfortable stay in the AirB (no nB) we wandered down the 25%gradient hill to How Steam Gorge, a 20m deep limestone gorge carved out by How Stean Beck, a tributary of the Nidd.

One of the side caves, Tom Taylor’s Cave, is said to be named after a local highwayman who sought refuge there. It leads from the north side of the gorge and emerges in a nearby field.

Love a good legend

That was AFTER we had admired the view from Middlesmoor church of St Chad, supposed to have the best view of any church in England. Can’t disagree with that.

The usual frolicking lambs and DIY projects made for the scenery too.

Ah… breakfast at the How Stean Gorge cafe

With a view looking down under your feet 😱

We managed to resist the activities

… before trekking off again

… after H had a ‘cycling’ conversation (of course) with a local who had ridden up from Birstwith.

Then some glorious scenery going back down the Dale towards Ramsgill

… More frolicking lambs

There then followed a retracing of steps around the East side of Gouthwaite Reservoir as that was the better option than the West sided road walk (as suggested by all).

… clearly the same obstacles needed negotiating as on the way up the Dale

… intermittent drizzle meant the waterproofs did a bit of a dance ‘on and off’ for a while.

At Wath a short stop in a bus shelter for a snack (half a bacon sandwich purchased at the How Stean Cafe earlier) and drink was required

(H does know how to treat a lady 🤣)

… but it did mean that today’s question appeared .

No multiple choice today but in fact 2 questions – answers as usual on a postcard.

A.

B.

H has no idea about either

We then reached the point where there was a ‘Sting in the tail’ again (refer back to 2MOORSWAY blog – last day).

A nice view of Pateley Bridge where we were heading to …

… before the route took a 90 degree right … for the longest 2.5 miles EVER.

However, in defence of the route planners, the walk up the valley of the Ashfold Side Beck was as good as any… once the Caravan Park was left behind

And we got to see the remains of the Prosperous and Providence mines

And then the rain began – an initial drizzle mizzle progressing to more of a steady dribble.

Managed a rainbow photo though

… before the view of Pateley Bridge, again !

We had decided to pop into

P. B. to get some supplies for supper before heading to our evening BnB, Bewerley Hall Farm

Jen from Bewerley Hall Farm very kindly upgraded us to the self catering cottage so we could ‘cook’ our supper, but will still provide us with full breakfast.

Very grateful indeed.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as a place to stay. Got chatting to her about the Nidderdale show (which we’ve been to twice) and all things ‘Pateley Bridge’ and Bewerley Hall Farm 👍🤭

Dinner is in the oven too!

Last day tomorrow – back to Hampsthwaite- only 12 miles- ish