Wigtwizzle - Norman Smith's Travel Blog.: yockenthwaite

The uppermost course of the River Wharfe runs through Langstrothdale, but Wharfedale does not begin until the Wharfe meets Cray Gill, downstream of Hubberholme. The name Langstrothdale derives from Old English and translates as 'long marsh' or 'marshy ground'.

The dale was first colonised by Anglians in the seventh century, with Norse invaders arriving later. In Norman times, many of the isolated settlements were allowed to remain, but were prevented from expanding by an arcane ruling known as the 'Forest Law'. At that time, Langstrothdale was well forested, and the upper northern part of the dale (which is now moorland) was a royal hunting forest known as Langstrothdale Chase or as the 'Forest of Langstroth'.

The dale became part of the lands owned by the Clifford family and in 1604, due to the then Earl of Cumberland's 'extravagances', the lands were sold to pay off his debts. This allowed many Dales folk to purchase their own farmsteads.

Also, in the age before mass transportation, the road through the dale was part of a packhorse route from Lancaster to Newcastle upon Tyne.

My visit started off in quite nice weather but, as can be seen from the photos, it quickly deteriorated and the rain moved in, but not before I managed to walk part of the valley and take some photos. I love all the old beech trees which are scatter along the river bank as they do lend themselves to good photography compositions but I'm afraid disease is spreading amongst them which is resulting in a lot dying.

It's nice to be out and about in this area in any sort of weather though and a bit of rain never hurt anyone.

Yockenthwaite

Hillside Tree

River Wharfe

Bit by bit I seem to be inadvertently completing the whole of the Yorkshire Dales section of The Dales Way! I don't intentionally set out to do it but I usually find myself at some point of the day on some part of the path. Today it was the Hubberholme to Yockenthwaite section which is only a few miles in length but it is an absolutely gorgeous section, especially at this time of year when the meadows are full of buttercups and clover. Hubberholme is a lovely little hamlet and sits at the point where Langstrothdale meets Wharfedale. St Micheal and All Saints Church is open for regular services and the small cemetery in its grounds contain the ashes of Bradford's own J.B. Priestley, a famous novelist, playwright, scriptwriter, social commentator and broadcaster. The church dates mostly from the 12th century, the oak roof however was completed in 1558. The church's oak pews were crafted by Kilburn's Robert Thomson, whose trademark mouse can be found in the woodwork. The George Inn opposite the church, was originally the vicarage for the church.

Surprisingly it was very quiet, I only saw a couple of people and that was as I was setting off. On my return I didn't see anyone at all. The only thing that was missing was a tearoom; I think the owners of the farm at Yockenthwaite are missing out on a good money making venture here. It doesn't need to be anything elaborate; just somewhere to sit, either in or out, and enjoy the surroundings with a hot cuppa in their hands along with perhaps a sample of the baking for which most farmer's wives are famous.

I could have murdered a pint when I got back to my car but, as luck would have it, the pub is only open at selected times and this wasn't one of them. Wish I had a pound for every time that has happened!!