Start your tour from York city centre. Stop at the traditional market town of Masham in Lower Wensleydale, which gained its market charter over 700 years ago in 1251. Here you can learn some of the Town’s history from your guide and see the remains of an Anglo-Saxon cross shaft, thought to be around 1300 years old, at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, explore the quaint shops or just enjoy a leisurely Yorkshire brew and some cake in one of the cafes on the square – the choice is yours!
Head out across Masham Moor where the sheep roam freely amongst the Heather and vast open landscape on our way over the tops to Nidderdale. The fantastic views and scenery over Gouthwaite Reservoir and miles of drystone walls make it perfect for some great photo stops.
Arrive in the picturesque town of Grassington, famous for its role as the fictional town of ‘Darrowby’ in the new ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ television series, first aired in 2020. Here you will have 1.5 hours free time to explore the shops, Cafes and filming locations or even pop into the Devonshire Arms pub (The Drovers in All Creatures Great and Small) for a drink with the locals!
We make our way to the beautiful Linton Falls. It is only a very short drive away so, if you prefer, you have the option to take the short walk from the Visitor Centre car park down the old stone path to the falls at Linton and meet your guide on the bridge over the river Wharfe.
We follow the meandering route of the River Wharfe passing through the village of Burnsall and stopping at the historical ruin of Barden Tower, a 12th Century hunting lodge, once the seat of administration for Barden hunting forest and the residence of Henry Clifford, the Shepherd Lord. Arriving at Bolton Abbey home to the 12th Century ruins of Bolton Priory an Augustinian Monastery founded in 1154 and destroyed in 1539 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under the reign of King Henry VIII.
Today it looks extremely picturesque situated on the edge of the river Wharfe and for those of you feeling brave enough you can attempt to cross the river on the famous stepping stones… just don’t fall in!
We depart Bolton Abbey and make our way back to York and say our goodbyes.
