‘Hebden’, a small but picturesque Yorkshire Dales village.

We re-discovered ‘Hebden’, a small but picturesque village in lower Wharfedale, full of character and history when we extended one of our favourite riverside walks: this being a stroll from Burnsall in the Yorkshire Dales. We diverted across the River Wharfe via Hebden Suspension Bridge built by local blacksmith William Bell and opened 1885. It is sometimes referred to locally as the Swing Bridge. I must say I preferred the bridge to the other adventurous option shown in the photograph below - 'the stepping stones'. 

 

We then followed the footpath to Hebden, only half a mile to go and the thought of coffee and cake or perhaps a light lunch in the Old School Tearoom to keep us going and looking forward to a stroll around this historic and photogenic village.

In the opposite direction the Dalesway Footpath from Ilkley to Bowness-on-Windermere route can be entered. Total length of this route is eighty miles, not for the faint hearted or us, save it for another day or two, maybe a week or two!!!

 What a delight as we continued upwards approaching the village via Mill Lane and then on to Main Street, admiring quaint cottages with colourful gardens.

 The Old Bridge over Hebden Beck (explored after lunch)

St Peter’s Church (formerly a chapel of ease now grade II listed) 

St Peters church was built from local stone in 1841.

Photograph of the interior showing the Harrison and Harrison of Durham 'listed' organ.

As we walked a little further along Main Street another of Hebden blacksmiths William Bell's creations came into view. Not quite as imposing as his River Wharfe Suspension Bridge but an equally outstanding creation, a wrought iron 'Kissing Gate' which had been commissioned by the Parish Council in 1905. Details are on the commerative plaque which can be seen on the wall top next to the gate.

The Old School House, closed in 2007 

 now converted to 'The Old School Tea Room'. 

When we reached the Old School House this was certainly a welcome sight in an idylic, beautiful location. We enjoyed a very tasty lunch in a relaxed atmosphere, our table inside next to the window overlooking Hebden Beck.

We will certainly return to Hebden for more exploration and photography. Another visit to 'The Old School Tea Room' for refreshments will definitely be included.

Very gratifying to note The Times Newspaper has selected

'The Old School Tea Room as one of the seven Best Afternoon Teas

in the UK for under £30.00

Well Deserved 

Camera - IPhone 13 Pro Max and SmallRig Cage with Side Grip

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Peter and Cecile Clark - photographers

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Grassington, Coffee and Cake, almost!

Friday was a free day for us and we had planned on a slow drive up the Yorkshire Dales to Grassington for a short walk, maybe a few photographs then follow with a visit to one of Grassington's many delightful coffee shops for refreshment.

On looking out of the window and seeing the ever darkening sky accompanied by light drizzle we considered our options if the weather was to deteriorate.

Maybe a slightly shorter drive to one of our favourites 'The Riverbank' at Burnsall then a stroll along the banks of the River Wharfe or if the weather really worsened perhaps stop at the Bolton Abbey riverside venue 'Cavendish Pavilion' and hope for a seat by the window to watch for an improvement and lighter skies as we enjoyed coffee and some generously buttered crumpets.

The Cavendish Pavilion, Bolton Abbey in the Yorkshire Dales. Delicious coffee and a tasty crumpet with butter and jam.

As we drove up to the top of our local hill 'Cringles' which seperates Airedale from Wharfedale and reached the top we could see bad weather further up the Dale we then considered another of our favourites 'The Ginger Plum' in Addingham but unfortunately as we travelled down the Main Street I could see a sign in the window reading closed.

Decision made, it was to be The Cavendish Pavilion in Bolton Abbey, luckily we had a season ticket for the access and parking.

We managed to secure a window seat and after relaxing for half an hour could see a slight improvement in the weather. It was now or never as we were getting very comfortable, so coats and hats on and out we went committed to our hike, walk, stroll. Looking out of the window again we could see it was still a bit wet out there but it still looked inviting. We were going to see the River Wharfe in all its glory, full flow.

Crossing the footbridge which is part of the 'Dales Way' walk.

Then a left turn following a well maintained and mud free footpath facing into the driving wind and rain. 

                                                                               

In a short while we just had to stop to enjoy the turbulent and fast flowing waters of the River Wharfe. Absolutely spectacular! This was a photo opportunity not to be missed but unfortunately the rainfall was now quite heavy and we decided to turn back

This pathway showed great promise of future photographic exploration by side of the River Wharfe or a change of direction to the mysterious sounding "Valley of Desolation" or maybe further upwards to "Simons Seat" where you can sit, rest and enjoy the spectacular view. Well worth the effort.

Camera - IPhone 13 Pro Max and SmallRig Cage with Side Grip

To view all our  Photo Albums

please follow the link to our Image Library

Peter and Cecile Clark - photographers

We do hope you will enjoy the photographs and perhaps find some which will inspire and enhance your article or publication.

(downloads and prints are available)

They may also help find your next

film/video location.

Ilkley RFC 1st XV vs Driffield 1st XV, 24th February 2024

Ilkley 1st XV vs Driffield 1st XV (eventually) - 24th February 2024 

Having missed the previous Ilkley RFC home game I was certainly going to make the most of this one which had previously been postponed several times due to bad weather and I did.

The weather was good with a glint of sunshine and we arrived at the ground in plenty of time to get a parking place then stroll into Ilkley for coffee with a delicious slice of  cake then a stroll back to the ground to prep the camera equipment ready for an action packed game.

Ilkley on the attack

Driffield on the attack

 Please follow the link below to view all 193 photographs

Hope you have the patience and stamina to view and enjoy them all !!!!

Ilkley vs Driffield All Photographs

Final Result

Ilkley 17 - Driffield 37