Where to stay, visit, eat and drink
by Dixe Wills
GETTING THERE
Singles from London King’s Cross to Harrogate with LNER start at £18.50; lner.co.uk. Take the bus from Harrogate to Pateley Bridge; harrogatebus.co.uk.
WALK THIS WAY
The Nidderdale Way is a mostly gentle 54-mile waymarked circular trail that runs up and down the valley of the River Nidd. I hiked it in four days but it splits easily into a five- or six-day trip, too. Go in spring or autumn and you will have long stretches all to yourself.
Accommodation is most available in Pateley Bridge and to a lesser extent in Ripley and Lofthouse. Inns, campsites and farmhouse B&Bs fill in most of the gaps along the way. Beth Rimmer’s meticulous guidebook Nidderdale Way (Rucksack Readers, £12.99) will help you make the most of the walk.
EAT
Sportsman’s Arms, Wath
Quite the loveliest country inn to look at, the Sportsman’s Arms offers a warm welcome with a smattering of cosy rooms, a fire in the bar and a menu of locally sourced dishes that are a cut or two above standard pub grub. 01423 711306; sportsmans-arms.co.uk
ADMIRE ART
King Street Workshops
After you have dropped in on Joseph Hayton (see page 25), have a look at the stunning work of the other artists with studios here. There is fine art, ceramics, jewellery-making, glassblowing and sculpture to enjoy. kingstreetworkshops.co.uk
The Coldstones Cut
Just off the Nidderdale Way but worth a detour. Created by artist Andrew Sabin and inspired by local industrial heritage, Yorkshire’s largest and highest public artwork overlooks the vast workings of Coldstones Quarry and enjoys good views of Nidderdale. thecoldstonescut.org
STAY
The Nidderdale Experience
The Nidderdale Experience at Studfold has pods, tent pitches and a magical fairy trail for kids. You can also grab a bite to eat at their Nidderdale Way Café. Pod (sleeps two adults and two children) from £55 per night.
studfold.com
Little North Field
For a touch of exotica with all the mod cons, stay in a super-swish safari
