Tuesday, 25 May 2010
The River Wharfe By Steve Allanson
This most picturesque of North Yorkshire rivers has its source on the moors above Langstrothdale Chase. Whilst not the longest of rivers nevertheless it encompasses a vast range of scenery and river states, from upland stream to a tidal river close to its confluence with the River Ouse near Cawood.
Langstrothdale is the steep sided upland valley of the River Wharfe. At this point the river has a limestone bed and can vary considerably between being in spate with full flow and being almost dry in the summer months. The valley sides are littered with limestone caves, small waterfalls and of course the drystone walls and sheep so characteristic of upland Yorkshire.
The valley is furnished with a narrow but very serviceable road which for much of its length is unfenced allowing complete access to the greensward which flanks the crystal clear stream. In summer this is a very popular spot for a day with the children, a riverside picnic or just a stop for a quiet cup of tea at the side of the car.
Further down the valley at Hubberholme the fledgling River Wharfe is joined by Cray beck and this marks the start of Upper Wharfedale. Hubberholme is a small hamlet boasting a superb parish church, resting place of J.B. Priestley which also sports hand carved oak pews from Robert Thompson - the mouseman of Kilburn. At this point the character of the river changes, the valley is flatter and the river calmer, deeper and less changeable. The valley has also opened out to form the classic flat bottom glacier formed valley with the low level fields, steep sides, dry stone walls and field barns so typical of the Yorkshire Dales.
Upper Wharefedale also contains a number of wonderful villages, packed with amenities, accommodation and food and drink establishments. A great example is the Buck Inn at Buckden which provides great rooms, superb food, great Yorkshire ale or simply a great cup of Yorkshire tea.
Other equally beautiful and popular villages include Kettlewell, Grassington and Appletreewick.
Towards the southern end of the valley the river enters woods on the estate of the Duke of Devonshire and hidden in these woods is one of the most dramatic features of the river. At The Strid the whole flow of the river is compressed into a deep and rocky channel less than 2 metres wide. The resulting roaring torrent is full of strong downward currents and underwater overhangs to trap and drown the unwary. Over the years there have been many casualties including the medieval Boy of Egremond who was later immortalised in the poem by Wordsworth.
Just downstream the river passes by the glorious remains of Bolton Abbey. With the ruins of the priory, over 80 miles of footpaths, 30,000 acres of beautiful countryside and a plethora of tea shops, pubs and restaurants this is quite simply a great place for a family day out. A gem at the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Now the river changes again, the valley broadens out and the river is fuller and more mature. The nature of the riverside settlements also changes, growing bigger and more industrial as the Wharfe moves close to Leeds and Bradford. But first the river passes the village of Addingham famous for its church and the nearby suspension bridge before passing through the first town in it course, i.e. the town of Ilkley. High above the river lie the moors made famous in the Yorkshire song about a man who dies of a head cold from "courting" his girlfriend without a hat.
"On Ilkla moor bar t'at" rings out in many a coach returning from a football match or a trip to the seaside.
Ilkley itself is a grand little town with many fine restaurants and shops and boasts fine fishing for trout from the river. I, myself, have had the pleasure of some great examples provided by Lord Durno who was always keen on fly fishing in the Wharfe. The town was also the birthplace of one of Yorkshire's most popular current personalities, TV presenter, author and gardener Alan Titchmarsh.
Next along the river come Burley in Wharfedale and then the market town of Otley with its old mill buildings and riverside parks. The town is bustling without being overwhelming and you hardly notice the overflying aircraft on their way to or from the nearby Leeds Bradford airport. Locally the town is most well known for the wild uplands known as Otley Chevin.
Now the river returns briefly to the open spaces of a farming valley before passing out of the dale and into the Vale of York, entering the town of Tadcaster. Here at Tadcaster the river has for years provided both transport and raw material for the brewing industry. The town is still home to several major breweries, from the huge John Smith complex to the smaller but still very popular Samuel Smith brewery. The story of these two breweries both originally owned by the Smith family, descendants of the original Samuel Smith - a butcher from Meanwood in Leeds - reads like a historical epic with family fall outs and splits. The two breweries continue to exist side by side although only the Samuel Smith brewery remains independent.
Below Tadcaster the river flows through several more settlements, some with very nordic names like Ulleskelf or Ozendyke. Around this area the river also becomes tidal with the twice daily rise and fall of the waters flowing from or back into the much larger River Ouse which has flowed down from York.
The river Wharfe finally joins the Ouse just above the urban village of Cawood - famous locally for its swing bridge which seems to break down with depressing regularity. Cawood is also famous as the place where Cardinal Wolsey was arrested by the Earl of Northumberland and taken south to stand trial for treason against Henry VIII. He was, however, never to reach London; falling ill at Leicester and eventually dying of his illness.
The waters of the River Wharfe now mingle with those of the Ouse and continue south east to become the Humber Estuary below Selby and finally to flow into the North Sea east of Kingston upon Hull.
The vast majority of the course of the Wharfe can be followed on foot, the whole walk taking 6 -7 days and accommodation along the way can be found at Yorkshire Accommodation [http://www.best-yorkshire-accommodation.co.uk].
Steve Allanson is a freelance web designer, management consultant, photographer and author.
More details of Yorkshire delights and Yorkshire accommodation can be found at his website Yorkshire Accommodation [http://www.best-yorkshire-accommodation.co.uk]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Allanson
Langstrothdale is the steep sided upland valley of the River Wharfe. At this point the river has a limestone bed and can vary considerably between being in spate with full flow and being almost dry in the summer months. The valley sides are littered with limestone caves, small waterfalls and of course the drystone walls and sheep so characteristic of upland Yorkshire.
The valley is furnished with a narrow but very serviceable road which for much of its length is unfenced allowing complete access to the greensward which flanks the crystal clear stream. In summer this is a very popular spot for a day with the children, a riverside picnic or just a stop for a quiet cup of tea at the side of the car.
Further down the valley at Hubberholme the fledgling River Wharfe is joined by Cray beck and this marks the start of Upper Wharfedale. Hubberholme is a small hamlet boasting a superb parish church, resting place of J.B. Priestley which also sports hand carved oak pews from Robert Thompson - the mouseman of Kilburn. At this point the character of the river changes, the valley is flatter and the river calmer, deeper and less changeable. The valley has also opened out to form the classic flat bottom glacier formed valley with the low level fields, steep sides, dry stone walls and field barns so typical of the Yorkshire Dales.
Upper Wharefedale also contains a number of wonderful villages, packed with amenities, accommodation and food and drink establishments. A great example is the Buck Inn at Buckden which provides great rooms, superb food, great Yorkshire ale or simply a great cup of Yorkshire tea.
Other equally beautiful and popular villages include Kettlewell, Grassington and Appletreewick.
Towards the southern end of the valley the river enters woods on the estate of the Duke of Devonshire and hidden in these woods is one of the most dramatic features of the river. At The Strid the whole flow of the river is compressed into a deep and rocky channel less than 2 metres wide. The resulting roaring torrent is full of strong downward currents and underwater overhangs to trap and drown the unwary. Over the years there have been many casualties including the medieval Boy of Egremond who was later immortalised in the poem by Wordsworth.
Just downstream the river passes by the glorious remains of Bolton Abbey. With the ruins of the priory, over 80 miles of footpaths, 30,000 acres of beautiful countryside and a plethora of tea shops, pubs and restaurants this is quite simply a great place for a family day out. A gem at the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Now the river changes again, the valley broadens out and the river is fuller and more mature. The nature of the riverside settlements also changes, growing bigger and more industrial as the Wharfe moves close to Leeds and Bradford. But first the river passes the village of Addingham famous for its church and the nearby suspension bridge before passing through the first town in it course, i.e. the town of Ilkley. High above the river lie the moors made famous in the Yorkshire song about a man who dies of a head cold from "courting" his girlfriend without a hat.
"On Ilkla moor bar t'at" rings out in many a coach returning from a football match or a trip to the seaside.
Ilkley itself is a grand little town with many fine restaurants and shops and boasts fine fishing for trout from the river. I, myself, have had the pleasure of some great examples provided by Lord Durno who was always keen on fly fishing in the Wharfe. The town was also the birthplace of one of Yorkshire's most popular current personalities, TV presenter, author and gardener Alan Titchmarsh.
Next along the river come Burley in Wharfedale and then the market town of Otley with its old mill buildings and riverside parks. The town is bustling without being overwhelming and you hardly notice the overflying aircraft on their way to or from the nearby Leeds Bradford airport. Locally the town is most well known for the wild uplands known as Otley Chevin.
Now the river returns briefly to the open spaces of a farming valley before passing out of the dale and into the Vale of York, entering the town of Tadcaster. Here at Tadcaster the river has for years provided both transport and raw material for the brewing industry. The town is still home to several major breweries, from the huge John Smith complex to the smaller but still very popular Samuel Smith brewery. The story of these two breweries both originally owned by the Smith family, descendants of the original Samuel Smith - a butcher from Meanwood in Leeds - reads like a historical epic with family fall outs and splits. The two breweries continue to exist side by side although only the Samuel Smith brewery remains independent.
Below Tadcaster the river flows through several more settlements, some with very nordic names like Ulleskelf or Ozendyke. Around this area the river also becomes tidal with the twice daily rise and fall of the waters flowing from or back into the much larger River Ouse which has flowed down from York.
The river Wharfe finally joins the Ouse just above the urban village of Cawood - famous locally for its swing bridge which seems to break down with depressing regularity. Cawood is also famous as the place where Cardinal Wolsey was arrested by the Earl of Northumberland and taken south to stand trial for treason against Henry VIII. He was, however, never to reach London; falling ill at Leicester and eventually dying of his illness.
The waters of the River Wharfe now mingle with those of the Ouse and continue south east to become the Humber Estuary below Selby and finally to flow into the North Sea east of Kingston upon Hull.
The vast majority of the course of the Wharfe can be followed on foot, the whole walk taking 6 -7 days and accommodation along the way can be found at Yorkshire Accommodation [http://www.best-yorkshire-accommodation.co.uk].
Steve Allanson is a freelance web designer, management consultant, photographer and author.
More details of Yorkshire delights and Yorkshire accommodation can be found at his website Yorkshire Accommodation [http://www.best-yorkshire-accommodation.co.uk]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Allanson
Saturday, 22 May 2010
Get Hooked on Fishing in Northumbria By Tom Sangers Platinum Quality Author
If you're coming to Northumbria for a holiday there's no need to leave your tackle at home, with some of the cleanest rivers in the country Northumbria offers a range of fishing challenges. And for those who like it salty the Northumbrian coast offers a range of marks to hunt down those summer sport species.
Northumbria is perhaps best known for the River Tweed, and rightly so. This is one of the world's top salmon rivers, and has produced record catches in the last three years. It is certainly the most productive river within the EU and can even rival some of North America's great rivers, having the advantage of being easily accessible and more reliable. The Tweeds fame for Salmon has, in many anglers minds, overshadowed all other types of fishing on the Tweed. It would be practically be a crime to ignore the excellent Trout fishing. For the purists there are still plenty of good sized wild trout to be had. For those on a holiday here it is essential to ensure you have the correct licences in place to fish the river so check before heading out.
For a more casual fishing experience, ideal if you are on holiday with the family and have limited time available, there are several excellent Stillwater venues in Northumbria. Rainbow, Brown & Blue Trout are all on offer. The most popular venue is Kielder Water. But with over 20 miles of fishable bank space it never feels crowded. The trout here certainly offer a sporting challenge and are well known for their strong fighting spirit. With fish sizes up to 20lbs personal bests can be beaten here.
Whilst the crowds flock to Kielder Water it is worth mentioning South Linden fishery. It has excellent facilities with a well stocked shop, Although small it offers a variety of aquatic terrain to explore. It is well worth checking with the fishery for special offers. They are currently offering discounted evening sessions. Take advantage of the long summer nights to get in some extra fishing in either the live bait lake or the fly fishing lake.
Whatever style of angling you favour, Northumbria has something for everyone from beginners to the most deadly fly fisherman. When you're next in Northumbria don't let that big one get away by not packing your rod!
This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Northumberland Cottages who offer accommodation, ideal for Northumbrian Holidays
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Sangers
Tom Sangers - EzineArticles Expert Author
Northumbria is perhaps best known for the River Tweed, and rightly so. This is one of the world's top salmon rivers, and has produced record catches in the last three years. It is certainly the most productive river within the EU and can even rival some of North America's great rivers, having the advantage of being easily accessible and more reliable. The Tweeds fame for Salmon has, in many anglers minds, overshadowed all other types of fishing on the Tweed. It would be practically be a crime to ignore the excellent Trout fishing. For the purists there are still plenty of good sized wild trout to be had. For those on a holiday here it is essential to ensure you have the correct licences in place to fish the river so check before heading out.
For a more casual fishing experience, ideal if you are on holiday with the family and have limited time available, there are several excellent Stillwater venues in Northumbria. Rainbow, Brown & Blue Trout are all on offer. The most popular venue is Kielder Water. But with over 20 miles of fishable bank space it never feels crowded. The trout here certainly offer a sporting challenge and are well known for their strong fighting spirit. With fish sizes up to 20lbs personal bests can be beaten here.
Whilst the crowds flock to Kielder Water it is worth mentioning South Linden fishery. It has excellent facilities with a well stocked shop, Although small it offers a variety of aquatic terrain to explore. It is well worth checking with the fishery for special offers. They are currently offering discounted evening sessions. Take advantage of the long summer nights to get in some extra fishing in either the live bait lake or the fly fishing lake.
Whatever style of angling you favour, Northumbria has something for everyone from beginners to the most deadly fly fisherman. When you're next in Northumbria don't let that big one get away by not packing your rod!
This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Northumberland Cottages who offer accommodation, ideal for Northumbrian Holidays
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Sangers
Tom Sangers - EzineArticles Expert Author
Lake District Fishing By Eoin Evans Platinum Quality Author
The Lake District offers more recreational opportunities than perhaps any other region in the land, and every year millions flock to its shores, fells, woods, dales, and trails. Sometimes lost in the myriad of opportunities which include hiking, boating, bird watching, cycling, golfing, and even horse racing, is the ancient pursuit of angling. If you are looking for some of the most pristine, unspoiled fisheries anywhere, including majestic sea coasts, meandering rivers, and sparkling lakes, plan a few days in the Lake District. You'll discover some of the best fishing of your life. Bring your own gear or hire what you need at one of the many tackle shops that dot the shores. Let's take a whirlwind look at some of the angler's hot spots you'll want to explore on your next trip to this fish-catching paradise.
Why not start in the north, where some of the most picturesque river settings also offer great fishing for trout. Try Rivers Border Esk, Liddel and Lyne, and fish stretches of stream where your only competition are the Ospreys. Expect to net a Brown Trout or perhaps a Char. Next door, Oakbank Lakes offers a stocked fishery where 20 lb pike are not uncommon. Just to the south, the lower River Eden, with landscape befitting the name, offers a good mix of game fish, including Browns and the occasional Rainbow Trout.
Fishing all along the coast is fantastic. Cast a line at Beckfoot in pursuit of Mullet, Flounder, and Sea Trout on their way inland. Maryport, Workington, and Harrington offer excellent results for these fish, and other species including Salmon and Bass. Inland, Mockerkin Tarn, Bassenthwaite Lake, and Derwent Water, present leisurely sport and a good chance to hook into a real fighter, be it a Pike or Cumbrian Carp, or any number of smaller fish species that are perfect for a shore lunch. After a fulfilling day on the water, retire to one of the inviting and affordable Lake District hotels to share fishing stories with the other anglers over a pint and a fine meal.
Fly fisherman will want to stick to the running water at Cogra Moss, River Greta, River Cocker, or River Eamont to try and lure the plentiful Brown Trout to take your fly and peel off some line as it heads down river. Wear yourself out with fresh air and fishing, then stop in to any local last minute hotel at the end of a memorable day. You'll understand why Lake District rivers are the preferred spots for not only locals, but fisherman the world over!
Eoin has written for many publications in his native south Wales and further afield. He currently lives in London's trendy Docklands with his partner. Both are regular faces in West End theatre audiences.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eoin_Evans
Why not start in the north, where some of the most picturesque river settings also offer great fishing for trout. Try Rivers Border Esk, Liddel and Lyne, and fish stretches of stream where your only competition are the Ospreys. Expect to net a Brown Trout or perhaps a Char. Next door, Oakbank Lakes offers a stocked fishery where 20 lb pike are not uncommon. Just to the south, the lower River Eden, with landscape befitting the name, offers a good mix of game fish, including Browns and the occasional Rainbow Trout.
Fishing all along the coast is fantastic. Cast a line at Beckfoot in pursuit of Mullet, Flounder, and Sea Trout on their way inland. Maryport, Workington, and Harrington offer excellent results for these fish, and other species including Salmon and Bass. Inland, Mockerkin Tarn, Bassenthwaite Lake, and Derwent Water, present leisurely sport and a good chance to hook into a real fighter, be it a Pike or Cumbrian Carp, or any number of smaller fish species that are perfect for a shore lunch. After a fulfilling day on the water, retire to one of the inviting and affordable Lake District hotels to share fishing stories with the other anglers over a pint and a fine meal.
Fly fisherman will want to stick to the running water at Cogra Moss, River Greta, River Cocker, or River Eamont to try and lure the plentiful Brown Trout to take your fly and peel off some line as it heads down river. Wear yourself out with fresh air and fishing, then stop in to any local last minute hotel at the end of a memorable day. You'll understand why Lake District rivers are the preferred spots for not only locals, but fisherman the world over!
Eoin has written for many publications in his native south Wales and further afield. He currently lives in London's trendy Docklands with his partner. Both are regular faces in West End theatre audiences.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eoin_Evans
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