England - The Dales Way, Day 3

Thursday, 16 May 2019

Grassington to Hubberholme, 11 miles

Today was the first time our path took us up into the "fells" (hills). Originally, the Dales Way was supposed to follow the River Wharfe through this section, but it was difficult to obtain all the permissions necessary. Instead, a temporary route over ancient roads through the fells was put in place. This section became so popular, that it remains the route of the Dales Way.

We took the "high road" out of Grassington. Rather than continue to follow the River Wharfe, the Dales Way climbs into the moors.

The ubiquitous stone walls make a striking landscape.

The route follows old roads -- perhaps dating to a pre-Roman era. This may be the remains of a medieval settlement.

Two fenced-off areas may be ancient burial grounds.

An old lime kiln. Quicklime was used as both mortar and a soil supplement. Grassington and Kettlewell were centers for lead mining from Roman times until the 1800s. We did not see (or perhaps more accurately, recognize) remnants of mining activity. 

About half-way between Grassington and Kettlewell is a circular limestone outcrop known as Conistone Pie.

A closer look at Conistone Pie. It rises about 15 feet above the hilltop.

Atop Conistone Pie. It was very windy! Given all the wind we encountered on the fells, we were surprised that there were very few wind turbines.

The panoramic view from Conistone Pie.

The Kettlewell Primary School is in an old church. It was fairly common for churches to be repurposed into primary schools. We saw at least a half-dozen of these conversions.

A typical Dales Way footbridge. The base is made of a single massive beam about 12x12 inches. The sides (sometimes just one) slope outward. It was also common for one or both ends to have a gate.

Several power poles had this ring of barbed wire around the pole. We presume it's to keep animals from climbing up the pole.

The day's destination - the George Inn near Hubberholme. As a nod to its history as a vicarage, when the candle is burning, the bar is open.