A Day out at Pateley Bridge & How Stean Gorge

Ruby has always been the kind of dog who enjoys a day out. Particularly if it involves a ride in the car and a swim in the river or canal. So what better idea than to spend the day in and around Pateley Bridge?

Above, you see her sitting patiently in the car, waiting to set off.

The real reason we headed for Pateley Bridge, was that the Meriva was due for  service, and as Nidderdale Motors had been so helpful during the purchase of the car I decided to take it back to them for its first service. Again they were most accommodating and said if I had the car to them for 10.30, they would do the service there and then and I could collect it at 12.30.

So we de-camped from the car and I headed for the village itself, whilst Dot and Ruby went on a riverside walk (and as far as Ruby was concerned a swim!)

The park at the bottom of the village looked quite picturesque in the sunshine.

The following shot is looking up the Main Street, and in the next shot you will see the flower display in the centre of this shot.

Just past this flower display, on the opposite side of the road is a small alleyway which leads into the very picturesque King's Court.

We usually have a bite to eat in the Coffee House on the right of the photo above, but decided to have a snack (Coffee and some chocolate crisp), so we sat and ate the chocolate crisp and drank the coffee on the circular bench.

After her long walk and swim in the river Ruby was ready for a long cool drink!

How Stean Gorge is situated about about eight miles up the Nidd Valley, and is spectacular whatever the weather. It is known as Little Switzerland. The view above is looking down the gorge towards Pateley Bridge.

This is the view looking up the gorge. You can arrange to do all sort of adventures here, such as wading through gushing water, traversing on ladders and beams, abseiling down 60 feet, sliding through spouts and sitting under waterfalls, rock climbing, caving and canoeing. You can even camp adjoining the Gorge!

We thought the Red Indians had landed when we saw these teepee's in the field!

The is a super cafe here and we always call in for a meal when we are in the area. The food is highly recommended, tasty and extremely good value for money.


On the way back to Pateley we noted how low Gouthwaite Reservoir was. At this part you could have walked across the reservoir from one side to the other!