Has anyone taken a driving trip through the Dales of North Yorkshire. I was reading about one that starts with York and follows a path through Castle Howard-Rievaulx Abbey-Fountains Abbey-Pately Bridge-Malham--Wharfdale area-Woodale-Bolton Castle-Muker-Gunnerside-Richmond. It would be a 6 hour trip so I'm thinking we could stay in Richmond for the night. Our next stop after York is Edinburgh so the alternative would be to skip the Moors and go on to Edinburgh and have another day there. Is this trip worth a 4th day in Edinburgh? Rick Steves doesn't mention this area in his Great Britain book so I'm not sure how great it is. Thanks so much for your help! Judy
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I did a trip like this a little over ten years ago. Rivaulx was wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed Castle Howard. I did stay in Richmond at a small hotel. I am sorry I don't remember the name. I didn't got to Fountains Abbey. Instead, I explored Wenselydale and Swaledale. I thought Bolton Castle was interesting and I really liked its situation in the valley. I did a couple of short walks which were fun. I think I drove over from Askrigg in Wensleydale to Swaledale. BTW look for some DVDs on All Creatures Great and Small which was filmed there. And pick up the book of course! Sharan Newman wrote an historical novel that was based partially in Rivaulx. I think some Dick Francis novels may also have taken place there. Oh and re-read the Secret Garden which is based in Yorkshire! I love Edinburgh, but this would be a lovely trip. Pam
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
One of our trips was much like Pamelas. We spent the night in Thirsk at a lovely B&B called Laburnum House. email:[email protected] see it on smoothhound.co.uk. Rievaulx took some time for us to explore. Last year we finally got to Fountains and spent the whole day there. Your question is a real poser since I love The Dales and Edinburgh. I really think if you had 3 full days there you could see most of the city.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1498 posts
I think that the route you picked is a good one but you would really need 2 full days to visit sites along the way. It takes almost a day to reach Castle Howard from its Gate House (Just kidding!); but it did seem that way. Fountains Abbey (a World Heritage Site)takes a good couple of hours once you get there.
I am sure you'd like to do more than a driveby of most of these wonderful places. Bon Voyage