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Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines Index 34. A call in at Richmond and drive on to Swaledale for a good walk We often call in at Richmond on our way to the Yorkshire Dales from the North York Moors - from one National Park to another! and so little effort to come over to Swaledale and stay in Grinton Youth Hostel (YHA).
As you come into the centre of Richmond you see 15th century 'Greyfriars' tower of the ruins of the medieval Abbey Church in the Friary Gardens of this fine historic market town in North Yorkshire in the District of Richmondshire. The town was founded in 1071 after the Norman Conquest reached the North of England.
The prosperity of this medieval town increased even more in the 17th and 18th century due to the wool trade and the lead mining in the nearby dales like Arkengarthdale. This photo corresponds with the arrow on the map.
The Norman Keep of Richmond Castle dominates the skyline and combined with much Georgian architecture, this most pleasant of towns is well worth exploring with a longish stroll around its streets.
Looking down from Castle Walk around the Castle walls, onto the banks of the River Swale and beyond it Swaledale itself.
You can appreciate how the Castle looks down on the surrounding buildings.
The Market Square, Richmond Town.
The old cobbled Market Place, 'Market Cross'?, The fine Georgian building of the Kings Hotel in the distance and the medieval Holy Trinity Church on the right in Market Square, though only the tower looks genuinely medieval.
Left: The Entrance to the Green Howards Regimental Museum which is based in Holy Trinity Church in Market Square. Right: Looking up to Holy Trinity Church in Trinity Square, and note the attractive facade of the building on the right.
Market Square which has several shopping streets off it.
One of several busy shopping street, Richmond acts as an important centre for the surrounding beautiful countryside.
Note the fish and Chip shop snuggled up to the weathered tracery of the stone windows of the medieval Holy Trinity Church! Places for 'refreshment' in Richmond After which we due head west for Muker via the A6108 and B6270 to begin our walk in Swaledale.
Muker Village - the sheep on top of the wool shop and the very friendly hospitality of the Farmers Arms in Muker, set on the banks of the River Swale in Swaledale.
Muker has its origins in the Bronze Age, but its name is of Norse origin - from Mjor-aker, which means the 'narrow acre' - perhaps a narrow strip of fertile land between the River Swale and the daleside.
Agriculture was always the mainstay of the local economy but lead mining was important in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Walking from Muker (start of walk) down to the River Swale.
Walking along by the River Swale.
Plenty old 'Dales' barns in evidence.
heading towards Keld.
Limestone cliffs near Keld.
Keld Village and the waterfalls.
Looking down onto the River Swale.
One of the many barns in Swaledale.
The rusting remains of an old tractor near Crackpot Hall.
The River Swale viewed from the ruins of 'Crackpot Hall'
Some of the last remaining ruins from the days of lead mining.
General view of Swaledale from Crackpot Hall. and summary of pages 02/34/35 via a sequence of pictures taken on one walk |
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