Top ten unusual things to look out for in Swaledale
We all know just how stunning the scenery is not only in Low Row but also in Swaledale and the Yorkshire National Park. However, there are a number of things you may not have anticipated seeing while you are on holiday here so here are my Top ten Things to look out for in Swaledale:
Bridges - errr, ok, sure, what do you mean bridges? Well, wherever you go you will see some lovely bridges, small ones crossing wee streams, bigger ones taking trains across moorlands and hidden ones you happen across while walking. I never knew there we so many types so keep your eyes open!
Planes - occasionally right above Swale View you will hear, and then see, jets flying overhead and often very low. It’s really exciting and will bring out the child in you. And you get helicopters and vintage aircraft as well.
Owls - you can occasionally see these at dusk sitting on the garden fence at Swale View only a few feet away. Be careful not to move, or in my case let the dog out as they will fly away but its so thrillings to see owls so close up.
Moles - you can often see these on the open moorland. I know they are a pest to some but it’s really interesting seeing how quickly they can bury into the ground and disappear before you own eyes.
Waterfalls - one of the delights is coming across little known waterfalls like Haverdale Beck, and while there are some well known waterfalls such as Aysgarth and Hardraw Force I bet you will find some which very few people have seen.
Rainbows - I have never known a place to conjure up so many rainbows. And quite often doubles ones as well. No idea why but that combination of sun and rain showers seems to set them off quite regularly.
Rabbits in walls - may just be me but I never noticed until recently how many rabbits like to sit in the holes and gaps in the many stone walls. You quite often see their heads or tails wedged into the nooks and crannies.
Tanks - now I have never seen a single tank but if you are driving around Leyburn and towards Catterick you will see areas used by the army for training. And if the red flags are up this means they are active and you do see signs saying tanks are in the area. Never seen one though!
Car and bike rallies - you often get groups of cars and bikes motoring through the Dales. Most are really respectful of other roads users and you do get to see some classic and modern vehicles up close. A favourite drive is up over the moor towards Arkengarthdale from the road to the side of the Punch Bowl Inn.
Sheep on the road - while not uncommon and unexpected across moors and on farmland what may surprise you that some villages like Low Row have common grazing rights so sheep and cattle wander freely around the village, doing their thing.
One of many rainbows over Swaledale, this was up by Marrick Priory.
So there are a few more unusual and unexpected things to watch out for in Swaledale while you are visiting. I wonder what unusual thing you will see?
Bonus
Swale rising - the river Swale, I was told, is the second fastest rising river in England. No idea if that is true but if there has been a dry spell and it rains heavily then go to Isles bridge (or anywhere really) and you can watch as the river rises really fast!