Forgotten Yorkshire Edition
Streams to Steam Engines, we have walks for everyone!
Contents Page 1-2 Kirkstall Abbey Page 3-4 Adverts Page 5-6 Chevin Forrest Page 7
Otley
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Advert
Page 9-10 Swinsty Reservoir Page 11-12 Adverts Page 13-14 Bolton Abbey Station Page 15-16 Adverts Page 17-18 Skipton
Kirkstall Abbey Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian Abbey in Britain. The Abbey is set in picturesque parklands that back onto the River Aire. The grand historic architecture on show is open to the public to walk around and the superbly well-kept grounds are perfect for that sunny afternoon picnic. Kirkstall Abbey has its own visitor’s center that has a vast array of information about the Abbey and the lives of the 12th century monks that habited it. Images are also on show that date back to the 18th century to give you a wider understanding of what the building looked like in its prime. The ruins are suitable for all ages as the Visitors Center runs activities and trials throughout the year and also has bespoke and unique products to buy from the gift shop.
The Abbey is situated just off of the A65, 13 minutes from the center of Leeds. Free parking is also available for all visitors and caters for the disabled with a flat route too the Visitors Center and around the Abbey.
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The grounds of Kirkstall Abbey are available to walk around all year but if you wish to walk around the inside of the magnificent ruins admission is allowed from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday In April too September and open 10am to 3pm Tuesday to Sunday for the winter months. Admission is free into the ruins and tours are available. This Medieval ruin is a fantastic afternoon out without the need to part with your cash. The grounds host a friendly atmosphere and paired with the summer sun it is a perfect backdrop to a relaxed picnic.
For more information visit their website: www.leeds.gov.uk/kirkstallabbey
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Chevin Forrest Chevin Forest is open to visitors all year round with five free car parks. The forest has a vast array of footpaths winding through its picturesque grounds that vary from 2kilometers gentle walk to a 135kilometre trek. The forest is a working forest so you may on the odd occasion be pasted by one of the logging tractors but don’t let this put you off, as it is a rarity. Maps are available to help you navigate your way around but also offer different themed trails such as the Tree Spotters Trial. The different routes and paths cater for the casual dog walker all the way up to the most hardened of walkers. If walking isn’t your thing the forest also boasts: Bike, horse, bouldering, climbing, orienteering and geocaching within its grounds so there is bound to be something for everyone. Disabled users are also catered for as the council has three mobility scooters to be used free of charge during weekdays allow everyone to see the beautiful forest.
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Located just outside the town of Otley, a visit to the town can easily be incorporated into your walk and you can even get yourself a well earned cup of tea at one of its many Tea Rooms. For more information on Chevin Forest visit: www.chevinforest.co.uk
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Otley Otey is a thriving market town in West Yorkshire, only ten miles from Leeds city center. Last year it saw the historic Tour de France pass through the middle of the town with thousands of spectators lining the streets. The town has a street market held three times a week then a monthly farmers market. The town center is lined with award winning independent butchers and bakers as well as well known high-street brands. To accompany the shops the town has many traditional pubs offering excellent food and a extensive range of beer. The river Wharf runs through the heart of the town and passes through the Riverside Park. Popular TV shows such as Emmerdale and Heartbeat have been filmed here so don’t be surprised if you recognize some of the streets. The town even has its own Bell Man who walks around the idyllic town calling out the towns news and events.
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Swinsty Reservoir Swinsty Reservoir took seven years to build and was completed in 1878. The reservoir holds an impressive eight hundred and sixty six million gallons of water with huge surface area of 63 hectares. The reservoir is directly adjoined to Fewston Reservoir which was completed a year after.
Below Swinsty reservoir holds the remains of New Hall. This hall was originally home to the Fairfax family.
To walk around just Swinsty Reservoir is 3.1miles. The walk is a very easy walk due to no real inclines and the superb condition the footpaths are kept in. During autumn you may be lucky enough to see a significant amount of wild geese gathering before they set off for their winter journeys. The reservoir has a large free car park that has picnic tables set out and some public convenience’s but no shop or refreshments are available so make sure to bring a few snacks along.
The reservoir is located near Fewston, off the A59 Harrogate. 9
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Bolton Abbey Station
The Bolton Abbey Station is a steam railway station and is run by volunteers. The railway is a preserved heritage railway. The railway is ran over part of the old Skipton-Ilkley line that was closed in 1965 that has been gradually rebuilt. The station is in a ideal location to stop off at as it’s only a mile walk from the ruins of the 12th century priory. The station has its own tearoom. While riding on the steam trains that regularly run in and out of the station in the summer months there are refreshments on board. The station also has a small gift shop that also has information regarding the stations history and its royal links.
A picnic area is available for all visitors if you prefer to bring your own food. A mini railway line also runs at Bolton Abbey Station, which is ideal for kids to have a ride on during their visit to the historic station. This is a perfect day out for you and the family as you’ll get to travel on the steam trains visiting other old station on the line while soaking in the great Yorkshire countryside. With up to seven services running a day in the summer months your bound to get a time that suits you.
For more information on the train times and attractions visit their website: www.embassyboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk
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Skipton Skipton is a market town in North Yorkshire. The river Aire passes through the town allowing some restaurant’s to offer riverside dining. You can also book a narrow boat tour along a section of the river Aire surrounding Skipton. The High Corn Mill is one of the oldest mills in North Yorkshire dating back to 1310. This is one of the many historical features you will be able to discover while walking around the beautiful old town.
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There are many tearooms to visit and independent shops that fit perfectly next to the more common high street names. A market is held in the town every week and is bustling, definitely a good idea to visit on market day. The town is situated close to the A65 and thanks to the ÂŁ16.4million bypass it is now easier than ever to drive too.
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Forgotten For the places you may not know about.
Issue #1 1/2/2015