| About Nidderdale – AONB |
 |
 |
 |
|
Although technically outside of the Yorkshire Dales national park boundary, Nidderdale has been designated as an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" and has every right to be included in any definition of the "classical" Yorkshire Dales. Rising on the wild moors on the eastern flank of Great Whernside, the infant River Nidd feeds into the desolate and expansive moorland reservoirs of Scar House and Angram, and further down the valley, Gouthwaite. Below this is Pateley Bridge, from where the dale becomes much gentler in character as the River Nidd flows onwards to Knaresborough and out of the dale to an eventual union with the River Ouse near the historic English Civil War battlefield at Marston Moor in the Vale of York. Attractions in and near Nidderdale include How Stean Gorge near Lofthouse and Middlesmoor towards the head of the dale, Stump Cross Caverns near Pateley Bridge, Brimham Rocks near Summerbridge, Plumpton Rocks near Knaresborough, and Ripley Castle near Harrogate. As a matter of convention, Nidderdale is often divided into what is arbitrarily known as "Upper Nidderdale" and "Lower Nidderdale" - lying upstream and downstream of Pateley Bridge, respectively. Nidderdale – AONB Nidderdale is one of 41 other AONBs across England and Wales, the area is nationally recognised due to it's high quality special landscape. Covering 603sq km of magnificent countryside the area is dramatic and contrasting with wide open and remote moorlands,sheltered river valleys and rolling farmland. A perfect place to visit and stay. Great for walking, cycling, horse riding and of course Llama Trekking! As one of the nation's finest landscapes it has been designated an AONB to safeguard it so that future generations can enjoy it as much as we all do. |