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Side Trip to Aysgarth Force

Continue on from Hawes on the A684 through Bainbridge.

8.7 mi 54.2833,-1.9969 come into Aysgarth.

The big attraction here is the Aysgarth Force, a series of three waterfalls, set in woodland, that
have cut their way through the limestone rock. They featured in the film Robin Hood Prince of
Thieves. They are down a lane to the left off the main road, past the church. Look for a brown
and white sign on the main road as you come into the village that indicates the left turn.

25.5 mi 54.3042,-2.2013 In Hawes go past the Gulf Service Station on your r. and turn r. s/p
“Gayle 1/2 / Kettlewell 15”.

A short distance down this road look for Wensleydale Creamery on your r. if you’d like a taste of
classic Wensleydale cheese. The factory was made famous by its featuring in an episode of the
English cartoon comedy Wallace and Gromit.

In the 1990s, sales had fallen so low that production was at risk of being suspended. Fortunately,
inspiration struck when in 1995, Wallace, in an episode entitles A Close Shave, proclaimed
Wensleydale as his favorite cheese. Wensleydale had previously been mentioned by Wallace in A
Grand Day Out, as he wonders if the moon is made from the substance.

Animator Nick Park said he picked the cheese solely because it had a good name that would be
interesting to animate and was unaware of the company's financial difficulties.

After the release of A Close Shave, sales of Wensleydale began to rise. The company avoided
bankruptcy and credits Wallace and Gromit for saving the brand.

You’ll cross over Gayle Beck (the stream) and immediately on your left is Gayle Mill, Built in 1784,
it is believed to be the last structurally unaltered cotton mill in Britain.

After crossing Gayle Beck, turn r. on to Beckstones.

Follow this road, the B6160 – be careful of oncoming traffic.

10.5 mi 54.1995, -2.1147 At the George Inn go str on – not signposted.

You’ll shortly run alongside the River Wharfe into Kettlewell.

4.8 mi 54.1469,-2.0491 In Kettlewell you’ll pass the Blue Bell Inn on you left. The village itself is off
to the left. To continue south, bear right past the Blue Bell Inn and cross the river.

3.3 mi 54.1031, -2.0381 Remain on the B6160 and pass through Kilnsey.

The big attraction here is Kilnsey Crag overlooking the road. On most days you can see rock
climbers dangling from its170 ft high cliff with an overhang of 40ft.

Close to the crag is the start of Mastiles Lane, a 5 mile walk over the moors to Malham Tarn . . . a
magnificent, if lonely, hike with fine views over the landscape.

2.7 mi 54.0693,-2.0174 Remain on the B6160 to Threshfield. In the middle of the village go
str.ahd on to the B6265, s/posted “Cracoe 3 / Skipton 9 / B6265”.

Expert navigator checkpoint: Look for Old Hall Inn on the r. shortly after joining the B6265.