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Here at Milners of Leyburn we are very lucky to sit right in the heart of the dales, surrounded by beautiful countryside and exquisite buildings, so we’ve asked our staff members to share some of their favourite places nearby! 

Leonie (Director & Retail Manager):

One of my favourite views in the dales is from the top of Scarth Nick, between villages Preston-Under-Scar and Redmire. On a clear day (you might see that phrase a few times throughout this blog!!), you’re able to see all the way up Wensleydale and sometimes Bishopdale if our Yorkshire weather allows it!

Another view that comes to mind is also one of my favourite drives, probably for nostalgic reasons as we used to do this route when I was a child to visit my grandparents. Coming from Skipton and through Wharfedale, you come to the top of Kidstones Bank and get a terrific view down through Bishopdale. 

Janet (Groundfloor Sales):

When asked about my favourite local place, Stone House Hotel instantly came to mind. Situated ‘updale’ near Hawes, the location provides stunning views and just a general feeling of peace and tranquillity. The staff always look after us and it has long been a special place for me to meet up with friends - many delicious lunches have been consumed there! 

A second place that stood out for me was the drive over the Buttertubs Pass. This road crosses over high moorland between Wensleydale and Swaledale, and anyone who has travelled that way will agree that the views of the surrounding valleys and fells are magnificent (especially on a clear day!). Named after the limestone potholes found near the road, it is said that farmers once lowered their butter into them to keep it cool while on their way to the Hawes market.

Named after the limestone potholes found near the road, it is said that farmers once lowered their butter into them to keep it cool while on their way to the Hawes market.

Phoebe (Sales & Marketing): 

I go to Mocha (a lovely chocolatiers and cafe located on Aske estate near Richmond) nearly every weekend. They serve sandwiches and hot meals, as well as coffee and cakes, and they never miss! The food is always delicious and the hot drinks are to die for - their signature mocha is of course my go-to. Oh and you can’t forget what they’re all about, chocolate! Their salted caramel truffles are the BEST. 

In my opinion, one of the prettiest spots in the Yorkshire Dales is Thorp Perrow, an arboretum just outside of Bedale. I find this gem of a place so incredibly inspiring, it’s like walking into a fantasy book every time you step through the gates, and witnessing the abundance of woodland and gardens change throughout the seasons is magical. It’s like a different place each time you visit! I also once had the privilege of stabling my horse here for a few years, making it even more special to me.

Keith (Director):

For me, I never get bored of The Leyburn Shawl - an elevated limestone escarpment with nearly two miles worth of great walks. The views of the dale and Pen Hill are fantastic, especially on a bright, clear day, and I’m very lucky to have this on my doorstep and to be able to take Teddy for walks here every day. According to legend, The Shawl coined its name from when Mary Queen Of Scots escaped from Bolton Castle and dropped her shawl while fleeing from her captors! 

I also have a bit of a soft spot for Askrigg, I’m not sure what it is but I find this village so appealing. Perhaps it’s the lack of second homes, which appears to have helped form this great, gritty community that resides there. Plus it has three decent pubs! 

Sarah (Interior Sales):

My favourite town around here has got to be Richmond. It’s such a lovely place to walk around with the beautiful river Swale running through, quirky cobblestone streets and spectacular historic buildings. The hills and elevation of this town adds to its charm and makes for some fabulous views, plus there is of course the impressive castle, one of the greatest Norman fortresses in Britain, to either explore or simply admire.

Heading over to the other side of Leyburn, West Burton Waterfall is a picturesque place to spend time in both the summer and winter. Throughout the hotter months the shady plunge pool provides a lovely, cool area to spend time with family, whilst if you visit during winter you’ll find beautiful frozen icicles amongst the snow.

Linda (Groundfloor Sales):

A lovely drive that I enjoy is when you head out of Leyburn, over the moors and into the pretty village of Reeth. From there I travel along Arkengarthdale towards England’s famous ‘highest’ pub, Tan Hill, and then back along Swaledale through the pretty villages and into Reeth again. It’s a beautiful drive with fabulous scenery, and you never know what wildlife you’ll encounter along the way. Plus we get to finish with a yummy treat from Reeth’s ice-cream parlour! 

I also love the drive from Coverdale to Kettlewell, and find it to be a nice day out with friends and family. We often encounter majestic highland cows (an absolute favourite of mine!) and, just before you take the steep descent into Wharfedale, it’s always worth stopping to take in the gorgeous views down into the valley. Kettlewell is nestled at the bottom, where I like to stop for coffee and cake!

Lauren (Marketing):

I think for nostalgic reasons, the River Ure where it runs through Wensley comes to mind as one of my best-loved places in the dales. When my brother and I were younger we used to get taken on a lot of dog walks down there and the woodland/river provided a bit of a playground for us, from jumping over the tree roots to fishing for minnows! As a teenager it was a favourite place to spend time with friends, and as an adult a couple of us now use it as a route for jogging. So it’s sort of always played a part in my life throughout the years (which I’m only just now realising since being asked this question!). 

I also have to agree with Sarah about Richmond. It’s a lovely market town with its historical charm and has an abundance of independent shops and places to eat and drink. The little gin and tapas bar, Number 29, on Frenchgate comes to mind in particular!

Paula (Interior Sales): 

My favourite places here in the Yorkshire Dales are those that remind me of my children when they were little. As a family we often enjoyed the walk from Reeth down to the river and over the suspension bridge, known locally as the ‘Reeth Swing Bridge’ (we’ll let you guess as to why!). 

I used to take them to the Shawl a lot, where we have lots of fond memories of them enjoying the large playground, and I also recall our trips to Aysgarth Falls: three distinct waterfalls (aptly named the upper, mid and lower) that carve into remarkable limestone rock formations. On a sunny day it’s an idyllic place to be; early descriptions of these falls were even recorded in the writings of William Wordsworth. Not to mention it was also a film location for Robin Hood - Prince Of Thieves!

In conclusion to our Milners’ Guide To The Dales, if you appreciate extraordinary scenery, astounding views, and fascinating buildings brimming with history, we think you would love this extremely special part of the country - simply grab your hiking boots (and maybe a raincoat). Just don’t forget to take a trip to Leyburn while over here and bob into our Milners store! 😉

All photos (apart from the one of the shawl which came from Lauren’s trusty iphone!)  in this blog have been provided by our very talented blind fitter-come-photographer, Andrew. https://andrewfletcherphoto.myportfolio.com/