We arrived late morning, after a drive through the scenery of the Dales. We did the tour of the cheese production place which consisted of a short film and a look from an observation deck of the various stages of Wensleydale cheese production, much of it by done by hand. It was okay, but not worth a long drive, unless, perhaps you are dead mad on Wenselydale cheese! I like it, but not that much and Susan has a strong intolerance to cheese of any kind so not much fun for her really....
The market in Hawes was a disappointment, not very big or interesting really, so we soon moved on after a bite to eat in a cafe. We headed for the popular Aysgarth Falls.
This was good, we stopped at the visitors centre car park and headed off for the short walk to the upper falls. Had a walk about the falls, relaxed for a while, then headed back.
The bridge above is near to the path leading to the falls, if in the area, please cross this and visit the shop to the left over the other side. Purchase some of the Blackcurrant and Liquorice ice cream - very nice!! (nearly went for seconds!!)
It was now mid afternoon, so we headed for Kettlewell a bit further back south.
Our B&B was Pennycroft http://www.pennycroft.co.uk/
Pennycroft is a row of cotttages, though the centre one is not a part of the B&B.
We were in the corner cottage, which consists of a kitchen where the breakfasts and cakes etc... are prepared by Liz the owner. The breakfasts are served in the adjoining lounge which is also used for relaxation by guests at any other time. This looks out upon a large shared garden for all 3 cottages. A section of this can be used by guests and there is a table/patio area.
Liz`s husband is cricket mad and this shows as you go up the stairs with pictures and signed memorabilia, as well as a few local walking books which can be borrowed by guests.
We had a room with adjoining bathroom (with bath), which was a mistake as the room itself was "compact". The other room we realised later was much larger and had an en-suite shower. A tip for next time to book the bigger room.
The owners were very welcoming, offering drinks and cake on arrival and showed us to our room. They were very approachable and offered advice on walks, local pubs, where to eat etc... but were not too overbearing. The price was £65 per night incl breakfast. Though I think the bigger room is just a few pounds more.
Having checked in we explored the village a little, finding the 3 pubs (2 are actually opposite the B&B within a few strides away). Did not bother with the third as it was not to our liking, unless you like real spit and sawdust and chips and burgers. Though it was being renovated, so it may improve given time
Kettlewell itself is a good base for walking located fairly centrally in the Dales. It is "famous" for its Scarecrow festival, though we did not see much evidence or refererence to this during our stay as too early.
The local shop appears to sell everything, and is a real olde worlde place (wooden shelves and locals are allowed to buy on tick!) does a good range of sandwiches for taking on walks too.
We used the Blue Bell Inn every night as it offered reasonably priced food, a decent choice on the menu and cold beer. Good enough and, perhaps the best bit, thirty six steps from 'our' front door to theirs!
We retired, having eaten well and enjoyed a few pints of the local beer, all ready for walking the next day.
We retired, having eaten well and enjoyed a few pints of the local beer, all ready for walking the next day.
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