WELCOME! ALL [KNITTERS] GREAT AND SMALL

After a hearty Yorkshire breakfast, we will head out into the cobbled streets of Grassington, made famous in recent years as the fictional Darrowby in the filming of TV classic All Creatures Great and Small. We will saunter through the narrow lanes, gradually making our way up the hill, past stone-built cottages, stopping occasionally to admire the unfolding views of the town and river valley below. Our first stop for the day will be to visit a small rare breeds farm sitting on the hill above Grassington. Owner Helen will take us to visit her sheep, and we will hear about the yarns that she produces from local breeds, White Faced Woodland and Wensleydale. 

Then it’s off to stretch our legs as we will stroll along ancient trackways through  stone-wall enclosed fields, to the nearby village of Hebden. This will be our first walk together, so we will take time to get to know each other and settle into our stride, getting a feel for how we will walk together as a group, and stopping frequently to savor our first taste of this pastoral landscape, and the flirtatious, oh-so English weather that will accompany us every step of our way. Will the weather gods be kind to us? We can certainly hope so, but we will learn to be prepared with gear for all four of the seasons that may choose to tease us on our walks each day. 

Back in Grassington at the end of the day we will walk the short distance from our accommodation to the historic Devonshire pub for a hearty supper. To TV aficionados, the location is perhaps better known as the Drovers’ Arms in All Creatures Great and Small.

Walk length: 4-5 miles, elevation gain, 360’

YARNDALE, SKIPTON ('sheep town' from Old Norse)

There’ll be no walking today (unless you count a not insignificant step count), but you will certainly make up for it with yarn buying! Welcome to Yarndale - one of the UK’s premier yarn festivals - housed in the atmospheric surroundings of Skipton Livestock Auction Mart. Rows and rows of sheep and cattle pens are converted as if by magic into a cornucopia of bunting-clad woolly loveliness, featuring many independent yarn businesses from the North of England and farther afield. 

We will spend the whole day at the festival before returning on our coach laden with goodies to the welcoming comfort of our hotel in Grassington and a well-earned supper, before we fall into bed dreaming of all the new yarn projects that we are eager to cast on.

MASHAM SHEEP FAIR

If yesterday was all about yarn, today will put the spotlight firmly on our woolly friends who work so hard growing fleeces to make all of our knitting possible. We are talking SHEEP, lots and lots of sheep of many varieties gathered in one of the largest and finest market squares of England for the annual Masham Sheep Fair. Masham originally received a market charter in 1250 and its prosperity grew off the back of the sheep trade, which originated from the flocks reared by monks at nearby abbeys. It is believed that as many as 70,000 sheep changed hands during these sales. In recent years this tradition has seen a revival, and today Masham’s Sheep Fair attracts many visitors who come to experience a full programme of activities including the annual sheep show, a showcase for the finest local and rare-breeds. See if you can spot such stalwarts as Masham, Dalesbred, Swaledale, Teeswater, or Wensleydale. And if you tire of putting your sheep identification skills to the test, how about checking out some of the other showground activities on offer, or indulging in a little retail therapy at the wool craft market?

After a sheep-filled morning, we will drive to Fountains Abbey, a nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we will spend the afternoon exploring the ruined priory and learning more about the wealth generated by monks in medieval times from the rearing of sheep on their extensive lands. The estate has beautiful grounds to explore so we won’t be short of an opportunity to stretch our legs in this evocative setting. 

After another busy day we will board our coach for our onward journey through the iconic Dales landscape to Hawes in Wensleydale where we will check into our comfortable, country house hotel for the next four nights. 

Walk: optional walks on paths in the grounds of Fountains Abbey. Maximum 4 miles, elevation gain 410’ .

MEET A SHEPHERDESS AND HER FLOCK

Today we will be heading west to explore the quintessential stone-built town of Sedbergh, known locally as a walkers’ (and book-lovers’) paradise! We will take some time to appreciate the charms of this remote Dales town before heading out for a walk along the many paths that criss-cross the fields, woodland and fells of this quiet corner of England.

After lunch back in Sedbergh our coach will take us on the short drive to visit shepherdess Alison O'Neill on her nearby hill farm. Alison will meet us with her sheepdogs, Shadow and Swift, and invite us into her barn for an inspirational talk about her experiences running a one woman farm in this challenging upland environment for the past 27 years. She will then accompany us for a walk about the farm to meet her sheep, before taking us to visit her Wool Shed, where we can view her collection of tweeds, locally woven with wool sourced from her own flock and from those of neighboring farmers. 

At the end of another busy day we will head back into Sedbergh for supper before returning to our hotel to rest.

Walk Length: 2-3 miles

OUT AND ABOUT IN THE HIGHEST MARKET TOWN IN ENGLAND

After a busy few days, today we will take time to relax and enjoy the traditional flavors of the nearby small town of Hawes, known not only as the highest market town in England, but also as the home of Wensleydale cheese. After walking across the fields into town, we will pay a visit to the Dales Countryside Museum to learn all about the ‘terrible’ glove knitters for which this region is famous. We will explore galleries and tea rooms and with any luck we will sample the hustle and bustle of the regular Tuesday market. And no visit would be complete without seeking out the opportunity to sample some local Wensleydale cheese. Can anyone spot Wallace and Gromit, who are said to live nearby?

Need to burn off some energy after all that cheese? In the afternoon we will climb a few stiles as we head out for a sheep-filled walk through the well-preserved stone-walled fields and enclosures of this much-loved valley. We will return to Hawes later for a pub supper, before our coach picks us up for the short return journey up the hill to our hotel.

Walk length: 3.5 miles, elevation gain, 266’

ON THE TRAIL OF THE TERRIBLE KNITTERS

Today, after a nourishing breakfast at our hotel we will head to the nearby village of Dent in isolated Dentdale. We will take time to wander around this charming village where time appears to have stood still for centuries, but which once played such an important role in the history of hand-knitting in Yorkshire. We will then pick up a packed lunch from a local tea room and head out to explore the hills and meadows of Dentdale on foot. 

We will make our way along the valley to visit nearby Farfield Mill, an historic woollen mill that now houses an arts and heritage centre, showcasing some of the very best of Dales’ craft. We will spend some time exploring the Mill before our coach takes us back to our hotel to enjoy a well-earned rest and maybe a chance to relax and knit in one of the hotel’s comfortable lounges.

Walk length: 4-5 miles, elevation gain 615’

GLOVE KNITTING WITH ANN KINGSTONE

Has all of this sheep-filled fresh air and exercise made you yearn to pick up your needles? After a hearty breakfast we will check out of our hillside hotel before heading out for the thirty minute walk across fields to Hawes, where we will join designer Ann Kingstone for a workshop exploring the techniques of Yorkshire Dales glove knitting. As we spend the day with Ann, we will be sure to ask her to impart some of her knowledge of local knitting history. Can we hope to emulate those Terrible Knitters of Dent?

We will enjoy a buffet lunch, leaving space for some essential Yorkshire tea and cake. And at the end of the day we will board our coach, armed with our new glove-knitting skills, for a dramatic journey south across the rolling Dales to the tiny hamlet of Malham, where we will settle in to the welcoming comfort of an historic inn for the next two nights.

MALHAM COVE, CLAPDALE WOOL, AND MORE CHEESE!

We will be up bright and early on our final full day in the Dales, lacing up our hiking boots before heading off for a walk to nearby Malham Cove, a huge curving amphitheater of limestone rock where glacial meltwater once thundered into the valley below. This is a popular and well-trodden path, but deservedly so, and not without its challenges as we descend over 400 stone steps into the valley below. 

A fitting end to our walking adventures in the Dales, but there is a final treat in store as we head west to the village of Clapham to visit with Edward of Glencroft’s Clapdale Wool project. He tells an inspiring story of his family’s efforts to create a circular economy adding value to wool sourced only from farms within a 10 mile radius of their tiny Yorkshire village. Need a little final woolly retail therapy? We will walk across the village to visit their country clothing store before we finish for the day.

Hungry after all that Yorkshire goodness, we will enjoy a farewell cheesy supper together at a local creamery restaurant before heading back to our hotel to pack up our memories, and our woolly goodies. Anyone for a final pint of Yorkshire ale downstairs by the fire in the pub before they call last orders?

Walk length: 4 miles, elevation gain, 500’-600’

HOMEWARD BOUND

It will be an early start today as we pack up our bags and our memories and travel together in our coach to Manchester Airport for your onward journeys. We plan to arrive at the airport by 11:00am.

Earliest flight departure time 2:00pm.

How long will the walks be?

The length of our walks will vary from day to day, but expect an average of 3-4 miles per walk, with the occasional 5 mile day. We will be walking on most days.

What do you mean by the elevation gain?

The Yorkshire Dales is a landscape of rolling hills and river valleys. Whilst we are not at a great elevation above sea level, most walks will involve several climbs and descents which can amount to a significant elevation gain over a day’s walking. Walks will sometimes involve moderate ascents where you might expect to get out of breath. Elevation gain per walk will be in range of 250 - 900 feet.

What kind of paths will we be walking on?

Whilst we will sometimes be walking on country lanes, farm tracks and easily identifiable paths, the majority of our walks will also involve walking on more informal paths through rough fields, woodland, open countryside and moorland. We may also walk on stony paths and tracks which may be narrow and steep. Paths may be wet and muddy (occasionally slippery) after rain. We will encounter a variety of stiles and livestock. None of our walks will require specific technical skills.

What about the weather?

British weather has a reputation for being changeable, and this can be particularly true in the Fall. Periods of calm, fine weather can quickly be interrupted by longer spells of wind and rain (sometimes heavy) or by low cloud, mist and fog. Average temperatures for September and October are in the range of 42 - 58 degrees Fahrenheit although it can feel colder than this in the hills. Your walking leaders will make regular weather assessments, and plans and routes may occasionally have to be changed at short notice.

Will I need any special clothing or equipment?

We will send you a recommended equipment list closer to the tour, but you will be required to wear suitable outdoor footwear for the terrain and conditions. These must be waterproof walking boots, with sturdy soles, good tread and ankle support. You will also be expected to carry an appropriate waterproof jacket (with hood) and waterproof trousers. Goretex, or similar, is ideal. Walking poles, whilst not required, are recommended. You will need a comfortable backpack large enough to carry spare clothing, your packed lunch and water/snacks for the day. 

How can I prepare for the trip?

This tour is graded as having a Mobility Comfort Level of 4+. As such, you agree that you "love to walk and have no problems walking distances of 4 miles".

By its very nature, walking across varied terrain in changeable weather for several hours can be strenuous. In order to enjoy your trip to the full we recommend the following:

• continue to enjoy regular walks of at least 4 miles or more in the lead up to the tour

• try to seek out opportunities to walk up hills

• get used to wearing the boots and carrying the backpack that you intend to use on the trip to ensure that they are comfortable

Who will be leading our walk?

Lisa and Liz are UK qualified Hill and Moorland walking leaders. They are accustomed to walking in the terrain and weather conditions that are found in the Yorkshire Dales at this time of year. Your Fiber Ambassador, Lindsay is also a regular walker and will accompany us on the walks with her customary good cheer and lively conversation.

THE RISKY BIT...

Walking in the countryside is an adventurous activity that carries a certain level of inherent and unavoidable risk of personal discomfort, accident or injury. Part of the attraction of hill walking is the challenge of tackling different terrains, landscapes and weather conditions. Every effort is made to minimize potential risks and hazards. The most common accident and/or injury in the outdoors include slips, trips and falls, as well as personal injury such as blisters, strained muscles, scratches and stings, sunburn, getting cold and varying degrees of personal discomfort due to weather and/or ground conditions. Of course, more serious accidents/injuries may occur due to the natural environment (steep, uneven, rocky, wet, slippery ground), personal health issues and extreme weather conditions. By taking part in this activity, you are aware of and accept these risks.

And finally...

As with all of the best laid plans, the routes that we have planned for you may be subject to change. Your walking leaders will be continually monitoring weather forecasts and local conditions and some changes may occur at short notice for your comfort and safety. During the walk, it may also become necessary to adjust our itinerary due to adverse weather conditions, pace of the group, fitness and ability levels, accidents or injuries etc. In extreme circumstances the walk may be terminated. The decision to change or terminate the walk lies solely with the Walk Leader.

If you have any questions that have not been answered here, please contact us info@rowantreetravel.com.

Lindsay, aka  “The Border Tart”, is a stitcher, a printer, a maker and a lover of words. Inspired by color and pattern and passionate about Indian artisans and textiles, she values most highly all things made by hand. She’s a proponent of mindful stitching and hand work of all kinds. In her words, “Making with your own hands brings pleasure, calms the heart rate and imbues each piece with love.” Peruse her small edition stitching kits and other essentials here. You’ll also find her images, thoughts and adventures on Instagram at @bordertart. We’re so pleased to collaborate with this wonderful Scottish artisan and teacher.  

We are delighted to be joined by Lisa Denison on our tour to the Yorkshire Dales. Lisa is an accredited UK Walking Leader, with her own freelance walking business, Quiet Walks, based in south west Wales. Lisa is also an avid fiber enthusiast, and when not out walking in the hills, she cares for her small flock of mainly Icelandic sheep. A late-comer to the joys of fiber craft, Lisa is currently learning to spin the fiber from her own flock. She regularly makes rugs and woven items from her own or locally-sourced fleeces and she loves to encourage new adventures in craft and the outdoors; her weave and walk days are deservedly popular!

Liz lives with her family on a smallholding in the Cambrian mountains in Wales.  A keen knitter since childhood, she remembers watching her mother spin yarn from the family sheep, and she now keeps her own small flock of Shetland sheep to indulge her passion for all things woolly. Liz is also a keen hill walker, and loves to escape to her beloved mountains, seeking inspiration amongst the colours and textures of the wild upland landscape of mid-Wales. A linguist and Latin America specialist by training, Liz previously spent many years studying and travelling in southern Chile, where she was bewitched by the alchemy that rural women could perform with some roughly-spun wool and a few leaves in a dye pot over a wood fire. It was here that Liz learnt to weave, and now settled back home in Wales, she teaches weaving, whilst also running wildwoven, a woolly fair trade business, providing opportunities for rural women in Chile to supply highly-textured, hand spun yarns to discerning weavers and fibre artists. Liz is also a UK accredited Hill and Moorland Walking Leader.