Trifter

How Stean Gorge, the Heart of Nidderdale, in North Yorkshire was known to the Victorians as Yorkshire’s “Little Switzerland” because of its dramatic scenery. It has attracted tourists for well over a century and has often been used as a backdrop by film and TV producers. Viewers might recognise it from such offerings as Blake’s 7, Emmerdale, Wuthering Heights and Heartbeat.

People have described the gorge as the perfect end to a delightful drive. The ravine only reveals itself at the last minute as it lies concealed among the lush meadows of Nidderdale.

Visitors can follow the course of the spectacular limestone gorge via a series of narrow footpaths and bridges along a canyon that is 20m high in places, above a rivulet that can be a raging torrent in winter or merely a gentle stream in summer. It all depends on the English weather.

The narrow paths and footbridges, which are cut into the sides of the valley, follow the burn down to calmer waters and broader walks which lead to a cave.

More adventurous visitors can explore Tom Taylor’s Cave. This is a real cave, which comes complete with dripping stalactites that are still growing and an ancient river bed. Tourists can hire torches when they buy their tickets for the gorge and cave.

They can pass through the 70 metre passage beyond the cave and emerge back into the daylight by scambling up into Cat Hole Field.

How Stean Gorge is steeped in history and local folklore. A buried hoard of Roman coins was once unearthed from its depths. It has been a small quarry and even acted as a refuge for highwaymen at various times.

The burn is home to a wide variety of fish. Summer visitors will be able to observe them lazing in the water under the dense canopy of ash, oak and hazel that is interspersed with mosses, ferns and lichens.

It has always been an environment for an extensive variety of flowers, plants, trees, birds and animals. How Stean has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, due to its being a textbook example of a surface capture of cave drainage.

How Stean Gorge is a rugged natural feature, which makes it unsuitable for the disabled, the infirm and unaccompanied youngsters. It is unaccessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs and children must be supervised at all times in the interests of their own safety. Visitors must keep dogs on short leashes and all health and safety information and warnings must be obeyed.

There is a tea room and licensed café, which is renowned for its home cooking and home-baked cakes. It offers a wide selection of meals, snacks and locally brewed beers. Booking a table in advance is highly advisable.
The shop offers a wide variety of drinks, postcards and unique souvenirs. There is also How Stean Ice Cream, which is made locally at the village diary. Both shop and café are accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs.

How Stean Gorge has a children’s play area. A cycle hire facility, which is supplied and maintained by Halfords, is available for those more energetic visitors who wish to explore the rest of the area by bike.

The Gorge is open from 10:00 to 18:00 daily from the Easter holidays until October and Wednesday to Saturday out of season, with the exception of January when it is only open at weekends.

Special tours, parties, evening functions, family camping and potholing excursions can be arranged with the proprietors.

Studford Cottage is a two-bedroomed luxury holiday cottage with marvellous views over the dale, which is available for renting. The proprietors regret that no children or pets are allowed to stay at the cottage.

  How Stean Gorge is situated near the village of Lofthouse on an unnumbered road seven miles north of Pateley Bridge. Further information can be obtained and bookings made on 01423 755666.