FreeSpirit : Herriot country and in search for the ford.

Thursday 3 June 2021

Herriot country and in search for the ford.

I had reservations! The roads in the Yorkshire Dales looked awfully narrow and the one in particular we wanted to go along looked to be just a track. It was the road in the opening scene of all Creatures Great and Small where the Austin comes down a hill and through the ford. Trying to find the road was in itself challenging. All we knew was, it was between Low Row and Arkengarthdale. First we had to reach the Dales, and driving along the A6018 toward Leyburn, we came across Jervaulx Abbey. Such a lovely tranquil place...until, that is, about 10 kids with their parents turned up with a football and proceeded to take over the grounds! Thankfully our walk was almost over, and I managed to get the photos without interference from the kids.

Having roughly worked out which road to take for that ford by stopping at Low Row to look at the map, we found what we assumed was the correct road. The only trouble, it was a particularly narrow right turn of the main road with a very sharp bend and made us wonder whether it would be too challenging for MB. After a quick ponder thought it best to carry on and so drove past., but then Ian had a different idea. "Lets turn around and give it a go" said he. Oh, eck I thought....this could be interesting!

I needn't have worried because apart from the first bit of road, the Dales opened up before us and passing places were to be had. We found what looked to be the place except.....hmm, there was a bridge across the Hard Level Gill, a tributary of the River Swale, but no ford. Nop, this couldn't be it but wow what a place to stop and explore, and after a long walk decided this was to be the camp4night stop. I do so hope no other motorhomes or vans join us. There is something special about the solitude, listening to the wind and hearing the call of the Grouse, Meadow Pipits and Curlews that is quite magical.