Bishopdale

Bishopdale perhaps typifies our understanding of an upland, glaciated valley with its steep sides and flat bottom that was formed by great ice movements in past ages, but is now gently eroded by the lazy meandering of Bishopdale Beck, the largest tributary of the river Ure in Wensleydale.

Bishopdale is a minor and extremely picturesque trans-Pennine route that leaves the valley at its head climbing the steep Kidstones Bank to traverse the moor and descend into Wharfedale and on to Skipton.

This small valley has many outstanding natural features. Among the most spectacular are the moorland streams that leave the high fells and rush to the valley floor down wooded gills where waterfalls and deep pools have been carved into the hillside by cascading water before it slows to the relative tranquillity of Bishopdale Beck.

To the east is the splendour of Wensleydale with Aysgarth Falls, Bolton Castle, Leyburn, Hawes and smaller villages.