Yorkshire House Boat Holidays

Gargrave, Skipton, North Yorkshire

Available for Romantic Winter breaks November to the end of March

Sleeping 2 up to 4 people 2 x TV / DVD and Radio / CD Player Idyllic Waterside location Pet Friendly Car Parking within 100 metres Includes all bedding & Towels Full Central Heating 240 V electricity Outdoor Furniture Full Kitchen Fridge Ice Box, Oven, Micro Shower, WC, Wash Basin Wood / Coal Stove Pubs within 1 mile

February breaks available commencing 21st (3 Nights) 27th (up to 4 Nights) March breaks commencing 2nd March (up to 4 Nights) 9th March (2 Nights)

 

 

A unique House Boat Holiday on a Luxury Narrow Boat

Offering a Beautiful countryside location in the Yorkshire Dales

The beautiful Yorkshire Dales National park is renowned for it's spectacular landscapes, challenging walks and scenic beauty, it is the all English Solution to the "Great Escape".  

Ideally located within this wonderful Yorkshire Dales Scenery a Luxury self catering House Boat Holiday awaits you offering spectacular views across lush Yorkshire Dales countryside toward the famous Settle Carlisle railway in an Idyllic waterside mooring.

All modern facilities include a fully fitted kitchen, Bathroom, Wood Burning Stove and full central heating to Flat Screen TV / DVD's in the living area and bedroom. This most scenic peaceful waterside location in Gargrave, North Yorkshire is the perfect base for exploring Yorkshire and the Dales, walking part of or all of the Pennine Way, taking on the 3 Yorkshire peaks Challenge, Canoeing on the canal, walking & mountain biking with miles and miles of clear safe towpaths to the East or West or taking a train trip over the famous Settle to Carlisle railway.

Luxury Cottage Boat Accommodation in scenic peaceful surroundings

 

 

Whether you wish to "stay put" and feed the ducks and swans while enjoying the lovely countryside surroundings & wildlife....or you need a comfortable base to explore the Yorkshire Dales this is the perfect solution. The lovely Pennine Way village of Gargrave near Skipton lies in the heart of Picturesque Yorkshire Dales and offers a fantastic touring base for the Yorkshire Dales, Cumbria and the lakes. For the walker the Pennine way passes through here taking in the amazing Malham Cove leading up to the 3 famous Yorkshire peaks of Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent. On your doorstep lie the famous market towns of Skipton & Settle and within an hours drive the Forest of Bowland, Cumbria and the Lakes.

 

Views from the windows (Left) and (Centre) Idyllic location and countryside views (Right)

 

 

All round Panoramic views of Dales Countryside & Nature

 

From the rear deck you can enjoy panoramic views in almost every direction from the Sharphaw hills to the East to distant views of Malham's hilltops to the North. Local wildlife likely to pay you a visit during your stay include, Herons, Oyster Catchers, Curlews, Kestrels, Canada Geese, Buzzards, Badgers, Foxes, Deer and of course lot's of Swans, Ducks, Rabbits and sheep in the water and surrounding fields.

Within 1/4 mile from your accommodation runs the River Aire one of the many pleasant features of this location. Which for the more energetic features in a wonderful 6 mile countryside walk from your accommodation to Malham Cove.

Top to Bottom, Bedroom view, rear Deck, friendly visitors, the walk to Malham and River Aire

 

Gargrave & the Locality

Less than 1 mile away lies the pretty village of Gargrave famous for it's stepping stones across the river Aire has a small population served by a well stocked CO-OP Foodstore, Quality Butcher, 3 friendly Pubs, The Swan Inn, The Masons Arms and the Anchor Inn great for eating out. There is also the renowned Bollywood Restaurant and a number of walking cafes with good home cooking.

Gargrave offers numerous Gateways into the beautiful Yorkshire dales. Whether it is walking, cycling, sightseeing or travelling around this location is just perfect. Just 5 miles away and connected by the Pennine way path is the amazing Malham Cove which after the last ice age and melting of the Glaciers was a spectacular waterfall similar to the world famous Niagra falls. Just 5 miles to the East down the canal towpath or the A65 lies the market town of Skipton with it's castle, here you can take a boat trip to the castle or a trip on the steam train to Bolton Abbey.

To the North lies the market town of settle and numerous picture postcard villages such as Dent, Hawes, Kettlewell and Appletreewick to name but a few. The famous three Yorkshire peaks walk starts from Horton, here you can take on the 3 peaks under 12 hours challenge. There are also countless other attractions from the Falconry display at Giggleswick, the Forest of Bowland national park area just over the border in Lancashire, Pendle Hill, the amazing Ingleborough waterfalls walks and underground caves.

Eagles, Kestrels, Buzzards and Owls

Can all be found living and breeding wild within this area and with patience and a pair of sharp eyes or Binoculars. If you want to take the short cut and see these birds a touching distance there are 2 excellent Falconry Centres within 10 miles of Gargrave. Hawk Experience is very good in Austwick near Settle Tel 01729 822832 (Approx 10 miles) this is just off the main A65 Road North from Gargrave.

There is also another at Coniston Hall Tel 01756 748080 (Approx 3 miles) Just off the main A65 Road North from Gargrave. Both centres are open throughout the year, have live feeding and flying displays and represent excellent value for money.

Mountain Bikes and Cycles are available for hire at Dave Ferguson Cycles. Unit 3 Albion Yard Garage, Off Ropewalk Skipton Tel: Tel: (01756) 795367

The nearest Launderette is White Rose, 56-58 Brougham St, Skipton, BD23 2JN Tel 01756 792984 ý (Approx 5 miles)

Malham Cove, Gargrave and it's stepping stones across the River Aire

 

Skipton, Bolton Abbey & Embsay Steam railway

Apart from being the gateway to the dales Skipton has many other attractions and facilities ranging from pitch and putt adjacent to the canal in Aireville Park, to eating out at the majestic canal side Herriots Hotel offering fine cuisine and real ales. This Historic market town also has a Castle, there is Embsay steam railway or maybe a trip over the famous settle carlisle railway. Skipton has some excellent shops and of course the renowned Skipton Market. In the evening a selection of fine Pubs, Restaurants and Hotels may tempt you. The Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway is a heritage railway formed in 1979 and part of the former Midland Railway branch from Skipton to Ilkley which closed down in 1965. The now preserved railway runs from Embsay to Bolton Abbey station, from here a short walk brings you to the Bolton Abbey Estate formerly belonged to the Dukes of Devonshire.

The 30,000-acre Estate has five areas designated as English Sites of Special Scientific Interest, including Strid Wood, an ancient woodland oak wood, which contains the length of the River Wharfe known as The Strid. The priory was originally founded at Embsay in 1120 and contained canons led by a prior. Bolton Abbey was founded in 1151 by the Augustinian order, on the banks of the River Wharfe. The nave of the abbey church was in use as a parish church from about 1170 onwards, and survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Building work was still going on at the abbey when the Dissolution of the Monasteries resulted in the termination of the priory in 1539. The east end remains in ruins. A tower, begun in 1520, was left half-standing, and its base was later given a bell-turret and converted into an entrance porch. Most of the remaining church is in the Gothic style of architecture, but more work was done in the Victorian era, including

Embsay Steam Railway, Bolton Abbey and the Strid river walks

The Forest of Bowland

Just over the Border and less than 20 minutes away lies the scenic Forest of Bowland, also known as the Bowland Fells an area of Forest, Fells, deep valleys and peat moorland. A small part actually lies in North Yorkshire and much of the area has historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire. Once described as the "Switzerland of England"^[it has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is used for grouse shooting, walking and cycling, though it is relatively unfrequented by tourists. One of the best known features of the area is Pendle Hill which is separated from the main part of the Forest of Bowland AONB by the Ribble Valley. Gisburn Forest is particularly good for walking and there are specialist mountain bike track circuits here.

The scenic Forest of Bowland within 30 minutes

 

Malham Cove and Gordale Scar

Just 6 miles from Gargrave either via the recommended Countryside Walk or by car, lies the amazing Malham Cove and Gordale Scar one of the seven wonders of the world a natural limestone formation and well-known beauty spot. It is a large, curved limestone cliff at the head of a valley with a fine area of limestone pavement at the top. Describing the cove in 1779, Adam Walker said, "This beautiful rock is like the age-tinted wall of a prodigious castle; the stone is very white, and from the ledges hang various shrubs and vegetables, which with the tints given it by the bog water. & c. gives it a variety that I never before saw so pleasing in a plain rock." 

On the west side of the 80 metre (260 foot) high cliff face are about 400 irregular stone steps: these form part of the route of the Pennine Way and lead to an uneven limestone pavement at the top. Originally, a large waterfall flowed over the cove as a glacier melted above it. The remnant of a stream which once fell over the cliff now flows out of the lake of Malham Tarn, on the moors 2 km north of the cove. That stream now disappears underground at the aptly-named 'Water Sinks', 1.5 kilometres (one mile) before its valley reaches the top of the cove. A stream of a similar size Malham Beck emerges from a cave at the bottom of the cove.

It used to be assumed that the two streams were one and the same. However, experiments with dyes have now shown that two separate streams go underground at different locations, cross paths without mixing behind the cliff, and re-emerge a couple of kilometres apart. This shows the complexity of the system of caves behind the cliff, which is thought to be around 50,000 years old. Divers have so far explored over 1.6 km of cave passage entered from the base of the cove. The lip of the cove has been more heavily eroded than the sides, creating a curved shape. A colossal amount of water used to flow over this waterfall, which measures 80 m (260 ft) high and over 300 m (1000 ft) wide. Nowadays the underlying cave systems have a large enough capacity to swallow any flood waters before it reaches the fall. The last record of water flowing over the fall in any kind of volume dates back to a period of heavy rain in the early 19th century. The valley was formed at the end of the last ice age when the ground was frozen. The frozen ground meant that meltwater from the melting ice sheet formed a large river flowing over the surface, eroding the valley that we see today. The water from this river flowed over Malham Cove to form a huge waterfall. When the climate warmed around 12,000 years ago the ground thawed and the river in the valley disappeared underground leaving the valley dry as we see it today. The cove, along with nearby Gordale Scar, was featured in an episode of the BBC TV series Seven Natural Wonders as one of the natural wonders of Yorkshire.

Sensational Malham Cove and it's amazing limestone Pavement

Another fantastic circular walk from the village of Malham is Janet's Foss Waterfall and Gordale Scar a dramatic limestone ravine containing two waterfalls and overhanging limestone cliffs over 100 metres high.

The gorge was formed by water from melting glaciers. The stream flowing through the scar is Gordale Beck, which on leaving the gorge flows over Janet's Foss before joining with Malham Beck two miles downstream to form the River Aire. A right of way leads up the gorge, but requires some mild scrambling over tufa at the lower waterfall.

You can easily walk to Malham Cove / Gordale Scar and back from Gargrave following the Pennine way a fairly easy going 12 miles round trip, you can also venture further North from Malham through it's limestone causeway to Pen-y-ghent and Horton in Ribblesdale returning by train to Gargrave station.

The lively Janet's Foss Waterfall and inspiring Gordale Scar

The 3 Yorkshire Peaks

Approx 20 miles to the North lies Horton and the 3 Peaks Challenge" walkers aim to complete a gruelling 42 km 26 mile circuit of all three peaks with nearly 1,600 m (5,249 ft) of ascent and descent within 12 hours, starting and finishing at the same point as detailed by Alfred Wainwright in his 1971 guide Walks in Limestone Country. The route most walkers take varies from the fell race in that most traverse the 'nose' of Pen-y-ghent from Brackenbottom Moor and do not ascend from the Pennine Way. Additionally, Whernside is generally traversed along the right of way to the east following the railway line, all of which can add extra milage to the route.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park runs a voluntary Friends of the Three Peaks Club, for those completing the challenge. The proceeds of this go towards the upkeep of the paths on the route. Certificates, medals and membership forms are awarded by local participating businesses. To avoid the crowds many people now start from various points in the circular route, such as Chapel-le-Dale. But the 'traditional' route starts in the village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale with a rail station and direct trains from Gargrave. The Pen-y-ghent Cafe runs a 'logging' service where walkers can be timed in and out. Those who succeed become eligible for membership of the Cafe's privately owned 'Three Peaks of Yorkshire Club'.

The challenge is also very popular for charity sponsored walks and Saturdays in early summer can see several hundred walkers make their way round the route.

The 3 Yorkshire peaks Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent

The Lakes district

Less than 60 minutes drive up the A65 to the West you can easily reach the Lake District, also known as The Lakes or Lakeland, a mountainous region and very popular holiday destination. Famous for its lakes Windermere, Coniston and Ullswater and its mountains and fells. The central, and most visited, part of the area is contained in the Lake District National Park and lies entirely within Cumbria. The lakes is one of England's few mountainous regions. All the land in England higher than three thousand feet above sea level lies within the National Park, including Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England. It also contains the deepest and longest lakes in England. Despite the name only one of the lakes in the Lake District actually contains the word "lake" in its name, Bassenthwaite Lake, the rest being either "meres", "waters", "tarns" or "reservoirs".

The Beautiful lake district national park

 

Ingleton it's Caves and Waterfalls

Just a short journey from Gargrave lies Ingleton famous for walking, hiking and caving. Favorite walks are the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail and the climb up Ingleborough one of the famous 3 peaks. Directly from the village visitors can ascend the 2,373 feet (723 m) of Ingleborough and take in a view of the Yorkshire Dales from its summit. The more experienced try the Three Peaks Challenge, with Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent offering 25 miles (40 km) of outstanding natural beauty.

Throughout history, the Romans, Celts, Vikings and Normans have left their mark on Ingleton and its surrounding area. Set against a backdrop of wooded valleys and caves, the village nestles at the foot of Ingleborough - probably the most easily recognized of the Three Peaks. Full of character and fascinating history.

Ingleton is a thriving tourist attraction with outdoor shops, Cafes, Restaurants and Pubs, nearby are the White Scar Caves and Ingleborough Cave, show-caves popular with tourists and Gaping Gill, whose 365 ft (111 m) cavern can be visited by tourists on spring and autumn bank holiday when a winch is set up. For more experienced cavers, the area has a labyrinth of challenging potholes and caves. This is due to the 300 million year old limestone rock of the area, which has gradually been dissolved by groundwater.

Ingleton famous for it's Caves and spectacular Waterfalls

 

The Historic city York

 

A very popular day trip and within 1 & 1/2 hours drive or easy train Journey is the Historic City of York. Apart from it's renowned National Rail Museum, Art Gallery, Theatre and York race course. There is York Minster, guided walking tours, the castle and city walls which you can walk around, some of the country's finest Pubs and evening Ghost walks !

 

The city is so rich in History Archaeological evidence suggests that Mesolithic people settled in the region of York between 8000 and 7000 BC. It's relative Modern day History from 1066 onward, include William the Conqueror, the battle of Marston Moor and it's Fortress days, to its more famous home grown characters such as Guy Fawkes (The Gun Powder Plot) Dick Turpin (The Highwayman) York also has a fantastic market and some of finest Shops and the world famous Betty's tea rooms !

 

The Historic City of York Famous for the Minster, Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin

 

Settle and Carlisle Railway

Last but not least d uring your stay, you may choose a leisurely day trip to Carlisle over the famous Settle to Carlisle railway Line, direct trains from Leeds to Carlisle call at Gargrave and traverse the 73-mile (117 km) long main railway line through the roof of Northern England. Also known as the Settle and Carlisle. It is a part of the National Rail network and was constructed in the 1870s. The line runs through the remote regions of the Yorkshire Dales including Horton, Ribblehead and the North Pennines, it is considered to be the most scenic railway in England. The drama of its history and construction mean that it is regarded as one of the culminating symbols of Victorian enterprise and engineering. The line officially runs from near the town of Settle, beginning at a junction with the line from Leeds to Morecambe, extending to the city of Carlisle close to the England / Scotland border. On the way the line passes through the town of Appleby-in-Westmorland and a number of small communities.

Perhaps a journey over the world famous settle to carlisle railway

 

 

Availability & Further Information Advice / Help Lines open 09:00 to 22:30 GMT 7 days a week PLEASE CALL US 01729 851181  Mobile Phone / Texting 07885 211787 Email enquiries to:   cottageinfo@self-catering-scotland.com Ref 92 Yorkshire Dales House Boat Due to ever increasing Spam levels we cannot guarantee to respond to emails. Please call us on either phone number above to be certain. If you do wish to email us please state in your email exactly which cottage and dates your require further information.

 

Canal Towpath Walks & the Pubs from Gargrave East or West

Walking or Cycling to the East

Walking East towards Skipton (5 miles) is flat and unchallenged lot's of countryside views and odd stile to pass through. On the approach to Skipton lies the majestic canal side Herriots Hotell offering fine cuisine and real ales. A further 1/2 mile brings you to the Historic town of Skipton where you can visit Skipton Castle. Skipton has some excellent shops and of course the renowned Skipton Market. In the evening a selection of fine Pubs, Restaurants and Hotels may tempt you. From here you can catch the train back to Gargrave or venture further East.

Again the canal towpath is easy going shortly you reach picture postcard Dales villages of Bradley and Kildwick and there are wonderful views here to be savored. West Yorkshire Town of Silsden is the next major town on the route, here you can visit the Charming Bridge Inn and explore this Historic Mill town. Silsden has all town facilities including a well stocked Co-op foodstore, many fine Pubs serving local ales and a number of Restaurants.From here you can catch the train back to Gargrave or venture further East

Further South is Keighley (4 miles) home of the famous Keighley and Worth Valley Railway made world famous by the film the railway children offering you a magical trip to Haworth and Bronte Land. Keighley has full town shopping facilities including supermarkets, many excellent restaurants, the Peter Black museum, Bronte Ales and the Keighley Leisure centre, with Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Sauna and Steam Room. From here you can catch the train back to Gargrave or venture further East

 

Walking or Cycling to the West

Heading from Gargrave the towpath elevates through dramatic Pennine scenery last port of Pub call is the canal side Anchor Inn the next nearest town is Barnoldswick (8 miles) and journey to it takes in beautiful Dales scenery.

From here you cover the most incredible stretch of the canal tow path, snaking around the contours and reverse curves, the distant views are spectacular. You can see where we are going to be in ten minutes time as it all appears to be just a stones throw away! Following the contours to the head of the valley, you finally negotiate a hairpin bend and return back on a parallel course. After passing under the amazing double bridges you arrive at East Marton, where you can stop at the excellent Cross Keys Inn

Moving on from East Marton passing through dramatic Pennine scenery you reach the highest point of the Leeds Liverpool canal a massive 487ft / 149m above Sea level. Greenberfield Locks are voted the best kept set of Locks in the country and there are a number of country walks and views. Just 3 miles on from here lies Historic, picturesque Barnoldswick and for the extra keen walker a chance to stretch their legs with a dramatic walk to the top of Pendle Hill famous for it's witch craft, or for the less energetic the Barnoldswick Rolls Royce museum or some of the charming local Inns are far less strenuous in this welcoming East Lancashire village.

Barnoldswick has full town facilities including CO-OP foodstore, Off Licence and many good Pubs selling local Ales. There is no rail link from Barnoldswick to Gargrave so if you do not fancy the 8 miles return walk back to Gargrave, you will have to take the Bus to Skipton or hire a taxi !

You can head further West again for the Pennine village of Foulridge (6 miles) the tow path is fairly unchallenged just a pleasing series of curves and rolling Pennine countryside.

Canal Fishing & Wildlife

On your doorstep this waters edge accommodation offers the keen angler a floating fishing station so long as you purchase a Fishing Permit. The most Popular fish found in the Leeds Liverpool canal are Carp, Roach, Bream and Gudgeon, with some dace and chub in pockets. Many anglers are happy to catch large numbers of the smaller fish, but those who are selective in their methods and locations, seek out the bigger fish. Carp are widespread with fish up to 28lb and specimen eels lurk in many lengths of this waterway. Some of the remaining Un-navigable Clear but Weedy Branches and inlet rivers form havens for larger roach, rudd and tench often with good numbers of pike to provide sport for rod benders.

If you prefer to fresh water River Fish the River Aire is less than 1/4 mile away from your accommodation

Fishing information visit waterscape.com

You'll find all sorts of other wildlife on Britain's waterways - from common sights such as Mallards, Moorhens and Swans, to Otters Water Voles For further detailed Canal Wildlife information visit waterscape.com

Your Cottage Boat Accommodation

 

 

 Luxury Cottage Accommodation within a Canal Boat 

This brand New Build 57 foot Luxury Cruiser with all modern facilities ranging from a fully fitted kitchen, Shower Room, Wood Burning Stove and full central heating to Flat Screen TV / DVD's, Microwave and Hairdryer. Sleeping up to 4 people.

	The Shower Room, consists of Electric Shower and Cubicle, WC and Wash Hand Basin. There is a towel rail and ample storage facility for further Towels, Shelves are provided for Toiletries
The Kitchen includes a Gas Oven and Hob, Fridge with freezer box, Microwave, Kettle. All Crockery, Glassware, Pots, Pans, Cookware, Cutlery and even a cork screw are provided for your convenience.
The open plan Sitting / Dining Room offers all modern comforts, including full central heating with a most welcoming Wood / Coal Stove. There is a TV / DVD, Luxury relaxing Chaise Sofa & Chair. Plus dual purpose Dining suite for 4 people, which converts into an additional double bed. 240 and 12 Volt plug Sockets are provided.
The Double bedroom has it's own dividing privacy door, central heating, ample hanging and storage space and flat screen TV / DVD. The purpose built dining suite converts to provide additional sleeping for the 3rd and 4th person in the Sitting room. 240 and 12 Volt plug Sockets are provided.

 

 

Location of this House Boat

 

 

Additional outdoor furniture, Folding deck chairs and Camp Table are provided for responsible use on the Aft Deck and canal side picnics and lounging.

This Cottage boat has 240 volts sockets for the

Microwave and TV / DVD

240 volt sockets also provided and for your own Hair dryer / Straighteners if you do not wish to use the 12 volt items provided.

Availability & Hire Charges

This is a static Narrow Cottage Boat Holiday rental it does not permit Moving or Cruising the vessel on the canal 

Available for Winter Breaks only October 31st 2011 to March 30th 2012

All hire charges include all "Heating, Gas, Fuel, Bedding & Towels"

Romantic 2 night WINTER BREAKS available November, December, January, February

& March from just £150.00

Pet Friendly

This Luxury House Boat is Pet Friendly 1 clean well behaved Pet is allowed at an additional surcharge of £20 and must be kept under control at all times and must not be allowed on the bedding or furniture.

Availability & Online Booking

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