It’s a paradise for walkers and cyclists (Image: Philip Silverman via Getty Images)
For those seeking a feeling of peacefulness, this glacial valley, encompassed by expansive farmland, provides precisely that – an authentic taste of England’s rural landscape.
Littondale is a compact and serene dale in Yorkshire, positioned in a characteristic u-shape, with deep historical roots and an atmosphere of country living as it once existed. Upon visiting the dale, there’s a sensation of time standing still, as its hamlets and way of life remain quintessentially English.
Indeed, archaeologists have unearthed numerous prehistoric and subsequent settlements that inhabited the length of its valley. Their extensive findings also demonstrated that throughout the mediaeval period the dale was predominantly managed by several monastic establishments.
The dale now comprises various villages, including Hawkswick, Arncliffe and Litton. Each consists of farmhouses originating from the 17th century.
Enhancing its tranquil character is the stunning river which notably flows through the valley and ultimately merges with the broader River Wharfe.
The river often dries up in certain areas, revealing limestone (Image: John Potter/robertharding via Getty Images)
Shallow yet flowing with remarkably clear waters, the River Skirfare winds through the farmlands and valley floor, vanishing for certain periods annually.
As conditions shift, the stream’s trickle disperses beneath the surface, close to Litton, and reveals an unusual limestone terrain below.
Arncliffe
Arncliffe stands as one of the principal villages in the region, and despite its compact proportions, it enjoys considerable recognition.
Known to countless viewers nationwide, it served as the original backdrop and filming site for the cherished soap Emmerdale Farm.
The village pub, called the Falcon, even featured as the Woolpack Inn. The traditional pub, according to customer feedback, has experienced decline over the years.
The villages are surrounded by views (Image: Philip Silverman via Getty Images)
However, one guest noted on TripAdvisor: « We had read about this tiny pub. It had been featured on the TV soap Emmerdale many moons ago, and it did not disappoint! The landlord was straight out of central casting. »
The locale remains characterised by stunning stone dwellings, alongside an enchanting place of worship, the Church of St Oswald.
Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the building holds listed status, believed to have been established upon an original Saxon religious site.
Positioned at the village centre, the church continues to attract curious visitors and was formerly a venue regularly visited by the renowned poet and author Charles Kingsley.
His period spent here throughout the Victorian era is believed to have influenced his celebrated children’s story, The Water Babies, penned in 1873.
Walking
Many opt to utilise the locale as a base for rambling, leaving their cars in one of its villages before tackling the Yorkshire Dales terrain. Most of these trails are circular, returning you directly to your starting point, whilst discovering the valleys and peaks en route.
The Littondale to Kettlewell walk is a well-loved route, starting in the village of Arncliffe, leading you across the shoulder of Birks in Kettlewell, where you can pause for refreshments, before returning into Littondale.
Others choose the slightly over five-mile walk leading you from Arncliffe to Litton and circling back round. The two-hour walk provides a leisurely ramble through the countryside as you absorb the picturesque beauty of Yorkshire, with the opportunity to make a stop, or two, at the charming village pubs.
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