Advice for Yorkshire Dales in early January

[mshea]

We only managed an overnight in the Dales last January; stayed at the Wheatsheaf Inn in Carperby, near Leyburn in North Yorkshire;a delightful place, just a short walk from Aysgarth Falls. We were happily surprised to discover that James and Helen Herriot stayed there on their honeymoon. We shot a few pleasantly foggy panoramas, etc., but this time around we'll spend four or five nights in the area. This may open a flood of suggestions, but we're wondering if people have other recommendations for relatively inexpensive inns and B&Bs. We'll be wandering, both on foot and by car, so if anyone has favorite wintertime rambles or photo spots, we'd be happy to hear about them.

Thanks,

Merrill

[PhotoEcosse]

I have used the White Lion at Cray, near Skipton on a couple of occasions in the past (but the most recent about 7 or 8 years ago). The problem is that these places can change hands every few years and what was good then might be rubbish now.

You'll find it here:  http://www.whitelioninncray.co.uk/

Regarding photo spots, the problem with the dales in January (like many parts of our country) is that it is all so much weather-dependent. With a bit of luck, you'll get a mix of weather that will suit a variety of approaches.

Enjoy.

[Jeremy Roussak]

There's a great series of guides to B&Bs and small hotels published by Alastair Sawday. I think there mostly available online as well. I've stayed in several of his recommendations and never been disappointed.

Jeremy

[mshea]

Thanks for the suggestions! Yep, we're prepared for the worst, UK weather-wise.

Merrill

[Rhossydd]

The George and Dragon in Dent.
I haven't stayed there for a few years, but it was fine then, if not outstanding. Dent is a very picturesque village too.

Tripadvisor always seems a reliable gauge of accommodation in the UK now.

The hill road out of Dent to Ingleton has some wonderful vistas, but it's hellishly steep and a nightmare in snow.
I also have a particular like of Swaledale, it's just quieter and wilder than the southern dales.

You can't go far wrong really :-)
Just don't go up onto the fells in poor weather without the right equipment, when it's bad, it's arctic and very hazardous.

[markmullen]

West Burton Falls is well worth a visit, it varies wildly from a picturesque stream to a raging torrent if it is in spate.

Malham Cove, Malham Tarn and the area above Langcliffe towards Malham are favourites of mine. Feel free to drop me an email if I can help any more.

Have a great trip.

[mshea]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. As usual, dramatically changing weather from hour to hour, which makes it all the more interesting. After a day of light rain, there was a perfect sunset that would have been spectacular to shoot, had I been able to get into place on the pavement atop Malham Cove. But I wasn't about to risk my neck and equipment without hiking poles. That surface is slippery; I saw quite a few people almost come to grief, trying to walk unaided on it!

Merrill