Clapdale is a very small dale in the Yorkshire Dales, within the Craven district. Geology has shaped this landscape into gorges, caves and fells that continue to fascinate each generation that visits.
At the bottom of Clapdale, the village of Clapham is surrounded by woods and is an extremely convenient base for anyone wanting to ascend Ingleborough, one of the Three Peaks that make up the Three Peaks Walk challenge, along with Whernside and Pen-y-Ghent. Clapham Railway Station is situated a mile away from the village centre and contains a station house that’s listed as a Grade II building. The village parish church for Clapham is the Church of St. James, a very pretty church with interesting features. Stone cottages make this village a very attractive place to stay. Find cottages to rent for holidays in Calpham and nearby dales.
Clapham is also an ideal base for anyone interested in potholes and show caves. Several of them are nearby, including Ingleborough Cave, where members of the public have been allowed in for almost 200 years. Guided tours reveal the history and the geology of the cave. The walk from Clapham to the cave is actually a well known one, recommended for its woodland scenery. Nearby Gaping Gill pothole and waterfall are great tourist attractions, being Britain’s biggest pothole and the highest unbroken waterfall in the land.
Access to Ingleborough Cave can be made through the Ingleborough Estate, privately owned but with an accessible nature trail. This route takes you past the ornamental lake, which was made in the 1800s. It also goes past an artificial limestone grotto in Clapdale Wood. As for Santa’s Grotto, local children look forward to Santa’s yuletide appearance every year in Ingleborough Cave. Another visitor beauty spot is Trow Gill, which is a lovely wooded limestone ravine at the head of Clapdale. Also of note, is the Neolithic rock shelter at nearby Foxholes. Clapdale Wood is a favourite place when the carpet of blubells appears.
Why not take home a unique souvenir from your trip? Bentham Pottery near Ingleton is a family run affair where customers can choose hand made and hand decorated ceramic pots, plates, teapots and various other items. In addition to selling from the workshop, locals and visitors can take part in pottery courses with short courses designed for children. Bentham also hosts craft fayres and events.
For a drive out to somewhere with more amenities, the market town of Settle is an enjoyable excursion, with cafes and a good range of shops and of course, the market. In fact, the town has two markets, selling a mixture of food, clothing and household wares. Market Day is Tuesday on every day of the year unless it’s a public holiday and visitors can browse the Street Market and the indoor market at Victoria Hall. If you want to go further afield whilst staying in Clapdale, the Lake District and its many attractions are not too far away.
Families, couples and backpackers will have a ball in Clapdale and its surroundings. Yorkshire produce, local crafts and traditions and heritage are all bonuses on top of the wonderful countryside.
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