Family In:site into Wharfedale CC site

The Meek Family

The Wharfedale Caravan Club site is about three miles from the picturesque Yorkshire village of Grassington, down a lane that also leads to an estate of mobile homes. Nested next to a woodland and surrounded by fields, it truly feels like you've escape to the countryside. The site sells a small selection of food products and there is a pub within easy walking distance. Otherwise, Grassington is the nearest village; this is a short drive away or alternatively there is a footpath that leads there from the site, taking about 35 to 40 minutes. For children, there is a central-placed playground and plenty of woodland.

 

Places to visit / things to do:

 

Walks

As well as the walk to Grassington from the site, there a many local walks in the surrounding countryside. One very pleasant walk is the 4 mile river bank walk from Grassington to Kilnsey. This leads to the Kilnsey Park Estate (see below) or further on to the Kilnsey Cragg, popular with climbers.

 

If you want more of a challenge then there are the Yorkshire Three Peaks to consider. The popular starting point, Horton-in-Ribbonsdale, is about an hour away in the car. From here you can walk up Pen-Y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. They can be done separately or combined as a full walk of 24 miles. Competition and charity events regularly attempt to complete the Three Peaks and it is therefore usually busy at the weekends.

We did the Three Peaks as a family challenge over two days, camping at the bottom of Whernside. The weather wasn't ideal on the second day and it was hard going but an achievement that we all enjoyed. (https://www.facebook.com/meekroadventures/timeline#)

 

Bird spotting

One of the many pleasures about being outdoors is the proximity to nature. We were amazed by the number of pheasants that wander aimlessly around in the fields near the site. As well as pheasants, there are owls hooting at night and a resident woodpecker or two tapping on the trees of the surrounding woodland during the day. Robins, Bluetits, Great tits, Coaltits and other more common garden birds also visit and provide a beautiful soundscape throughout the day. Whilst wandering around the site, try to spot how many different birds you can see or hear.

 

Kilnsey Park Estate

About two miles down the road is Kilnsey Park Estate, easily accessible by road or foot. It is primarily a trout farm boasting large ponds brimming with trout that have been reared on site. In addition to Rainbow Trout there are a few other breeds that can be seen, including the rare Golden Trout and a Kilnsey speciality Blue Trout. This is an ideal location to learn about the fish and the changes that they go through as they move around the farm.  

Kilnsey Park Estate has wittingly branched out to offer much more. Whilst wandering around the grounds, you can appreciate wild flowers, learn about honey bees, see hydro-electricity in action, come into contact with a range of animals (red squirrels, goats, pigs, alpaca, rabbits, guinea pigs and very familiar chickens and ducks) and burn off some energy on the adventure playground.

The site is open throughout the year but offers less in the winter months when the animals are moved elsewhere. There are many events held throughout the year so check if there is anything of interest during your stay.