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Author Archives: John Shimeld

Enjoy the Yorkshire Dales!

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Posted by John Shimeld on January 14, 2012 – 8:34 am
Filed under Attractions

Think of the Yorkshire Dales and it conjures up an image of breathtaking scenery, rolling green hills, lush deep valleys and endless acres of farm land. Visit the Dales and you will definitely not be disappointed!  There is something new to see at every turn, each of the Dales has its own unique characteristics and offers something different to explore every day!

Wensleydale – famous for its delicious cheese which you just have to sample, maybe with a good pint of real Yorkshire ale! This stunning valley is home to the awesome Hardraw Force waterfall and the beautiful Aysgarth Falls which attract numerous visitors throughout the year. Whatever the season there are wonderful walks throughout the countryside and pretty little villages to visit, or for a perfectly relaxing sightseeing trip there is always the Wensleydale railway.

Malhamdale – a busy area filled with lots of different things to see and do. Malham hosts several activity events throughout the year which include a mountain biking competition, fell racing and the famous agricultural show held in August. There are delightful walks throughout the dale and nature lovers can visit Malham Cove and the RSPB reserve where peregrine falcons can be observed. For an exciting activity day out there is also 4×4 driving, pony trekking, clay pigeon shooting and climbing available.

Ribblesdale and the Ribble Valley – lie between two of the famous “three peaks” and is a dramatic and picturesque backdrop for the famous climbing challenge. Surrounded by quaint market towns and wonderful areas of walking country, including the Pennine Way, it is a perfect place to spend some quality relaxing time. The Ribblehead Viaduct carries the Settle-Carlisle Railway line through the rugged countryside offering spectacular views. Close by and within easy reach is Bronte Country, with its cobbled streets and interesting shops, which are a favourite with tourists.

Swaledale - is famous for its round horned sheep, high quality woollens and delicious cheese. Swaledale lies to the very north of the dales and presents a stunning patchwork of limestone walls and lush green fields, interspersed by many small waterfalls. The area is a wildlife haven, with wild flowers, insects and small mammals in their thousands. Serious walkers can tread the famous Coast-to-Coast Walk or for a more gentle recreation there are many less energetic trails and pathways running between the traditional villages and towns situated here.

Teesdale – is home to the magnificent market town of Barnard Castle and the Bowes Museum. The upper part of the dale is designated as an important National Nature Reserve which supports a wide range of rare and unique flora including the Teesdale Violet. With clusters of medieval towns and villages offering numerous places to take refreshment or to do a spot of shopping visitors will always find something to please.  High Force waterfall is spectacular and well worth a visit as is historic Raby Castle.

The countryside of the Yorkshire Dales is a delightful place to visit at any time of year and whatever the weather. The above are just a few of the places not to be missed, but there is so much more to go out and explore!

John Shimeld is Managing Director at Stayin the Yorkshire Dales.

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Sea fishing holidays on the North Yorkshire Coast

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Posted by John Shimeld on January 2, 2012 – 2:09 pm
Filed under Miscellaneous

If you are a keen angler or simply would like to try a spot of sea fishing while on holiday, then the North Yorkshire Coast is the place to go. You really will be spoilt for choice with a whole range of fishing marks available, plenty of accommodation to choose from and alternative activities to keep the non-fishing members of your family happy. The Yorkshire Coast is an all year round fishing destination with cod, pollack and bass being typical winter catches and mackerel and ‘flatties’ available in summer.

Fishing marks are available on the coast from Teesside in the north right down to Filey in the south, and all within relatively easy travelling distance from your North York Moors holiday accommodation. A selection of the best and most well known locations is given below:

The River Tees – the estuary of the river Tees is an excellent venue for a spot of shore based sea fishing. To access the fishing mark you need to take the unmade (and rather bumpy) road that runs from the north end of Redcar beach and along the south side of the river estuary. Travel as far as possible and then park and walk along the estuary wall right to the end.

Redcar Beach – this is an excellent beach venue and sport can be had just about anywhere along its extensive length, and is usually best at low tide. However as it is a busy tourist destination and it is often best fished at night and in the winter months. Just park near your chosen spot on the sea front and you are straight onto the beach.

Marske Beach – again an excellent beach fishing venue with the best spots being to the front and right of the church, and often best as the tide comes in. Park on the roadside and access the beach via the steps provided.

Saltburn Pier – a great high water venue and very popular in the warmer months, so you have to be prepared to share the fishing space. Park at the end of the pier and you can access the pier directly from the car park.

Staithes – this is an excellent summer holiday fishing venue, especially if you are staying in accommodation actually in Staithes itself. You will be able to walk to your chosen fishing mark which is the harbour itself and break water to the left.

Runswick Bay – is a fantastic 24 hour all year and round beach fishing venue, with great sport to be had and in a sublime setting. Go down the steep hill towards the beach and park in the public car park and then walk down onto the beach and pick your spot.

Sandsend – another brilliant beach fishing venue. The best marks are just to the south of the village and you can park in the lay-by on the road side and access the beach via 1 of several sets of steps going directly down onto the beach. A busy tourist beach during the warmer months/daytime, so often better fished in the dark and/or colder months.

Whitby Pier – a very popular fishing spot for tourists and seasoned anglers, and ideal if you are holidaying directly in the town as you will be able to walk directly to the fishing marks which are along the north harbour wall.

Flamborough Head – there are numerous fishing spots around the headland. It’s a case of just parking on the cliff top above your chosen spot and then walking down to sea level.

Bridlington – here you have the choice of fishing from the harbour wall, or on the beach to the north end of the town. Both are excellent spots and worth a try.

Filey Brigg – a stunning destination for the shore based sea fisherman. You gain access to Filey Brigg by entering the cliff top caravan and camping site to the north of the town and driving right to the cliff top and parking, and then walking along the footpath out along the Brigg.

The above are superb sea fishing venues and ideal for the angling enthusiast either day visiting or staying in the area. There is an abundance of local self catering or fully serviced accommodation to choose from, and you can either select a central location and try several of the fishing marks, or you could stay in one of the venues and walk to your fishing spot each day.

Tight lines!

John Shimeld is Managing Director at Stayin the North York Moors.

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Let Cumbria and the Lake District take your breath away…

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Posted by John Shimeld on December 8, 2011 – 12:13 pm
Filed under Miscellaneous

The English Lake District in the county of Cumbria is a truly wonderful place to visit for a day out, short break or an extended holiday.

The most famous part is the Lake District National Park, with its beautiful lakes and fells that are guaranteed to just take your breath away, and the always popular towns of Keswick, Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside. However in truth the whole of the county of Cumbria is a wonderful place and many areas outside of the National Park itself are well worth considering when planning your visit.

To the west is the Cumbrian coast with its fantastic views, sandy beaches, cliff top walks and quaint coastal towns. St Bees is famous for being the start of Wainwright’s long distance Coast to Coast walk, which finishes in Yorkshire on the east coast of England, however it also an ideal base for a family holiday. Ravenglass is also a superb place to visit or stay. Set on a river estuary where the rivers Irt, Esk and Mite empty into the sea, it was previously a Roman naval base and there is plenty of the history and heritage still to be seen.

Set on the Cartmel Peninsula to the south, the town of Grange-over-Sands in Morecambe Bay is another very popular destination with lots to offer the visitor, and was a very popular holiday destination in Edwardian times with plenty of the architecture of the time still evident today. It is also an ideal destination for ‘twitchers’ and nature lovers with flourishing coastal bird life and numerous nature reserves to visit.

To the east is the Eden Valley and the lively market town of Penrith which is just off the M6 motorway so very accessible, and has a range of shops, pubs and restaurants, plus of course the market. The world famous Settle to Carlisle railway also runs through east Cumbria which gives visitors other options for days out further afield and, if you get your timing right, a chance to see or even ride on a historic steam powered train.

The above is just a flavour of what the Lake District and Cumbria has to offer the visitor. It really is a fantastic holiday destination so start planning your visit – you will not be disappointed.

John Shimeld is Managing Director at Stayin the Lake District.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on the UKseries.com UK Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.