Ripon and the Vale of York

Map: OS Explorer 299 Ripon and Boroughbridge, Easingwold.

North of York the river system of the Wiske, Swale and Ure flow southwards across a broad expansive valley between the North York Moors in the east and the Yorkshire Dales in the west. Not far north of York the Nidd also joins this great river system which then becomes the Ouse flowing through York. This is a rich fertile region with rolling farmlands and a pleasant perspective, the hills providing a protective backdrop to east and west. The width, flatness and consequent ease of travel have made the Vale of York a major thoroughfare since prehistoric times; there are a number of standing stones and curious ceremonial circles which bear witness to this fact. The Roman's too, took advantage of the geography and drove Dere Street, straight as an arrow, up the middle of the Vale. They built a town here called Isurium, near Aldborough.

Ripon, a small market town, which nevertheless has a splendid cathedral, is situated at the western side of the Vale of York, beneath the limestone hills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The rectangular market place in the centre of the town is dominated by a large obelisk and is the focal point for a number of narrow winding streets. There are a couple of shops in the square from which you can purchase delicious sandwiches for a picnic.

Fountains Abbey: Just four miles west of Ripon is one of the most remarkable places in Europe and a World Heritage Site; Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. A visit to the abbey can be combined with a wonderful and facinating walk around Studley Deer Park. Benedictine monks founded the abbey, one of the most beautiful in England, in 1133 and it developed into one of the most prosperous in England due to its connection with the wool trade. Today the majestic medieval ruin is amongst the best preserved in the country. The setting is superb, with the Georgian water garden's elegant ornamental lakes, canals, temples and cascades providing a succession of dramatic eye-catching vistas. The site also includes an Elizabethan mansion and St. Mary's Church which provides a majestic focus to the medieval deer park, home to 500 deer and a wealth of flora and fauna. The site is jointly managed by the National Trust and English Heritage and walking maps can be obtained from the visitor centre near the main car park at the western entrance off the road from Ripon. There are a number of lovely views along the walk including a dramatic view of the Abbey. From Plumpton Hall, a restored medieval farmhouse, there is a good view of Ripon and the cathedral. In the steep rocky gorge of the River Skell, known as the Valley of the Seven Bridges, the path goes over a series of packhorse bridges.

Topcliffe is situated on the River Swale just 12km from Ripon and 7km from Thirsk. Grid Ref: SE404760. Your hosts say 'Welcome to our Bed and Breakfast, where we aim to provide you with a comfortable stay in pleasant surroundings' No credit cards accepted. Evening meals are not provided, but there is a pub 2 minutes walk away serving bar meals. No dogs. [Not inspected]

Church Street, Topcliffe, YO7 3PA Telephone: (01845) 577557 email: bob@traceyr.freeserve.co.uk

www.traceyr.freeserve.co.uk