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Useful links to help you get the most out of your visit

Beech End Interactive Model Village at Leyburn where children young and old can steer scale model narrow boats, drive vehicles or see inside the houses and shops and hear the sounds of the village. To find out more www.beech-end.co.uk

Blackburn Farm Trout Fishery Fly fishing available and fresh rainbow trout for sale. Ring or write for further details from Gill and Bryan Moore at Blackburn Farm Trout Fishery, Gayle, Hawes, North Yorkshire. DL8 3NX – telephone 01969 667524.

Bolton Castle A massive fortress with walls nine foot thick dominating Wensleydale where the whole family can enjoy a day’s visit and explore one of the mapped walks by the river. For full details of the Bolton Castle experience www.boltoncastle.co.uk

The Cat Pottery Designers and makers of a wide range of cats for homes and gardens. An original collection of cats produced in ceramics and metallic or granite resin. Moorside Design at West Burton, Wensleydale. www.catpottery.co.uk

Dales Countryside Museum Discover the story of the people and landscape of the Yorkshire Dales. The Countryside Museum also includes the National Park Centre and Tourist Information Centre. www.yorkshiredales.org.uk

Focus on Felt Studio Gallery Specializing in original felt artwork by Andrea Hunter. Situated in the lovely village of Hardraw the studio/gallery is adjacent to the artist’s house and holds a wonderful range of her contemporary felt artwork. Contact Andrea at www.focusonfelt.co.uk

Kudu Bikes Ltd For bike hire and sales and advice on routes in Wensleydale contact Martin or Kathy Lewin at www.kudubikes.co.uk or visit them at 1 Raynes Court, Upper Wensleydsle Business Park, Hawes

Leyburn and Middleham Towns for all seasons. Lower Wensleydale’s main town is Leyburn with its three distinct cobbled squares, thriving produce and livestock markets held every Friday. Follow a visit to its traditional craft shops with a welcome treat in one of the local tearooms. Middleham is a thriving community and is the leading racehorse training centre in the North with an ever increasing number of horses stabled in and around the town. No visit is complete without seeing Middleham’s racehorses walking through the town or exercising on the nearby moorland gallops in the early morning. The picturesque town is dominated by the imposing remains of a large medieval castle which was once the home of King Richard III. From the tower at the top of the Keep, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of green and pleasant landscape beyond the Middleham rooftops. Further information from www.wensleydale.net

Richmond Richmond is one of Britain’s most beautiful market towns. Its 11^th century castle, fine historic buildings, large cobbled market place and many hidden corners make it a treasure trove for visitors. To discover more about this well kept secret visit www.yorkshiredales.org or www.richmond.org.uk

Upper Wensleydale For comprehensive details of all that’s going on in this most beautiful part of the country contact www.wensleydale.org for all the facts from Leyburn to Garsdale Head.

Wensleydale and Swaledale Crafts Group Many crafts people live and work in the two dales, finding inspiration in a unique countryside of pastoral riverside villages, tumbling waterfalls, great sweeping fells and windswept moorland. Working in and with a wide variety of materials – wood and wool, clay and candle wax, rope, chocolate and even felt they are dedicated to creating high quality, beautifully crafted products. Visit them in their own workshops and take home a piece of the Dales www.yorkshirenet.co.uk/ydales/wscrafts

Wensleydale Longwool Sheepshop Soft lustrous knitting wool with patterns designed to compliment the yarn. Hand knitted garments in gentle country colours. Wensleydale fleeces and combed tops for spinners and all craft enthusiasts. www.wensleydalelongwoolsheepshop.co.uk