ライデールの湖・トップ11

Dundale Griff is a delightful narrow side valley leading down from Dundale Pond to Levisham Beck. It's an area with significant historical traces, particularly relating to medieval times, when a monastic sheep farm (bercary) was established at the head of Dundale Griff, with the foundations of the stone buildings still visible today. Dundale Pond's history is linked to industrial water supply starting in the 19th century. William Kay, who owned a silk mill requiring substantial water, supplemented his supply by drawing water from a lake at Miswell Farm and connecting it to the hollow at Dundale via a tunnel. He is believed to have constructed a dam at Dundale to create the pond. Another tunnel then carried water from Dundale Pond to the mill. Both lakes were referred to as 'balancing ponds' to maintain consistent water levels. Look out for the herd of resident Highland Cows, actively breeding and very cute small calves can be seen in early summer.

Cleveland Way runs the length of the southern side of this chain of lakes, but there is a short bridleway to the north of the westernmost edge of the lakes, which takes you up a climb to Dick Wood, just east of Old Byland. Lots of waterfowl and ducks.

A very obvious place to stop; you won't need me to tell you that, as you will see the lake from the Dalby Forest Drive road, and you will want to immediately make a stop and look at it! Staindale Lake has a car park area, so it's easy to leave your bike here and have a look at the beautiful waters of the lake and spot some of the wildlife around here.

This beautiful arboretum is run jointly by Castle Howard Estates and Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew). Started in 1959, it has over 6,000 trees on 128 acres of ground. These are fantastically beautiful, landscaped grounds for any walker, including families and those with pets. There is a café at the entrance to the Arboretum. There is an entry fee. Please check at the website before going. https://www.yorkshirearboretum.org

This is one fabulous place to be: a very picturesque and beautiful little lake, with little piers on its banks in a few places. The tracks and paths around it are well-managed (thus easy to run on). On a sunny day, the waters get amazingly blue colours and the scene is truly Impressionistic!

This is a lovely little lake in Yearsley Woods to jog your way up to. Note, all the maps I've seen show two ponds here - however, only this one remains in reality; the other one has been drained since and is essentially a marshland now.

A lovely segment here down (or up from) Ganthorpe, with some picturesque ponds just outside Ganthorpe. There are pleasant views of Owlers Wood (east) and Cum Hag Wood (north-east) on this walk. A perfect stroll on your next weekend.

A lovely little triangle-shaped pond on the western end of The Yorkshire Arboretum. Surrounded by beautiful trees that take gorgeous colours, particularly in the autumn. A peaceful place.