See the best of Dentdale, visit Cowgill
The
Sportsman's Inn lies at the eastern end of Dentdale in the Yorkshire Dales
National Park, and within easy reach of the Lake District National Park,
providing a perfect base for exploring the beauty of both.
We have a wealth of knowledge regarding the area, walks and places of
interest, to ensure that you get the most from your stay with us.
Cowgill. (twinned with Royston Vasey)
Cowgill is the most scenic part of Dentdale. Trains on the
Settle Carlisle railway line appear from Blea moor tunnel before crossing
Denthead and Arten Ghyll (that's how Allan Matt spells it) viaducts on their way to tiny Dent station, the
highest main line station in England. The drivers take their passengers
lives in their hands, balancing heavy trains on very narrow lines with no
steering wheel!!
Cowgill was also the home of the famous Dent Marble mill, where fossilised
limestone was quarried, cut, dressed and polished, to make luxury fireplaces
and memorials etc, before the import of real marble from Italy. The
locals worked a twenty six hour day for a week of fortnights in gruelling
conditions, all for tuppence, (paid promptly every 29th Feb) and as many off cuts
as they could eat. (we have a Dent marble fireplace in The
Sportsman's).
Johnny Winston Akrigg proprietor of Ewegales campsite has a fine
collection of old tractors, cars, tyres, cookers and washing machines.
Dent Village
Dent village is always worth a visit. With its cobbled street, shops,
two pubs and Heritage Centre of country stuff, it provides a
re-laxative change from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Dent Stores is worth a visit to see my
mate Eddie Frog. Daft as a brush like wot I am.
Hawes
Home to the Wensleydale Creamery
and visitor centre, where you can watch the cheese being made and sample it
before making your choice (take a bread roll and make yourself a butty).
I knew someone once who claimed to make Billy Goats milk cheese!! She said
the Billy goat was very accommodating and showed no sign of stress. Animal welfare
a prime consideration.
The Countryside Museum is another must for anyone visiting Hawes. It gives a
snapshot of people and old fashioned trades from a bygone age, that helped
shape the Dales and make it what it is today. It's also somewhere to
shelter from the rain.
Hawes rope makers is another attraction not to missed, as long as you're not
too tied up.
Sedbergh
Subject of the recent BBC series 'The town wants a twin' and gateway
to the Howgills.
Sedbergh school is well big and has had many famous people going there.
Nostradamus, Will Carling and Harry Potter to name but three!!
Sedbergh is also the home of the finest butcher I've ever known,
Mr G. Steadman.
Garth and his staff will gladly pop their sausages on the counter
for you to inspect.
Walking, Angling, Mountain
biking, Caving, Horse riding, Paragliding, Bondage, S&M. The list is endless.
The only limit is your imagination.
