Classic view, Knaresborough

You were expecting a view from the Cleveland Way coast path after I said that’s where we were going today. Sorry to disappoint. We went to Knaresborough instead walking in a sort of figure of 8 route from Goldsborough.

We passed over this railway viaduct a few years ago on the way from Harrogate to York and saw a fine view of the River Nidd and said we’d have to visit the town. Today was the day.

It was a very splendid walk along the steeply sloped, wooded sides of the Nidd which were carved by huge volumes of floodwater when a lake created by waters dammed up during the ice age overflowed to the south. These sorts of events were common in the ice age. Newtondale which we will be travelling along tomorrow and Ironbridge Gorge were created in the same way.

Knaresborough railway station was very pretty with the only stone signalbox I’ve ever seen which appears to have been built on the side of a house which can just be seen in the extra.

Two very good pit stops, one at a mill with fine views overlooking the river, the other in Knaresborough town square. Sustenance was taken at both.

Knaresborough is a fine town, imposing castle ruins high above the river with great views and a very poignant Platinum Jubilee garden designed by local children in the castle grounds.

Goldsborough is a very interesting village and the pub, The Bay Horse, of particular note. We spent a very pleasant time there in relaxing surroundings with good food and good service.

Goldsborough Hall has a fascinating history too. It was once the home of Mary, Princess Royal, only daughter of George V and aunt to Queen Elizabethan II. And also known for the Byerley Turk, one of the three stallions from which all thoroughbred horses in the world can trace their ancestry. The Turk, believed to be buried in the grounds of the Hall was formerly the war horse of an owner of the Hall who retired to stud (the horse that is) and created many well known and respected sire lines since his death in about 1703. Susan was in her element.

There will be no changes to tomorrow’s plans. We have tickets for the Steam Gala on the North York’s Moors Railway.