Lofthouse & Middlesmoor

Lofthouse and Middlesmoor are around five miles from Pateley Bridge are can be found in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

At other times the only options are to cycle or to follow the Nidderdale Way on foot, which provides an attractive circular walk along each side of the valley to and from Lofthouse.

Just over half a mile from Lofthouse, but up a fairly steep field path, is Middlesmoor, also served by the Nidderdale Rambler bus. This is one of the few genuine hill villages in the Pennines. Perched on the end of a ridge overlooking the main dale, it offers one of the finest views in the eastern Dales looking down the valley to Gouthwaite Reservoir.

From Middlesmoor, Moor Lane carries the Nidderdale Way northwards to Scar House and Angram Reservoirs whilst a return can be made along the other branch of the Nidderdale Way along the River Nidd via Manchester Hole Cave.

Closer to Lofthouse in the little How Stean Valley is How Stean Gorge, a narrow limestone gorge with surging waterfalls, punctuated by small caves which can be explored with a torch. A popular café forms the entrance (entrance toll payable) to this fascinating area.

Strong walkers can reach Middlesmoor by a monastic track from Kilnsey and Conistone in Wharfedale. From here you can return by bus or head northwards over Dead Main’s Hill into Coverdale towards Leyburn. Distances are long, however, and transport is very sparse so for most people an overnight stay will be necessary as part of this walk.

Bus times can be checked on the DalesBus website.

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