8th – 10th December 2022
We have taken Fufu to a Camping and Caravanning Club temporary holiday site at Bilton Park, between Harrogate and Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. Out thanks to the steward Harry, for the warm welcome and assistance.
Thursday 8th December – Harrogate
On a decidedly chilly morning, we took an electric bus ride to the town centre.
The main purpose of this visit was the Harrogate Christmas Market, which it is fair to say, was not as extensive as we had hoped, however we did enjoy some retail therapy in this fine Georgian spa town which has many independent shops (and a tourist train).
We ate a late lunch at the Alexandra pub, so did not have sufficient appetite for afternoon tea at Betty’s Tea Rooms which had a long queue outside anyway.
We did however call into the shop which has a very traditional feel and many fine looking, if pricey, confections (we were tempted, but did not give in):
Friday 9th December – Knaresborough
Another bright and crisp morning saw us walk to Knaresborough on well defined footpaths/cycleways.
Knaresborough is situated on the River Nidd. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, the town has a Norman castle which is now mostly in ruins, having been destroyed following its siege in the English Civil War. An earlier occupant of the castle was Hugh de Morville, who was the leader of the four knights that murdered Archbishop Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, on the 29th December 1170.
The local council offices have got into the spirit of the season (Santa appears to be inside):
Also getting into the seasonal mood is the Exotic Rescue Centre.
Two notable people are commemorated with bronze statues on benches:
“Blind Jack” lost his sight in childhood. He was a violin player, local guide, bridgebuilder and roadmaker. A pub in the market square bears his name.
Ursula Southeil (c. 1488 – 1561) was a local soothsayer, reputedly born in a violent thunderstorm, in what is now known as Mother Shipton’s Cave, which is a local tourist attraction.
The local knitters have been busy and have decorated many of the bollards:
Saturday 10th December – Nidd Gorge
Another bright and fine walking day saw us follow well defined and popular paths along the banks of the River Nidd. We firstly walked upstream to see the Nidd Viaduct, then retracing our steps downstream through the gorge, before returning to Fufu.
A lot of tree felling had been done, due to a fungal infection.
There was also wildlife to be seen. We spotted a kingfisher and an otter.
Back home tomorrow.
"See-u-Later" 