Through Nidderdale to the Craven Arms

I've done this trip before, but this time I decided to avoid major A roads where possible, and also avoid some of the busier roads by diverting via the Leighton and Gouthwaite reservoirs. This mean going up and down some pretty steep inclines, but it was worth it for the views and the quiet roads.

After passing through Northallerton I stopped off at the excellent Spring House Farm Shop and Café for a quick coffee stop.

Sat at an outside table with an espresso cup in front. The B can be seen resting in the background in the car park amonst much larger SUVs.
A brief coffee stop Sat at an outside table with an espresso cup in front. The B can be seen resting in the background in the car park amonst much larger SUVs.

Then over to Masham and the Back Sheep Brewery shop to pick up some supplies.

The B is parked in front of a large green industrial-looking building with the Black Sheep logo and various labels for beers displayed on the side of the wall.
Stocking up at the brewery The B is parked in front of a large green industrial-looking building with the Black Sheep logo and various labels for beers displayed on the side of the wall.

Finally it was onto the more demanding and even more picturesque roads as I climbed onto the hills. At one point I had to follow a slow-moving Defender down the other side of the hill, so I needed to pull over as my brakes were having to be used heavily and were beginning to smell.

A view from the driver's seat across a valley. The road falls away out of sight immediately in front of the car, flanked by dry stone walls. The landscape is dotted with similar walls and is a verdant green under cloudy skies.
Some amazing views on the drive. A view from the driver's seat across a valley. The road falls away out of sight immediately in front of the car, flanked by dry stone walls. The landscape is dotted with similar walls and is a verdant green under cloudy skies.
The B is tucked in to the side of a narrow country road which drops down into the valley ahead.
Cooling the brakes The B is tucked in to the side of a narrow country road which drops down into the valley ahead.

After a 10 minute break on a lovely day looking at the amazing landscape all around, I dropped down the valley to my destination of the Craven Arms pub for lunch.

The B is parked next to a sign, styled like a national park sign, which says Welcome to the Craven Arms - Gateway to the Ales
At the Craven Arms The B is parked next to a sign, styled like a national park sign, which says Welcome to the Craven Arms - Gateway to the Ales