Walking, Scrambling and Exploring the Gorge
One of Yorkshire’s most unique attractions
A natural playground for gorge walking and gorge scrambling enthusiasts, set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
How Stean Gorge is a natural choice to escape the stresses of every day life. Set in the stunning Yorkshire Dales, the Gorge is a spectacular limestone ravine which has been carved out by gallons of water over thousand’s of years making it a haven for gorge walking and gorge scrambling enthusiasts. This steep sided chasm is almost 1 km in length and up to 20 metres (80ft) deep in places.
Armed with hard hat and torch, you can explore the river’s edge, scrambling over boulders and venturing across aerial footbridges, which transport you safely from one side of the ravine to the other, and discovering cave systems and tunnels.
When it’s dry, it provides a picturesque, sheltered site for relaxation and a scenic walk by the peaceful river. After rain, the gorge is even more dramatic! You can see and feel the power of water as the torrents gush through and over the rocks, creating gurgling whirlpools. When its cold dramatic ice formations turn the landscape into Narnia.
Whatever the weather, the gorge is a special place to be!
If you are feeling more adventurous, explore ‘Tom Taylor’s Cave’ which takes you deep underground. Watch out for stalactites! The 100 foot tunnel leads to a cave from where you can climb out and emerge in the middle of the camp site! See if you can spot a bat or two?
Make the most of exploring the caves and tunnels – bring your wellies!
Fern filled dry stone walls encircle the Gorge and its attractions. How Stean Beck, one of the River Nidd’s tributaries, is also home to insects, birds and fish lazing under the canopy of deciduous trees.
New in 2009 – The Via Ferrata
The Via Ferrata (literally translates to ‘iron way’) gives a very different perspective of the gorge as you wade and scramble through gushing water, traverse on ladders and beams, abseil 60 feet, slide through spouts and sit under waterfalls. Advance booking required.
Ready for more? Explore this area of outstanding natural beauty by mountain bike; the area boasts a plethora of gentle and challenging, on and off road routes for the whole family to enjoy. There’s something for everyone at How Stean Gorge!
Film, Camera, Action!
The Gorge is no stranger to stardom, as the leafy ravine has been used as a TV and film location. Most recently ITV’s Heartbeat crew filmed here. An officer of the Aidensfield Police met his end over the edge of the Gorge! The opening footage for Emmerdale is of this area, you may be familiar with scenes gliding over Gouthwaite Reservoir, less than a mile away.
