Stridd Hull

The Stridd is a narrow gorge where the River Wharfe squeezes between towering rock walls, and it's the sort of place that catches you off guard even if you've read about it. The water thunders through a gap barely wider than a few metres - genuinely dramatic geology rather than the gentle moorland you've been walking through moments before.

This is largely a walker's stop rather than a sit-down attraction. Most people come from Skipton direction and make it part of a longer trek through the Wharfedale valley. The archaeology angle stems from its historical importance as a crossing point, though you won't find visitor centres or interpretation boards here. What you get is the raw landscape and the sound of water echoing off stone.

It's free to visit and can be done in twenty minutes, though the real pleasure comes from building it into a proper walk - the surrounding countryside is excellent. Families with young children might find it a touch underwhelming on its own; teenagers and keen walkers will appreciate the raw drama. The rocks are slippery when wet, which is often in Yorkshire, so decent boots are essential.

If you're basing yourself at Breaks Fold Farm Glamping just down the road near Skipton, the Stridd makes a legitimate half-day excursion combined with the broader Wharfedale valley walks. It's worth the detour if you're doing serious walking; less so if you want a quick photo stop.