Southern Dales - Clapham

The unspoilt pretty village of Clapham lies in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is the focal point for many walks to suit all abilities from a gentle stroll around the village to climbing the mighty Ingleborough, one of the Three Peaks. Great limestone cliffs tower above the surrounding fields and a variety of birdlife and rare species of plants can be seen on the limestone pavements.

The Church of St. James was originally founded in Norman times and the 12th century tower still remains. Famous local botanist Reginal Farrer (1880-1920) introduced over a hundred new plants into Europe from the Far East, including 24 species of rhododendron, 10 of which are still found in Clapham Woods.

There are a number of delightful places to stay and to eat, and the village is also home to the Cave Rescue Organisation and the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. As Patron of The Trust, his HRH The Prince of Wales visited the village in March 2005 to re-launch the ‘Donate to the Dales’ appeal. Click here for more information on the work of the Trust.

More information from Settle Information Centre Tel: 01729 825192.
For a town map of Clapham, click here.

To search for accommodation in Clapham, click here

DON’T MISS:

• Ingleborough Cave & Estate Trail. The trail takes you through mature woodland to Ingleborough Cave and then beyond to Gaping Gill, a cavern said to be the size of York Minster! On Spring and August Bank Holidays, local potholing clubs lower visitors 104 metres to the bottom of the Gill in a bosun’s chair - an experience not to be missed!
• Ingleborough (723 m) one of the Three Peaks - a strenuous climb but the views from the summit are stunning. (Walkers should be properly equipped due to rapidly changing and adverse weather conditions.)
• Norber Boulders, a sea of erratic boulders deposited twelve thousand years ago when the ice retreated.
• Ingleborough Hall, an outdoor education centre offering specialist courses in caving, rock climbing and gorge scrambling, from introductory to advanced levels.
• The nearby unspoilt Forest of Bowland, ideal for birdwatchers, walkers, cyclists and horse riders alike.

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