Old traditions still alive in the Yorkshire Dales

The best of the weekend weather was forecast to be today, so we decided we'd head for the hills and into the Yorkshire Dales. Our destination for the day was to be Malham, a great base for walkers who throughout the summer come to roam around the well-known landmarks of Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Malham Tarn. Unfortunately, the crowds had beaten us to it: the only car park was full and any roadside parking had been claimed. With plenty other cars patrolling round waiting for an elusive place to become available, we cut our losses and headed away to the nearby village of Gargrave instead.








Down the valley near Gargrave, we suddenly found ourselves once again engulfed by crowds of people, this time heading for what looked like a large agricultural show in the roadside fields just outside the village. It turned out to be Gargrave's annual village show, and as there seemed to be plenty going on, we felt it was worth a look. But first we parked up in the village centre to have some lunch on the green by the river and also pop in the teashop just around the corner.

The show followed the traditional format of these events with a large parade area in the centre for the local farmers to exhibit their livestock. Around the sides, there were plenty of stalls selling local produce and crafts and lots of other attractions too. It was a big event, with several thousand people there and local radio and television recording the afternoon's entertainment.

The main event was the livestock competitions, and we watched as the cows and horses were paraded before the judges, all described on the PA system by a Boycott-esque commetator. Seeing the bond between the farmers and their animals and the effort and pride put in by everyone involved made you appreciate the traditions which are still evident in the countryside.

After the show, we headed for the Copy Nook in Bolton-by-Bowland, but found it closed until much later. Instead we drove on to Worston to the Calf's Head for an excellent meal - a great way to end an enjoyable day.