The best running trails around Dacre

Heyshaw Quarry primarily mined lead ore. Additionally, the area also featured lime kilns and evidence of quarrying for millstones. The mine was worked until 1805 and there are now quite characteristic spoil heaps located to the side of the public footpath that heads north to Guise Cliff.

Glasshouses Mill, which the dam served, was initially a corn mill but later transitioned to flax processing in the early 1800s. The dam was built in 1850 by brothers John and George Metcalfe, who expanded the mill and its operations. The mill was a prosperous business, employing around 250 people and known for its responsible employment practices. By the late 19th century, the decline of linen led local mills to produce jute and hemp, but Glasshouses Mill continued flax spinning until the death of George Metcalfe Jr. in 1898. Following his death, the mill struggled, eventually declaring bankruptcy in 1907. The dam is now a recreational area, offering opportunities for fishing, skating in winter, and water sports in summer, although it was literally bone dry when I passed in May 2025 (see photos).

Quintessentially pretty market town, arrive early to find suitable parking, best place is next to the showground on the southern side of the bridge over the River Nidd. Honesty box only (no payment cards), cheap at £1 up to 4 hours and £2 all day (spring 2025 prices). The southern end of Nidderdale around Pateley Bridge has one of the densest concentrations of public footpaths in North Yorkshire, so loads of routeing options. See the North Yorks public rights of way map at https://maps.northyorks.gov.uk/connect/analyst/mobile/#/main?mapcfg=Out_and_About

If you are looking for the main Brimham Rocks site then that is 500m north. This bridleway runs through High Wood and Horse Wood to Smelthouses.

Great views both up and downstream, with parking on both sides of the bridge. The car park on the southern side, next to the cricket pitch and showground, is quite big and now relies on an honesty box for payment.

Set below the imposing Castlestead, a 19th century house that has been used as a boarding school, hydropathic establishment, and to house Officers during the Second World War and then children from Hull Sailors' Orphanage. Great unobstructed views of the weir from the footpath.

This area is renowned for its dramatic geological features, including sandstone outcrops that have earned names like Druid's Needle, The Eagle, and The Dancing Bear. These formations have developed over millions of years through the forces of erosion. This southern part of the site offers a more relaxed woodland walk, the striking rock formations are found further to the north.

St. Mary’s Church, now in ruins, was the parish church of Pateley Bridge until 1827. The church began to fall into decay at the start of the 19th century and it was closed in 1826 when it became too small for the congregation, too expensive to repair and too inconvenient to reach.