Yorkshire Dales

Ingleton Falls, a beautiful park containing a thousand steps to a thousand waterfalls (so said the tour guide; I didn’t personally count) just outside Yorkshire Dales National Park. Because they are not part of the park, admission is charged in the amount of £7 per person. Ingleton Glens is approximately 25 miles from Kendal and a good mid-point for visiting the Lake District & the Yorkshire Dales.

Look Dad! Money DOES grow on trees!

The highlight of this trail is Thorton Force -the most dramatic of all the waterfalls on this hike. Be aware this is a strenuous walk and not suitable for pushchairs/strollers or wheelchair accessible unfortunately.

 Start the walk at Broadwood falls and continue clockwise to Pecca Falls. This is a circular trail approximately 4 ½ miles. 

UPDATE: One-way system on trails now applied (2020)

Pecca Falls

After Pecca falls, you’ll follow the path to Pecca Twin falls, Hollybush Spout and the most magnificent on the trail- Thorton Force.

Thorton Force

Time required for this hike is dependent on you and could be anywhere from 2- 4 ½ hours. Slower persons on the trail, stopping for photo opportunities, etc.

Early morning on Sunday is best to hit this trail. As of ten a.m. Sunday there wasn’t anyone else on the trail which made it all the more enjoyable and peaceful. Upon returning to the car park in the afternoon the park had filled up.

sheep on rolling hills

Part of the trail is on farm land so use you noggin and respect the land and it’s farm animals. You’ll come across a little shop (and even a hotdog stand!) on this trail just in case you were worried about running out of food on your adventure (I live to eat)...

Triple Spout

  Then continue on to Beezley Falls and onward to Triple Spout through the Baxenghyll Gorge. (Don’t ask me how to pronounce these things. I didn’t name them…)

Beezley Falls

The last set of the falls on the trail is called Snow Falls. You then follow the path through to the sleepy little village of Ingleton (don’t forget to stop and get a postcard at the shops). Follow the signs back to the car park in which you started. There is a café here (just in case you don’t like hotdogs) to grab a bite to eat before heading home. For more info on Ingleton Waterfalls Trail visit www.ingletonwaterfallstrail.co.uk

Snow Falls

 Don’t forget to wear good hiking boots or shoes. Go ahead now, get muddy!

The “English” language

The English language where did it come from? How did it get so far from where it started? Personally I’ve noticed the Brits mispronounce my name constantly and trying to teach them new “American” vowel sounds is pointless. It’s was frustrating until it became hilarious. English peeps pronounce their ‘aw’s like ‘or’s. So my name, Vawn sounds like Vorn. Shakes head and throws arms up in air.

But the other day I found this mispronunciation hysterical when I asked my British friend where I might be able to get a new phone that won’t cost me both my arms and a leg.

 His reply, “Go to a pawn shop.”

“Excuse me? A what now?” *pauses to let it register…* “Ooooh….right.”

English language lesson # 57: if you pawn something, then the English say you flog it. Not exactly what I thought flogging was…

Malvern Hills, Cotswolds

In light of my new mission to get back into shape (round is not the shape I'm intended to be), I've decided to take on climbing Britain's mountains. Having already conquered Snowdon in Wales and gearing up for Scafell Pike in England's Lake District next weekend; I've elected not be too hasty and so planned to revisit to the Malvern Hills.

To the Hills!

I suggest you drive to the Malvern hills as public transport can be a wee bit tricky. To find the trail, start by parking across the road from the Kettle Sings tea room and restaurant. (Just input the Kettle Sings into your sat nav/GPS). This car park is a Pay & Display and costs £3.00 Note: P&D does not accept notes and does not give change!

 Now for the fun part: (THE CLIMB)

Allow at least three hours roundtrip for the hike from the Kettle Sings (turn right at the top of the hill and follow the path along the other rolling hills southbound) until you get to the Malvern hotel, cross the road (449) and pick up the path on the other side. This path is paved at the beginning and slightly steep. (Not wheelchair accessible, I'm afraid).

On your way to the Herdferdshire beacons there is (I think it’s called the British camp P&D area) a small shop where you can buy snacks. Also Malvern hills hotel is here and open for food (a bit more up scale than the Kettle sings). Not ideal if you’re going in muddy after the climb. Note: don't get too muddy or they will make you take off your boots at the entrance!

After your ramble back across the hill tops, have tea (and cake: go ahead you earned by now) at the Kettle Sings. Be mindful it’s hard to get into around noon unless you have reservation. Sit by the windows for a view of the rolling hills and overlook the little town of Colwall below. You might even see some wildlife (other than cows). On that note...

Beware of cowpats (cowpies in America) and the wind. There is little to no cover up there on them 'thar' hills. As always, bring rain gear – this is after all England and it will probably rain.

Want more adventure?

Little Malvern Priory

 Visit the monks at the nearby monastery in Little Malvern if time permits. The Little Malvern Priory dates back to 12th Century. With lots to do, I'm sure you'll enjoy your time in the Cotswolds!