Local Villages
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The picturesque villages of Middlesmoor, Lofthouse, Ramsgill and Wath each have charming pubs, a bus service, car parking facilities and a great range of footpaths and bridleways suitable for all abilities. Middlesmoor: A hamlet situated at the head of
Upper Nidderdale which, at just over 900 ft above sea
level, is one of Yorkshire's highest settlements.
Much of the settlement dates from the eighteenth century although
the Church of St Chads, has existed there since very early
times. There are excellent long distance vistas from the
church yard - well worth a visit.
Lofthouse: The pretty village of
Lofthouse grew out of a grange established by the monks of
Fountains Abbey. Obtaining possession of lands on the
southern slopes of the valley in 1251, the monks mined ironstone
through a system of bell pits, the remains of which are still
visible. Nearby are the Baal hills, sites of early iron
smelting.
The oldest dwelling dates back to 1676 with most of the houses
originating in the 18th and 19th centuries. During the
construction of the reservoirs, there was a station at lofthouse
which connected with Pateley Bridge. The service ceased
in 1929.
Ramsgill: The name Ramsgill may date from the
twelfth century and probably means a 'gill or valley, grove, wood
or hollow where wild garlic grew'. These descriptions reflect the
present village setting. The monks of Byland Abbey had a
grange and a small chapel here. The remains of St. Mary's
Chapel, of medieval origin, can be seen in the present
Churchyard. The monks had pasturage for 80 mares and their
foals at Colt House, south west of the village. Ramsgill was
the principal grange of Byland Abbey, its favoured location being
suitable for both pastoral and arable farming.
There are some beautiful buildings in Ramsgill, gathering
around the wide open green. Those keen on bird watching can
access viewing points at the head of the reservoir just outside of
the village. For more information, see the
'Gouthwaite' pages on the website.
Wath: A two mile circular route starting from
Wath takes you up to Gouthwaite Reservoir and back through
beautiful woodland. For more information and route details
check the information board at the bus stop in Wath.
The rich architectural history of the area has led to the
designation of 14 conservation areas within the
boundaries of the AONB including the villages listed
above. For more information on Conservation Areas in
the Harrogate District follow this link to the Harrogate
Borough Council website.
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