Are you planning your trip to the amazing heather moorlands? Here are some insider tips about the Yorkshire Dales, famous pubs, sporting estates, as well as dining locations and accommodations.
One of England’s most attractive regions is a huge visitor attraction all year round, but particularly in the summer when the wild flower meadows are in full bloom, and the weather is kind enough to walk the higher routes. In late summer, autumn and winter people travel from all over the world to enjoy the grouse shooting up high in the heather, and pheasant shooting lower down.
Up in the remote north of the National Park where the weather is wildest and the villages can easily be cut off in the winter you will also find some of the most famous grouse moors, such as Gunnerside on the northern flanks of Swaledale. And in this wild country you will also find the famous CB Inn nestled into the folds of ridiculously charming Arkengarthdale and the Punchbowl Inn in Swaledale. They are both at their finest when the weather is at its worst, the fires are crackling, the food is hot and the beer is flowing.
Dining & Sleeping
Simonstone Hall
Nestled at the foot of the famous Buttertubs Pass which links Wensleydale and Swaledale (depicted in the image by Will Hetherington) this fabulous country hotel plays host to shooting parties throughout the winter and happy tourists throughout the spring and summer.
Sporting estate
Swinton Park
This diverse hotel and country estate is owned by the Cunliffe-Lister family. Here you can enjoy everything from cookery lessons and a spa day to the exhilarating buzz of driven grouse shooting high up on the moor. And if you need some practice before you go for the real thing then fear not because the estate even has its own on-site EJ Churchill Shooting School.
About the author
Will Hetherington
Will Hetherington has been immersed in British country sports journalism for 22 years. He was editor of Shooting Gazette for 13 years, between 2004 and 2017, and is now a freelance editor and writer. One of his main roles is editor of Gundog Journal, a world leading bi-monthly gundog title published by Fieldsports Press. With two faithful labradors constantly by his side, he understands the companionship the gundog breeds offer, whether in the field in pursuit of winged game or relaxing at home with the fire lit and a glass of red wine to hand.
Will gets closer to nature with his EL 8.5x42 binoculars.
