Yorkshire hamlet adored by visitors for its hidden treasures and tales

You could blink and miss it as you drive through, but one historic hamlet on the Dales Way in Yorkshire is one you need to add to the list and truly embrace for its idyllic, and picturesque setting. 

Sitting on the long-distance walk that starts in the West Yorkshire town of Ilkley, and ends 79 miles away in Windermere in Cumbria, sits a hamlet called Oughtershaw. Its name meaning ‘wooded-area’, was part of King Charles I’s hunting ground, and even today you can find remains of a Stone Age settlement at the top of one of the local fields. 

Quietly unassuming, Oughtershaw is the perfect short stay destination to escape busy city life and enjoy the simpler beauties in life. There are walks galore, the Wensleydale Creamery can be reached within 15mins, Hardraw Force which is England’s highest (above ground) unbroken waterfall set in 15 acres of woodland sits within the acclaimed grounds of the historic Green Dragon Inn, and the wider area is famously known for its dark skies. With minimal light pollution, Oughtershaw is excellent for stargazing, and the Yorkshire Dales is officially designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve. 

Within the hamlet sits a recently renovated holiday cottage called The Reading Rooms. During the 19th century, reading rooms were once commonplace across much of rural Yorkshire: they were places to congregate, educate, debate and elucidate in a time long before mass media and 24 hour news. Practically every Dales hamlet had one, and this charming building was Oughtershaw’s. Located right opposite the hamlet’s school, it was patronised by the philanthropic Woodd family, who owned nearby Oughtershaw Hall.

Today, the two-bedroom building retains all the period charm you could ask for; topped by York stone roof tiles, surrounded by trimmed lawns and bordered by a tinkling book, it looks like it could have stumbled straight from the pages of All Creatures Great And Small. 

It sits within grounds basking in local wildlife like red squirrels, woodpeckers, and cuckoos as well as having the hidden gem of a wild tarn within a short distance perfect for cold water swimming enthusiasts.

Location-wise, you’re in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, surrounded by green fields, hills and drystone walls: blissful isolation, and superb walking country. But if you do feel like being social, there are several renowned pubs within driving distance, and the market town of Hawes, six miles to the north, is on hand for supplies.

The team behind The Reading Rooms, Catch The Breeze Retreats want each visitor to experience and enjoy local delights during their stays. Within its generous welcome hamper on arrival, guests are treated to local milk from Dales Dairies in Grassington, eggs laid locally, and other treats from independent shops in Kettlewell. 

Rodney from Rhuddlan said of his visit: “We had the most fantastic stay in this peaceful and picturesque spot in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. We enjoyed walks from our doorstep and ventured out to The Wensleydale Creamery and Hardraw Force, enjoying a superb pub lunch at The Green Dragon Inn. The cottage itself felt like a home-from-home, such a perfect place to unwind and relax. We even managed to do some baking during our stay!”

If you enjoy exploring and learning about local areas, this is the place for you. Book your stay at The Reading Rooms with prices starting from £652 for four guests by contacting the team today www.catchthebreeze.co.uk Telephone: 01829 830 388 Email: info@catchthebreeze.co.uk. For larger groups, consider staying at nearby Oughtershaw Hall which can sleep up to 16 guests.

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