Rayside Plantation

Wood, Forest in Yorkshire Craven

England

Rayside Plantation

Bridge over Clapham Beck Waterfall Clapham Falls is a man-made waterfall which sees Clapham Beck drop below a bridge, in three separate tiers, from the lake above into Clapham itself. The waterfall was constructed in 1837 by Oliver and James William Farrar as part of the remodelling of the estate of Ingleborough Hall. — Bridge over Clapham Beck Waterfall Credit: David Dixon

Rayside Plantation, located in Yorkshire, England, is a picturesque woodland area that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This serene forested area covers approximately 500 acres and is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

The plantation is predominantly made up of mature oak and beech trees, which provide a stunning display of vibrant colors during autumn. The dense canopy also creates a shaded and cool environment, perfect for leisurely walks or picnics on hot summer days.

Visitors to Rayside Plantation can explore a network of well-maintained trails that meander through the woodland. These trails cater to all levels of fitness, from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes, ensuring there is something for everyone. Along the way, walkers can encounter a variety of plant and animal species, including deer, squirrels, and a wide array of birdlife.

For those interested in history, the plantation boasts a rich heritage. It was once part of a larger estate and has remnants of old stone walls and boundary markers that date back centuries. This adds an extra layer of charm and intrigue to the experience.

Rayside Plantation is a popular spot for family outings, with designated picnic areas and play zones for children to enjoy. Additionally, there are facilities such as toilets and ample parking available, making it easily accessible to visitors.

Overall, Rayside Plantation is a hidden gem in Yorkshire, offering a peaceful retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and indulge in outdoor activities.

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Rayside Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.137417/-2.3826985 or Grid Reference SD7571. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bridge over Clapham Beck Waterfall

Clapham Falls is a man-made waterfall which sees Clapham Beck drop below a bridge, in three separate tiers, from the lake above into Clapham itself. The waterfall was constructed in 1837 by Oliver and James William Farrar as part of the remodelling of the estate of Ingleborough Hall.

David Dixon

St James' Church, Clapham

Looking across Clapham Beck towards the Church of St James at Clapham. The majority of the current church dates from 1814 although the tower has been retained from an earlier, fifteenth century, church. It is a Grade II listed building (List Entry Number: 1132398 Link

Historic England)

David Dixon

Clapham Falls

David Dixon

Clapham Beck Waterfall

David Dixon

Clapham Beck and the Church of St James

Historic England)

David Dixon

Clapham Lake

Clapham Lake is a man-made ornamental lake in Clapdale, just above the village of Clapham. It is surrounded by woodland and is seen here from Clapdale Drive, a wide track that passes along the western side of the lake on its through Clapdale Wood towards Ingleborough Cave. Known simply as The Lake, this artificial lake was constructed in the 18th century as part of the remodelling of the Ingleborough estate by the Farrar family who built a dam to hold back the waters of Clapham Beck, which drains via the artificial watercourse of Clapham Falls.

David Dixon

Lake at Clapham

Known simply as The Lake, this artificial lake, just above the village of Clapham, was constructed in the 18th century as part of the remodelling of the Ingleborough estate by the Farrar family who built a dam to hold back the waters of Clapham Beck, which drains via the artificial watercourse of Clapham Falls. The ornamental lake is surrounded by woodland and is seen here from Clapdale Drive, a wide track that passes along the western side of the lake on its through Clapdale Wood towards Ingleborough Cave.

David Dixon

Cat Hole Sike

The shallow streambed that passes beneath Clapdale Drive is called Cat Hole Syke. ("Syke" or "sike" is a colloquial term for a small stream). The steeply dipping Ordovician rocks, some more than 400 million years old, were pushed to the surface by a major disturbance in the earth's crust which caused massive earth movements tilting them to their present angle. This is part of the Craven Fault System Link

David Dixon

The Lake, Clapham

David Dixon

Clapdale Drive, Clapdale Wood

Clapdale Drive is a wide track that passes along the western side of the lake and above Clapham Beck as it climbs from Clapham village, through Clapdale Wood towards Ingleborough Cave.

David Dixon

The Grotto, Clapdale Drive

The Grotto is a late-nineteenth century folly commissioned by the Farrer family as a place to sit and enjoy the views of Thwaite Scars. It was constructed of large pieces of limestone set back against the steep hillside. Although it has become rather dilapidated, it is still a useful place to shelter when caught out by the weather.

David Dixon

Ingleborough Estate Trail, Clapdale Drive

Clapdale Drive is a wide track that passes along the western side of the lake and above Clapham Beck as it climbs from Clapham village, through Clapdale Wood towards Ingleborough Cave.

David Dixon

Cairn on Long Scar

Quite impressive.

steven ruffles

Footbridge over Clapham Beck

Footbridge looking over from the Ingleborough Nature Trail path. A view of the footbridge from the opposite side of the Beck can be seen here - Link

Steve Houldsworth

Old Road at Crosshaw

Looking north-westward.

Peter Wood

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This Mark can be found on a gatepost beside Old Road at Crosshaw. The recorded details give a height of 215.5546 metres above sea level. For more detail see : Link

Peter Wood

Track to Austwick through the tunnels

Two tunnels take the bridleway underneath the grounds of Ingleborough Hall. I think this was to keep the common people out of sight of the gentry therein.

Karl and Ali