Cog Dale

Valley in Yorkshire Richmondshire

England

Cog Dale

Fell End Boulders in low-angled sunshine A landscape with heather and grass moorland to the north of Arkengarthdale interrupted by several large boulders. The valley of Slei Gill lies below to the left.
A closer view of the rocks can be seen... <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6931426" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6931426">Link</a>
Climbers operate there too... <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/fell_end_boulders-3753/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/fell_end_boulders-3753/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — Fell End Boulders in low-angled sunshine Credit: Trevor Littlewood

Cog Dale is a picturesque valley located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, in North Yorkshire, England. Nestled between rolling hills and surrounded by lush green meadows, it is considered one of the most scenic areas in the region. The dale is named after the Cog Beck, a charming river that meanders through the valley, adding to its natural beauty.

The landscape of Cog Dale is characterized by its dramatic limestone formations, which create a stunning backdrop for visitors and nature enthusiasts alike. The valley is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife lovers. Rare species such as red squirrels, otters, and various bird species can often be spotted in the area.

Recreational activities abound in Cog Dale, attracting outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. The valley offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from gentle walks along the riverbank to more challenging routes up the surrounding hills. Cyclists also flock to the area, taking advantage of the scenic cycling paths that wind through the dale.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Cog Dale offers plenty of peaceful spots for picnicking or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature. The valley is also home to several charming villages, where visitors can find quaint country pubs and local shops selling traditional Yorkshire produce.

Overall, Cog Dale is a hidden gem in the Yorkshire Dales, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor activities. It is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of the English countryside.

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Cog Dale Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.425862/-1.9372667 or Grid Reference NZ0403. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fell End Boulders in low-angled sunshine

A landscape with heather and grass moorland to the north of Arkengarthdale interrupted by several large boulders. The valley of Slei Gill lies below to the left. A closer view of the rocks can be seen... Link Climbers operate there too... Link

Trevor Littlewood

Fell End Lead Mine

The extensive amount of spoil on the hill slope above Arkengarthdale is the most apparent evidence of the long-disused Fell End Lead Mine. The shadow in the foreground is a bridleway which will surely have been created as a route to and from the mine workings.

Trevor Littlewood

Path climbing past cairn at Fell End

The grassy bridleway climbing a broad ridge above Arkengarthdale towards a high point at 475 metres.

Trevor Littlewood

Fell End Boulders

Fell End Boulders are at Fell End, a location overlooking the valley of Slei Gill which is in the distance beyond the rocks.

Trevor Littlewood

Blooming heather with dry stone wall

Heather in flower in mid-August along the ridge crest at the north side of Arkengarthdale which is the obvious gulf beyond the wall. The green dome at the right side of the image is a feature of the old lead mining industry. Calver Hill is at the left side of the image.

Trevor Littlewood

Kexwith Ford

This ford on the Moresdale Beck is found at Kexwith. My apologies that it is identical to this image by Andy Waddington: Link

John Walton

Washfold Ford

This ford on the Padley Beck is found at Washfold. An image from a previous visit can be viewed at: Link

John Walton

Fremington to Hurst track

This is one of those tracks whose status is not entirely clear on the OS maps, being designated "Other route with public access" with a direction to check with the local highway authority for the exact rights. This one connects the minor road to White House above Fremington with the minor road at Hurst, and is gated at both ends (and a couple of places en route) with signs requiring motor vehicles to stick strictly to the track, since environmental damage had been caused by off-track vehicles and permission to use the route may have to be withdrawn if such use continues. Unlike an estate track further east which is not a right of way at all, but was today being hammered by noisy trail bikes, the track here was entirely deserted.

Andy Waddington

Welcome to Hurst

Don't get too excited. There's no village here, no pub, no shop and only one short row of cottages. Apart from that there's plenty of old remains from the 19thC lead mining industry when Hurst must have been more like a 'gold rush' town.

Gordon Hatton

Tree lined lane, Washfold

The area around Hurst is mostly treeless, a combination of windswept moors and grouse shooting country. What trees there are cling on in the shelter of the valley, like these sycamores and a larch.

Gordon Hatton

Goats Road

An odd name for a dead end road near Hurst. No goats visible, but several Swaledale sheep in adjoining fields. Look carefully and you might spot the two old chimneys on the hillside associated with the lead mining industry of the 19thC.

Gordon Hatton

Sheep on Shaw Moor

If these sheep were a little brighter they might be over the nearby wall into the improved pasture on the other side where the grass is tastier. The green humps of two old lead mining shafts can be seen in the distance.

Gordon Hatton

Skeg Dale

Not many visitors to the Yorkshire Dales will claim to have visited Skeg Dale, but then why would they bother? This tiny valley is no more than a marshy hollow on the moor.

Gordon Hatton

Road to Schoolmaster Pasture

The tarmacked road ends at the bottom of the dip, beyond which there are only tracks, including the one ahead to the oddly named Schoolmaster Pasture [the same name occurs on the 1854 OS map]. From that house to Holgate is some 800m in a straight line and can be walked in some 20 minutes, but by motorable road it is a very long way round via Marske.

Gordon Hatton

Footpath to Holgate

The sign points directly across the moor, but there's no trace of a path on the ground. This is a little visited area close to the 'back of beyond'. The path is number 20.42/11.

Gordon Hatton

Bikers reach the road at Hurst

In fact the rough track that the trials bikers have used across from Fremington is still a county road, but 80% or more of it is just a moorland track. Tarmac is reached at the hamlet of Hurst.

Gordon Hatton

Brown's Chimney, Hurst

One of two late 19thC chimneys that survive amongst the lead mining spoil tips at Hurst. For a detailed description see Matthew's photo.

Gordon Hatton

Cat Shaft Chimney, Hurst

One of two late 19th century chimneys that survive amongst the lead mining spoil tips at Hurst. In the background can be seen evidence of the mining ground which extends across the moor in different directions towards Fremington Edge. See Matthew's photo for a full description.

Gordon Hatton

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Cog Dale is located at Grid Ref: NZ0403 (Lat: 54.425862, Lng: -1.9372667)

Division: North Riding

Administrative County: North Yorkshire

District: Richmondshire

Police Authority: North Yorkshire