Arncliffe

Population: 86 Est.
Information Site: Click Here
Grid Ref: SD9371
Distance: 7.5 miles drive from Grassington
Directions: North on the B6265 to Threshfield, then head North on the B6160, and NW on local road
Car Parking: Sparse
Facilities: Pub : Red phone box : Green
Nearby Interest: Walks : Peace and Quiet
Church: St. Oswalds : Tower

One of Littondale's four settlements, Arncliffe is the largest, and the only one South of the valley. Best reached from the B6160, up Wharfedale by a minor road a mile beyond Kilnsey and its famous crag.

Splendidly situated on a gravel delta above the flood-plain of the River Skirfare, Arncliffe's houses, cottages, and other buildings face in towards a large and luxurious green, and outwards to green hillsides etched with limestone scars. A barn to the north of the green is a good example of the local style, with an unusual entrance, and a datestone of 1677.

Behind the village buildings are several small crofts, nearly one to each house, and beyond these, limestone walls climb the surrounding hills separating higher fields. St Oswald's church lies close to the river a little North of the village, and the road up the dale crosses the river past Bridge End where Charles Kingsley stayed, and Old Cores, built in 1650, whose gabled porch has a 3-light window somewhat characteristic of late 17th-century houses in this area of the dales. A narrow, winding road climbs steeply southwards from the village, across the fells towards Malham.

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