Copyright © 2024 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
This particular post is about our journey from Settle to Buxton in England. What could have been less than a 3-hrs.-drive, took us all day long. Overall, it was quite an exciting day.
Starting with our morning visit to Victoria Hall (see yesterday’s post), we hiked to Scaleber Foss (waterfalls), explored Skipton’s Castle, enjoyed a Sunday Roast in Kelbrook (village in Lancashire), dropped Grit Eckert off at the train station in Manchester, visited The Plaza in Stockport, and snuck into Buxton’s Opera House (during intermission of HMS Pinafore). It was an absolutely amazing day and I will share some photos from each leg of our journey.
For geographical context, here is a map of our travels on August 4, 2024.
After visiting Victoria Hall that morning, we enjoyed coffee and some Victoria cake before visiting the local scenic attraction known as Scaleber Foss. We travel a bit like Hobbits; first breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, and so forth. It makes up for the energy spent tromping across towns and in theaters.
Also known as Scaleber Force, it is a 40-ft. high waterfall on Stockdale Beck, flowing into the River Ribble between Settle and Long Preston in the North Yorkshires. Sounds a bit like fairytale locations, right? The landscape is enchanting even on a cloudy day.
Although the water is much more forceful in spring, late summer slows the stream down to a trickle, a series of gentle cascades. Over time, water has eroded the limestone, carving out giant steps that lead to the base of the ravine.
I was surprised to discover that some believe Scaleber Foss was inspirational to Edward Elgar; he walked the countryside with his friend Dr. Buck, of Settle.
Despite overcast skies, the serene landscape, tumbling waterfall, steep footpath, and dense foliage were magical. The water was so pleasantly cool that I couldn’t resist going barefoot in the stream.
Our next stop was Skipton Castle, known as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England. Atop a rocky bluff, high stone walls are quite formidable to those below.
At over 900 years old the Skipton Castle is still fully roofed and contains Lady Ann Clifford’s ancient yew tree in the Early Tudor Courtyard.
I was especially taken with the castle’s Conduit Courtyard. According to guidebooks, “It is formed by a range of domestic buildings which survive unaltered and intact from early Tudor times.” In the center, a stone bench surrounds an ancient yew tree, planted by Lady Anne Clifford in 1659.
Here are a few more photographs from our visit to Skipton Castle.
We were all able to enjoy an early dinner – Sunday roast – before heading on to Manchester where Grit grabbed a train back to London. Mike and I were now headed to out next destination – Buxton, as the next morning we were touring another Opera House.
On a whim, Mike suggested that we stop at Stockport and visit The Plaza Amazingly, he was able to get us in for a quick tour from a head usher after the show let out.
What a treat!
Our visit took place just before the new House Tabs were installed.
Then we were off to Buxton. Little did we know, but the town was bursting with visitors, many attending the 30th International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival. Had we only known, tickets would have been purchased in advance! This festival is now officially on my bucket list with Andrew and Aaron.
It was an absolutely lovely evening as we wandered around the opera house. Occasionally a few lyrics from H. M. S. Pinafore interrupted the quiet night.
After lurking about until intermission, we were able to sneak in through a side door to see what the house looked like full of people. No, we didn’t stay for the second act. It was a sold-out show.
My next post will be about the Buxton the Opera House.
To be continued…
