Driving In The Dales

NATIONAL PARK

The Yorkshire Dales is otherwise known as James Herriot country, after the famous vet who was featured in the TV programme `All Creature's Great and Small'. It was designated as a National Park in 1954. It covers an area of 1773 square kilometres and includes some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. The network of dry stone walls that crisscross the slopes of the hills, the beautiful bleak heather moor land, and the picturesque hay meadows all make up this unique countryside. The Dales are blessed with a wide variety of wildlife, ranging from the curlews and lapwings floating in the skies above, to the hares with their black tipped ears lolloping across the meadows.

DRIVING IN THE DALES would like to give you the opportunity to experience the peace and tranquility of the Yorkshire Dales in a traditional manor. Ride in a comfortable carriage, pulled by a pair of Dales Ponies. Driving in the Dales allows you to see the panoramic views over the dry stone walls, to witness the wildlife normally frightened away by motorized vehicles, and to really experience the peace and beauty of these fabulous Dales.

THE PONIES

DRIVING IN THE DALES uses a pair of traditional Dales Ponies to pull a six seater wagonette.
The ponies are called Molly and Mickey and are both black. Molly is 13 Years old and has pulled a gypsy caravan to Appleby Horse Fair in the past. Mickey is 4 years old and adores his partner Molly. This breed of Pony is traditional to the area, and is renowned for their strength and stamina, enabling them to pull with ease. Dales ponies are also blessed with a kind and docile temperament, whilst still being hardy enough to live outside all year round, even in the fairly harsh winter conditions as found in the Yorkshire Dales. Dales Ponies are now classified under the Rare Breeds Survival Trust as a vulnerable breed.

THE DRIVES

DRIVING IN THE DALES is a licensed Hackney Carriage based in Hawes, which is a small market town at the head of Wensleydale. We are available on weekends and bank holidays for short drives, carrying up to six people at one time. We can be found in the Station Yard Car Park in Hawes, which is adjacent to the National Park Centre and Countryside Museum. These drives will take you through Hawes and around Gayle, along some of the quiet back roads, not normally explored by Visitors. If we are out on a drive there is a board in the Station Yard car park to tell you when the next drive will be departing.

• The weekend drives cost £8.00 per person for a one hour drive.
• £5.00 per half hour drive.
• Children under 2 go free; 3-11 half price.

WEEKDAY DRIVES

We are also available for drives during the week. There is a range of drives available, from the one hour drive shown above to a full day picnic drive. We can also accommodate your own plans if there is a particular drive you wish to do simply ring or e-mail us to discuss your requirements. Discounts are available for group bookings of 4-6 people.
Please note any weekday drives must be pre-booked.

The following drives are examples of what we can offer

• Hardraw Waterfall Drive
• Widdale And Appersett Gill
• Semerwater Picnic Drive
• Bainbridge And Askrigg Drive
• Cotterdale Picnic Drive

We can also pick you up from SIMONSTONE HALL and STONE HOUSE to let you ride into Hawes in style. Please give us plenty of notice as it can take a while to get the ponies ready.
We also sell gift vouchers, so if you are stuck for a present, or want to treat someone special we can provide vouchers for any amount. Just contact us.

If you may need assistance mounting or dismounting the carriage, please let us know when you make the booking so arrangements can be made to make your drive as enjoyable as possible.

• DRIVING IN THE DALES is supported by the Prince’s Trust Dale Project and Richmondshire District Council.

• DRIVING IN THE DALES runs through the summer from April to October.

DALES PONIES working in the winter of 1947.
Charlotte Sowerby
Thwaite Bridge Cottage
Hawes
North Yorkshire
DL8 3LS - Location

Phone: 01969 667728
Email:info@drivinginthedales.co.uk