Pateley Bridge

Pateley Bridge with Bewerley ~ This large village nestles on either side of the River Nidd, surrounded by sweeping hills to the north, steep farmland to both east and west, and the winding river to the south.

It is a bustling and popular summer visiting place, with its varied shops clustering along the steep High Street. Some of the original buildings were around St Mary's church on the hillside, as land in the river valley was boggy. Sadly, the church is now a ruin but attracts visitors by way of Panorama Walk from where you can enjoy magnificent views.
The newer church of St Cuthbert was built further down the hill. The lovely old monastic chapel at Bewerley still stands and is in regular use.

Much was owed to the Metcalfe and the Yorke families for the development of Pateley Bridge. They were involved in building houses, flax milling, breweries, railways, roads and George Metcalfe helped to set up the Pateley Union in 1837.
The workhouse provided for 36 inmates and was considered a model in its time. The building is now a wonderful museum, manned by volunteers and containing a wealth of exhibits of life in the dale.

The 'bridge' at Pateley is an old-established crossing place thought to have been used by monks from Fountains Abbey. It was originally a ford and was superseded by a wooden structure in the 16th century. The present stone bridge dates from the 18th century.

The purpose-built Methodist church was the first in the dale. John Wesley had visited before the present one was built but the actual pulpit from which he preached is preserved in the present building.

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Links

Riverside Caravan Park
Megaliths
Eating out
Bewerly in Bloom

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