Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a dramatic landscape of contrasts which has been shaped over thousands of years by the people who have lived and worked here.
The wonderful Nidderdale Valley is home to remote heather moorland landscape, dotted with beautiful reservoirs and charming stone villages, leading down to lush green pastures crisscrossed with dry stone walls. Throughout the valley scattered remains of former mine workings and other rural industries are reminders of the area’s rich industrial heritage.
The beautiful Washburn Valley in the south of the AONB is a haven for wildlife with pasture, woodland, reservoirs, rivers and moorland. This is a hidden gem within easy reach of Bradford, Leeds and Harrogate offering plenty of opportunities for walking, fishing, bird watching and cycling.
On the eastern side of the AONB there is plenty to explore – here you’ll find monastic heritage and the magnificent world heritage site of Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal as well as the historic parks and gardens of Jervaulx Abbey and Hackfall.
Whichever part of the AONB you choose to visit you are sure to be amazed at its beauty!