How Stean Gorge

Up towards the top end of Nidderdale above Pateley Bridge, a tributary of the River Nidd called How Stean Beck has, over thousands of years, carved a steep ravine, caves and potholes in the limestone rock. It was opened up to visitors in Victorian times and now hosts outward-bound type activities: rock climbing, gorge walking, potholing and the like. Even casual visitors like me could don a hard hat and explore the gorge, along narrow footpaths and under overhanging rocks. For the more able/brave there is a 'via ferrata' where you basically haul yourself along holding onto steel cables (didn't bother with that bit!) and steep ladders down into a series of caves (didn't bother with that either!!) 

It's a somewhat mysterious and atmospheric place, guarded over by a large wooden sculpture of the lion Aslan,

I watched a couple of youngsters abseiling down into the gorge from one of the bridges. They looked quite happy about it! 

It was nearly as terrifying to me when I spotted that the café is cantilevered over the ravine, with glass viewing panels in the floor that allow you to look down whilst you enjoy your coffee. Eek! I've no head for heights. Fascinating place though, and somewhere I'd never visited before.