Drive & Stroll, with RON FREETHY

THIS week I had a wonderful visit to Hawes to explore the local countryside, but my first stop was at the Dales Countryside Museum.

This was so good that it was several hours later that I set off on my walk.

The museum is based in the old station at Hawes, where there is good parking.

Among the exhibits I found a 1920s washing machine which was hand operated but state of the art at that period. What caught my eye was the fact that it was made by the Ewbank company, based in Accrington.

The train standing at Platform One is going nowhere but the carriages have been beautifully adapted to function as a museum, including an audio visual display covering the history of the Dales.

The friendly staff provided me with a photograph showing what the building was like before the restoration.

Apart from the display of Dales life, there are facilities for students to work, an information centre and a comprehensive bookshop also selling souvenirs.

There are toilet facilities but no cafe, but this does not matter because Hawes is well supplied with small bars, restaurants and a pub.

If you fancy taking home some Wensleydale cream or cheese then between Hawes and the hamlet of Gayle is the factory where these items can be bought while watching the production methods.

The history of cheese-making here dates back to the Cistercian monks in the 13th century.

Gayle village is only half a mile from Hawes and I followed a circular route from the Countryside Museum passing through Gayle.

Here is a ford -- a magnificent waterfall best seen from the old bridge.

Here too is Gayle Mill, once in danger of rotting away but now being given a touch of tender loving care by a charity called The Friends of Gayle Mill.

Anybody who takes the time and trouble to restore historic buildings should be regarded as a friend of all of us.

If those involved need inspiration they need look no further than the Dales Countryside Museum.

It is the best of its type that I have seen in a long time and I am glad to see a bit of "old Accy" on display. I wonder who bought a Ewbank in the 1920s?