Visiting Farndale is like entering nature’s version of a spa, with all the elements on-tap to create a relaxing atmosphere.
With the River Dove gently meandering through the valley, the patchwork of pastures and woodland sandwiched between wilder moorland on either side, and just two tiny hamlets, Church Houses at the top and Low Mill at the bottom, Farndale knows how to do peaceful.
In spring the river banks and surrounding meadows become a sea of yellow as the glorious sight of thousands of native wild daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) burst into flower. The diminutive blooms are a natural spectacle, made all-the-more wonderful when you know the first daffodil bulbs were said to have been planted by medieval monks from nearby Rievaulx Abbey.
The daffodils are protected within the Farndale Nature Reserve, which was established in 1955 to safeguard the valley's famous flowers.
In the lower valley, the walk from Lowna Bridge passes a stone wall enclosing an old Quaker burial ground where ‘Sarkless Kitty’ was said to have finally found peace - her tormented ghost having claimed the lives of many men.
For all its tranquillity you would be mistaken for thinking there was no sense of community in Farndale. In fact the eco-friendly village hall in Church Houses is a busy hub of activity with walking groups and film nights; and there’s also the annual Farndale agricultural show in August.
Meanwhile music fans should make a beeline for the quirky 100-seat corrugated iron-clad The Band Room in Low Mill. Heralded as "the greatest small venue on earth", it has attracted big names such as David Gray, Cerys Matthews and folk singer Kate Rusby.
