County Durham Centre of the National Trust
A National Trust Supporter Group
  • Home
  • Notices - Winter 2020/21 Talks
  • Winter Talks 2019/20
    • Talks Winter 2019/20
    • Directions to Scarborough Lecture Theatre
  • Spring and Summer Outings 2020
  • Socials Summer 2020
  • Walks 2020
  • Supported NT Projects
    • Seaton Delaval Pediment Clock
  • Committee
  • Membership
  • Contact us
  • Links to Local National Trust Sites

Visit to Wensleydale Creamery, Dales Countryside Museum and Rope Factory

Picture
Setting off from Durham, and after stopping at the Aston Hotel, the coach drove through Catterick and passed over the Aysgarth Falls, resplendently bathed in June sunshine.
Through Wensleydale (the only Dale not named after a river), we reached Hawes, the market town and tourist centre, welcoming us with strings of bunting, and which is home to the Wensleydale Creamery, our first stop.
In the visitor centre a demonstration produced a Wensleydale cheese before our very eyes, and this was followed by a tour of the factory. The rennet used to be produced from boiled-down slugs – thankfully no longer in use.
A lovely salad lunch including, yes you’ve guessed it, a variety of cheeses; a huge selection of which was available in the shop.

Picture
The afternoon was spent at the Dales Countryside Museum, which boasted an exhibition of country life in an old railway carriage, and an display of “home appliances” from an era before this term became fashionable. A realistic lead mining tunnel completed the museum’s exhibits.
A fascinating rope factory was available for viewing across the museum yard, with the ropemaker tramping for an average of 6 miles a day to lay out the rope threads prior to being twisted into a formed rope. A multiplicity of coloured ropes were used to create everything from dog leads to rope barriers for ceremonial events.
 A wonderful drive through the Dales in all their splendour completed the outing.
Many thanks were due to Jenny Miller for organising such an interesting and memorable day, and for providing a day of perfect weather. 

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.