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Littondale with its picturesque hamlets of Hawkswick, Arncliffe, Litton, Halton Gill and Foxup, is rich in Bronze and Iron Age settlements and has been a sheltered fertile valley for over 5000 years.
The land was granted to the monks of Fountains Abbey around the 13th Century and became used extensively for sheep farming, which is still an important and much loved part of dales life. As a side dale to the west of Wharfedale and with Malhamdale to its south, Littondale follows the River Skirfare which is famed for disappearing below ground for much of the year exposing a dry rocky bed – one of the more unusual features of this limestone landscape – and with its remarkable cave systems – it is a true delight for geologists to potholers!
Proudly boasting Pen-Y-Ghent, one of the Yorkshire 3 Peaks, at its head – the valley is famous for its flora and fauna amidst its wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands and abundant birdlife. Littondale has been the inspiration behind Kingsley’s Water Babies and the setting for a host of TV and film projects from Emmerdale Farm, Wuthering Heights, Woman in Black and a much anticipated new series of All Creatures Great & Small.
Today, Littondale is home to around 300 residents and is a vibrant dale with over 30 businesses ranging from accommodation providers to inns to artists and craftspeople. This community website was created in 2020 to highlight and promote the spirit and natural beauty of this incredible place. We hope very much you will come and experience the wonder of this hidden gem so please read on about what we have to offer and come visit – we look forward to welcoming you all!
