Coverdale is one of the most picturesque of the upper dales. It stretches for over thirteen miles from the bleak beauty of Coverhead in the West, where rivulets cut deep into the peaty moorland, to the small cobbled market town of Middleham to the East - famous for its racing stables and associations with Richard III, once an inhabitant of Middleham Castle. To the west of Melmerby the skyline is dominated by the distinctive outline of Great and Little Whernside in the high dale. Closer to the cottage Penhill on Melmerby Moor is within easy striking distance as are the crags of Roova facing you from across the dale. The hamlet of Melmerby is surrounded by rich meadows and pastureland that reach down to the banks of the Cover an easy stroll from the holiday cottage. In neighbouring Wensleydale you can find Semer Water, a peaceful lake surrounded by stunning hills. Hawes in the west of the dale is another picturesque market town with lots to see and do. Aysgarth Falls and Redmire Falls provide well marked and easy walking with good amenities and tourist information. Above Aysgarth Falls sits Castle Bolton, one time prison to Mary, Queen of Scots. Move further North, beyond Wensleydale, and you find dramatic Swaledale with historic Richmond at its head. Amenities Good local shops, supermarkets and farmers’ market can be found in nearby Leyburn, and a choice of excellent eateries and traditional pubs in Middleham and countless other local villages. Carlton with its cosy local pub, the Foresters Arms, serving good food and local ale is within walking distance. Some recommended restaurants are:- www.thebluelion.co.uk www.whiteswanhotel.co.uk www.wensleydaleheifer.co.uk www.forestersarms-carlton.co.uk Activities Visitors to the Yorkshire Dales can enjoy a wide variety of physical activities including: walking : www.daleswalks.co.uk mountain biking : www.mtbthedales.org.uk caving : www.yorkshire-dales.com/caves.html fishing : www.yorkshire-dales-flyfishing.com bird watching : www.tka.co.uk/yoc/watching.htm sailing : www.yorkshiredales.sc pampering : www.swintonpark.com, www.headlamhall.co.uk For children The Forbidden Corner is a must: www.yorkshirenet.co.uk/theforbiddencorner/ Older children may enjoy the whiteknuckle rides at Lightwater Valley Attractions. These include: Jervaulx Abbey : www.jervaulxabbey.com Constable Burton Gardens www.constableburtongardens.co.uk For a comprehensive list of attractions and activities visit www.yorkshiredales.org/thingsToDo.htm Home  : Accommodation  : Local area  : Check availability  : Prices  : Photo gallery  : Booking form