After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the Tempest Arms in Elslack we set off for a ride on the Embsay Steam Railway. Embsay is a picturesque village located just a five minute drive from Skipton with the station lying on the edge of the village and having its own free car park.
The heritage railway was formed in 1979 and started operating two years later. Since then the line has been extended numerous times and now runs to Bolton Abbey, a distance of four miles.
After having our tickets checked at the station entrance we strolled along the beautifully restored platform with its old fashioned waiting room, cafe and gift shop.
From the platform we watched the steam locomotive puffing its was round from one end of the train to the other in readiness for our journey. This was such a joy to witness as it evoked the romantic days of steam.
Soon it was time to board with seats being assigned to a particular carriage, each with its own table. The carriages vary in style but as they have all been beautifully restored I don’t think it matters which one you are seated in.
It took around 20 minutes to travel along the line gazing out of the window at the beautiful countryside landscape. The journey travels via Draughton Sidings, Holywell and Stoneacre Loop on its way to Bolton Abbey although it doesn’t make a stop at any of these halts.
We then had approximately 30 minutes to get off the train at Bolton Abbey station and have a look around whilst the engine changed ends. This station has been fully restored to its original 1800’s style with its station buffet and waiting room. On the platform were piles of old leather trunks and suitcases taking visitors back to bygone days.
There was time to chat with one of the station volunteer guards who looked very smart in his uniform with an oil lamp in his hand. Other volunteers were busy painting fences and watering plants to keep the station neat and tidy.
From Bolton Abbey station passengers can enjoy a walk to the local beauty spot of Bolton Abbey Priory, a distance of one and a half miles. However, for those planning to go there I would recommend starting the round trip at this station. Alternatively, when reserving tickets it’s often possible to request to return on a later service to allow more time to explore.
Back on the train, we enjoyed our return journey relaxing in the comfortable seats. It was just a pity that the steam train ride was all over so quickly as we could have happily stayed on the heritage line longer.
Before getting back in the car we wandered into the centre of Embsay for a look around. The small village is very pretty with its village pub, The Elm Tree taking its name from an ancient tree outside its door.
Back in the car it was then just a 10 minute drive to Keelham Food Hall, located on the outskirts of Skipton. This large food hall supports over 250 local suppliers by offering the freshest produce to its customers.
The aisles are filled to the brim with beautifully arranged fruit, vegetables and flowers and its meat counters serve the finest quality meats, pies and sausages so it’s no wonder that people come from far and wide to stock up on their provisions. Alongside fresh produce the food hall also offers a wide range of wines, spirits and local ales.
We’d arranged to have a meal in Keelham Kitchen, the in-house restaurant run by a talented team of chefs. With a focus on local produce showcasing the fresh ingredients found in store it was a difficult decision deciding what to choose from the menu. I finally settled on a chicken, ham and leek pie which had a light, flaky pastry lid and a delicious, creamy sauce. I was also tempted into bread and butter pudding for dessert which is one of my favourites and it lived up to my high expectations. For those just preferring a coffee and cake there’s also a cafe upstairs with a balcony overlooking the store below.
What a lovely day we’d had around Skipton enjoying a ride on a steam train, taking a walk around Embsay village and enjoying a delicious meal at Keelham Food Hall. It was then back to our accommodation at the Tempest Arms to relax in our spacious suite.
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