Sleningford Watermill Caravan & Camping Park - Activities

Activities

The River Ure provides the focus for the majority of activities on the Park, particularly canoeing, kayaking and fly-fishing. However, the Park is also popular with walkers as there is a network of footpaths in the area and the 50 mile circular Ripon Rowel Walk runs through the park itself. In the Ripon/Masham area, there are plenty of footpaths and enjoyable walks (The Sanctuary Cross walk in Ripon and the Mosaic Walk starting at Kirkby Malzeard moor are just two) and we stock OS maps and walking guides in the Shop. Further afield, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors provide plenty of walking opportunities.

The county of Yorkshire offers great opportunities for the cyclist, with great varieties of terrain and attractions. In North Yorkshire, there is a circular route of 33 miles (53km) taking the cyclist through Knaresborough, Kirkby Malzeard and Ripon (details can be found in ‘Great Cycle Routes Yorkshire’). Dalby Forest near Pickering has a number of cycling routes (as well as walks) suitable for all abilities.

Canoeing

Fishing

Canoeing

The River Ure rises high above Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales and flows through the spectacular landscape of Wensleydale. Meandering through the flat U-shaped glacial valley floor, it tumbles over Aysgarth Falls, then on to the brewing and market town of Masham. Below Masham, the valley opens out into broad swathes of rich agricultural land. The river loops through West Tanfield on its way to Ripon. Turning east to pass Boroughbridge, it is joined by the River Swale in the huge floodplain at Myton-on-Swale. Continuing as the Ure, it becomes known as the River Ouse just downstream of Little Ouseburn where the tiny Ouse Gill Beck joins the much larger Ure.

Canoeists are welcome to paddle within Sleningford Watermill's boundaries throughout the year with the exception of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Fees of £3.50 per paddler and £1.00 per non paddler applies daily and should be paid at Reception before entering the water. No access charges apply when staying at Sleningford. There should be more paddlers than non paddlers in any group and the managers reserve their right to refuse access if the Park is too busy and/or no prior agreement for the visit has been sought. Fees include the use of a toilet, shower and Canoeists Changing Room.

An Access Agreement applies upstream from Sleningford Watermill. For information on this, please contact the BCU for details.

Any organisations planning to bring a group of canoeists to the Park (whether for the day or for longer) must contact the Managers prior to arrival to check availability. The leader of any group must also provide a Risk Assessment for every visit to the Park and carry out dynamic risk assessments whilst on the Park, although receipt by the Managers does not qualify them as suitable and sufficient. The BCU can give guidance on the completion of risk assessments and information is available on their website.

All canoeists (whether staying on the Park or day visitors) must adhere to the BCU’s safety guidelines as follows:

• Don’t paddle alone
• Wear a buoyancy aid
• If head injuries are a significant risk, wear a helmet
• Let someone know what your plans are
• Check weather forecasts and, if appropriate, water levels or tides
• Stay flexible; be prepared to change your plans
• Be a ‘team player’; put the best interest of the group first

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ALL MOVING WATER IS DANGEROUS AND AFTER HEAVY RAINFALL IN THE DALES, THE RIVER CAN RISE DRAMATICALLY THEREBY INCREASING THE RISKS CONSIDERABLY.

Fishing

The Park is a popular venue for fly-fishing during the season which runs from the 1st April to the 30th September. The river is stocked with trout and there have also been grayling, chub and salmon caught here. Day tickets can be bought at Reception on production of a valid Environmental Agency Rod Licence and the tariff is:

Catch limit is 4 fish per day or 2 fish per half day ticket.

Another local fly-fishing venue is at West Tanfield Lodge which has an 11½ acre lake stocked with rainbow and brown trout. For further details please ring 01677 470385.

Although fly-fishing only is permitted at Sleningford Watermill, there are other parts of the River Ure where coarse fishing is permitted. Day and weekly tickets for the river from Ripon to Newby Hall can be obtained from Bensons Hardware Store, 4 Old Market Place, Ripon (01765 602085) and they also stock a small but good range of fishing equipment.

Tickets for the river outside Newby Hall can be obtained from Newby Hall Estate (01423 322583) or from the village shop at Skelton-on-Ure.

Angling around Boroughbridge is administered by the local angling club (01423 324776).