Redmire: Landscape, Trails and Industrial History

Redmire offers a range of interests to explore when planning a trip: nature, industrial history, walking and an annual festival. Local themes include moorland and waxcap fungi, as well as waterfalls and a route to Leyburn. When choosing when to visit, event dates and current train and bus services are also important.

Landscape and nature

About a third of the Civil Parish of Redmire is moorland in the north. The River Ure forms the southern boundary of the Civil Parish. Unimproved, undisturbed grassland is also a feature of the local landscape. It is a nationally declining habitat that supports a variety of waxcap fungi. These depend on short, undisturbed grassland that has not been treated with fertiliser; their visibility varies by season.

Redmire Force consists of a series of small waterfalls on the River Ure and is one mile from Redmire railway station. The five miles refer to the route from Redmire to Leyburn; the one mile is the distance from Redmire Force to the station.

Geology and industrial history

The geology of the Civil Parish consists of Carboniferous sedimentary rock. Limestone, sandstone, shale and coal occur in alternating layers; there are also veins of lead ore. This variety of rock forms a distinct aspect of the local natural history.

The Cobscar smeltmill offers another glimpse of the past. Despite its ruined condition, it features rare visible furnace structures. The site operated for 130 years. It offers a different focus from moorland and waterfalls: the visible structures of a historic industrial site and its long history of operation.

Trails and travel planning

The five-mile route from Redmire to Leyburn passes through Bolton Hall and Wensley. The five miles refer to the entire route; Redmire Force, by contrast, is one mile from the station. If you plan to walk the route, bear in mind that conditions may change and check the current trail conditions before setting out.

WensleyAle is an annual beer, music and food festival. It is usually held over the late-May bank holiday weekend at Redmire Station on the Wensleydale Railway. Before travelling, check the event dates and usual venue before basing your plans on them.

Redmire station platform and car park are currently being used solely as an operational base during the renewal of the line to Leyburn. A limited bus service serves Redmire and places beyond it. Check current operations and the bus timetable before your journey.

Redmire Station House

Redmire Station House is a privately owned building with grounds. Since 1988, it has been run by the 2nd Acomb Scout Group and serves, under safeguarding rules, as a rentable activity centre for families, particularly youth groups. If you are planning a group activity, this facility may be relevant to your plans. Ask directly about booking availability.

Discover more destinations: Cayton, Sand Hutton, Tockwith, Kirkbymoorside, Battersby, Stearsby, Whorlton, Long Preston.

For the broader travel overview: North Yorkshire.