River Skirfare facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Skirfare |
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River Skirfare
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| Country | England |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Foxup Beck and Cosh Beck 313 m (1,027 ft) 54°11′11″N 2°11′49″W / 54.186503°N 2.197014°W |
| River mouth | River Wharfe 194 m (636 ft) 54°07′09″N 2°02′10″W / 54.119264°N 2.035975°W |
| Length | 9.47 miles (15.24 km) |
The River Skirfare is a small but beautiful river located in North Yorkshire, England. It flows through a lovely valley called Littondale before joining a bigger river, the River Wharfe. The Skirfare starts where two smaller streams, Foxup Beck and Cosh Beck, meet near the little village of Foxup.
The name Skirfare comes from an old language called Old Norse. It means "bright" or "clear" river-course, which perfectly describes its sparkling waters!
Contents
Journey of the River Skirfare
The River Skirfare begins its journey where Foxup Beck and Cosh Beck join together in the small hamlet of Foxup. As it flows, you can see Hawkswick Moor on its east side. On the west side, there are hills like Darnbrook Fell, Hawkswick Clowder, and the famous Pen-y-ghent Fell.
The river winds its way mostly south-east for about 9.5 miles (15.24 kilometers). It keeps meandering until it meets the larger River Wharfe. Along its path, the Skirfare collects water from several smaller streams, making it grow as it travels.
Life Around the River
The plants and animals living near the River Skirfare are very similar to those found along the nearby River Wharfe. You might spot various types of fish in the clear waters. The riverbanks are home to different plants and insects, which provide food and shelter for local wildlife. This area is a great place to see nature up close!
Villages and Hamlets Along the Skirfare
Many small villages and hamlets are nestled along the banks of the River Skirfare. These charming places have grown up around the river, which has been important for their communities for a long time.
Starting from where the river begins, you'll find:
- Foxup
- Halton Gill
- Hesleden
- Litton
- Arncliffe
- Arncliffe Cote
- Hawkswick
Bridges and Crossings
As the River Skirfare flows, it passes under many bridges and has several crossing points. These crossings help people travel across the river, whether they are walking, driving, or riding.
Here are some of the crossings you'll find along the river, starting from its source:
- Foxup Bridge
- Halton Gill Bridge
- An unnamed bridge leading to Nether Hesleden
- A place where you can drive or walk through the shallow water (a fording point)
- New Bridge, which is on a farm track
- A footbridge near Litton, just for walkers
- Another fording point south of Litton
- Arncliffe Bridge
- A footbridge north of Hawkswick
- Hawkswick Bridge
- Skirfare Bridge, which carries the B6160 road
Images for kids
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River Skirfare passing through Halton Gill
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Litton walking sign on Halton Gill Bridge
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Ford, River Skirfare near Litton
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River erosion near Arncliffe, Littondale, Yorkshire Dales
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Footbridge on Old Gang Lane, Hawkswick
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Skirfare Bridge near confluence with River Wharfe
