The Chevin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Chevin |
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Viewpoint near the summit of Otley Chevin.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 282 m (925 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Wharfedale, overlooking Otley, West Yorkshire, England |
| OS grid | SE204442 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 104, OS Explorer 297 |
The Chevin is a hill ridge in West Yorkshire, England. It sits on the south side of the beautiful Wharfedale valley. This ridge overlooks the town of Otley and is often called Otley Chevin. It's a popular spot for outdoor activities and offers amazing views.
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What's in a Name? The Chevin's Meaning
The name Chevin has a long history. It first appeared in old documents from the 10th and 11th centuries. Experts believe the name comes from an old British word. This word is similar to the modern Welsh word cefn, which means "back" or "ridge of high land."
You can find this word in other hill names too. For example, places like Cefn Cribwr in Wales use it. It might even be linked to The Cheviot in Northumberland.
One part of the Chevin is called the Great Dib. This name probably came from an old English word for 'pool'. It might have referred to a pool at the bottom of the hill.
History and Features of The Chevin
The Chevin is mostly covered in lovely old woodlands. It also has areas of heathland, which is open land with small shrubs. The rocks here are part of the Carboniferous Millstone Grit group. These rocks are very old!
A Roman road once ran along the top of the Chevin. This road connected important Roman towns. It linked Eboracum (which is now York), Calcaria (Tadcaster), and Olicana (Ilkley). Parts of this old road might follow the path of a modern road called Yorkgate.
Highest Points and Amazing Views
Many people think Surprise View is the highest point on the Chevin. However, the true highest point is Beacon Hill. It reaches 283 meters (928 feet) high. Beacon Hill used to have a special marker called a trig point.
Surprise View is still a very popular spot. It has a car park nearby, making it easy to visit. From here, you can see wide views of Otley and the Wharfedale valley. Every Easter since 1969, a cross has been put up at Surprise View.
The Danefield Estate
Some parts of the Chevin are known as the Danefield Estate. This land once belonged to a person named Walter Fawkes and his family. After World War II, these areas were given to the local council. It was a special gift to remember those from the Wharfe Valley who died in the war.
Fun Things to Do at The Chevin
The Chevin is a great place for outdoor activities. There are many rock outcrops on the upper slopes. These are popular for climbing and bouldering.
The Chevin also has many footpaths and bridlepaths. This makes it a favorite spot for walkers, runners, and people who ride horses. The Leeds link to the Dales Way walking path crosses the Chevin. The Ebor Way also passes through here.
There is even an Orienteering course in the forest park. You can get maps for this fun navigation sport from the local tourist office. The Chevin is split into two main areas for recreation by the East Chevin road.
The Chevin in Art and Music
The famous painting Snow Storm: Hannibal and His Army Crossing the Alps by J. M. W. Turner is said to be inspired by the Chevin. This painting is now in the Tate Gallery in London. Turner often stayed with his friend Walter Fawkes at Farnley Hall. This hall is on the other side of the valley from the Chevin.
Fawkes' son, Hawkesworth, remembered a stormy day in 1810. He said Turner was amazed by a thunderstorm rolling over the Yorkshire hills. Turner quickly sketched the storm. He later told Hawkesworth that in two years, he would see it again as "Hannibal Crossing the Alps."
The indie rock band The Chevin from Otley also named themselves after this famous hill.
Images for kids
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Viewpoint near the summit of Otley Chevin.
