SKIPTON. Saturday Is Market Day.

This is the Boathouse down by the Canal, more of this later.

Right, not posted for a while. Had “stuff” to do life getting in the way etc. Then as if by magic an unclaimed Saturday landed on my doorstep. So not wanting it to go to waste, or even worse get claimed by someone. I made hasty plans to get out of the house and on my way.

Inspired by a friend’s recent visit to the town I chose Skipton, market town and North Yorkshires gateway to the Dales. I travelled over by train, a favoured mode of transport, yes I know a glutton for punishment but to be fair I’ve had a lot more good journeys than bad. The route was up to Lancaster then across through Carnforth ” yes Brief Encounter territory ” then across the Pennines, joining the bottom of the Settle & Carlisle route before dropping into Skipton.

Skipton station, sturdy and reassuring, just an easy five to ten minute walk from the town centre.

It was closing in on lunchtime by now so food was now juggling its way to the top of the priority list. Making my way into the town I passed Bizzy Lizzies, a well presented fish and chip takeaway and restaurant. I hummed & hahed for what must have been thirty seconds?? Then took the plunge. It was a good choice. Staff and atmosphere friendly, food excellent.

This added a few more steps to the total for the day but it was well worth it. Just looking at this photo is making my hungry all over again.

I took my time over the fish and chips, I mean why wouldn’t you?? The it was time to haul myself around the town. Being a Saturday it was Market Day and the market stalls line the main street, I like that in a town, it brings an extra layer of interest as does a proper market hall. I have a worry that markets run the risk of becoming and endangered species, getting squeezed between redevelopment and the blandly named “improvements” .

Leaving Bizzie Lizzie’s I headed into the town, passing The Cock & Bottle pub, noted for future reference, didn’t make it on this trip but there will br others.

Missed out on this trip but there will be other trips to the town.

The market was buzzing by now, the decent-ish weather helped. It wasn’t the brightest of days but it stayed largely dry which given the UK’s at times random weather is a victory. It was raining at Lancaster on my way up in the morning and later on my way back it was still “won’t need to water the garden” type of weather. I turned into the High Street and took a walk up towards the Church, Holy Trinity, and the castle. It’s always the thing on a visit to a place, what to look for and at and what to note for future visits. The castle and the church lost out this time around but they have been noted for the future reference.

A warm day with some blue in the sky is enough to bring the people out. A meeting place as much as a market, a chance to chat and catch up.

Victoria Street lies trough and archway from the High Street and the parallel Sheep Street. A gathering place for the select and bijou shops and eateries.

Where you might find a baagain. (sorry).

Walking up to the top of the High Street I turned left and headed for Stanforth’s Pork Pies, I’d seen them mentioned on a blog I follow and give them a try.

Yes, the pies are good! Thanks ITSJPS for the heads up. You can’t beat a good pork pie.

Skipton folds itself around the Leeds-Liverpool Canal but that’s not the only waterway in town. A small branch, Lord Thanet’s Canal, also the Springs Branch, meanders off from the canal basin up and under the walls of the castle. It was built to serve the limestone quarries nearby. Closed to boats now its route provides a walk under the castle walls