Chara’ Trip to Gayle Mill & Hawes

From Helmshore to the Station Inn at Ribblehead for coffee and photographs of the iconic Ribblehead viaduct.  That was the start of a lovely journey to Hawes for 18 Spaggers.  One of our members hadn’t visited this part of the Dales before and was, to say the least, impressed by the views as we headed over open country near the source of the Ribble.

None of us had been inside Gayle Mill before and so it was an eye opener for us all.  The mill was opened exclusively for us and we were immediately split into two groups – one for a general overview and the other a rather indepth technical discussion of the workings of the 19th century turbine  and woodworking machinery.

Originally built as a cotton mill, then for spinning flax, then wool, it then became a domestic dwelling and finally a sawmill.  We saw where the trees were brought in, sawn and left for seasoning before being finally trimmed, planed and made ready for use.  A fascinating experience and highly recommended.

Lunch beckoned and we enjoyed delightful sandwiches and enough cake to make Marie Antoinette happy, at Hawes Countryside Museum.  We then split our time between looking round the museum and the town.

The following day I wrote to say thank you and received an email from Sarah at Gayle Mill:

‘What a lovely bunch! We had fun hosting your tours and very much appreciate your kind words and of course your donation.’