Pictures of Clapham

About Clapham

Clapham has lovely scenery blended with a wealth of interest for the visitor. There are sweet stone-built cottages hugging the banks of a stream to the famous Gaping Gill pothole, which descends 378 feet below the ground.

The clear waters of Clapham Beck enter the town from the high slopes of Ingleborough where it scampers over a waterfall before plunging down into the town. Ingleborough rises to a height of 723 meters, the summit, said to have once been a hillfort is flat, enabling climbers reaching the top to take advantage of amazing views towards Ribblehead Viaduct, to Whernside, and towards the sea in the distant southwest. To the north of Clapham lies Ingleborough Cave, a fascinating underworld sculpted by nature millions of years ago. The Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail takes you through a wonderland of woodland, lake and wild flowers. There is a fine collection of rhododendrons and wonderful trees brought back by Reginald Farrar (1880-1920) from his travels to China, Burma and Tibet.

Agricultural fields dominate the landscape, these are enclosed by the dry-limestone walling, so typical of the region. Grey limestone can be seen everywhere, far from being detrimental, it serves to enhance towns and villages. The massive Norbec Boulders, are eternally fascinating, they appear like a giant mushroom balanced precariously on top of a dainty limestone stalk.

The village is a delightful mix-match of houses, cottages, shops and guest accommodation ranging from atmospheric coaching inns to friendly cottages.