High Blean is in Raydale, a side dale running into Wensleydale at Bainbridge. It sits among some of the most dramatic and picturesque countryside in the UK. The dale is the site of Semer Water, a glacial lake left behind at the last ice age and this lake forms the backdrop to High Blean.
Semer Water from the Garden of High Blean.
Hawes and Askrigg are in easy reach of High Blean, which provides ready access to the whole of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The historic market town of Richmond, with extensive remains of its Norman Castle, including the intact keep, is only a short drive away. The towns of Leyburn, Masham and Middleham are also within easy driving distance. Asygarth falls and Hardraw Force are but two of the spectacular local natural attractions.
Buttertubs Pass © David Foster
The well known Buttertubs Pass, leading from Hawes over into Swaledale at Thwaite is only a few miles away. Though for me, the roads out of Askrigg into Swaledale and the road from Hawes over to Hubberhholme are more stunning.
Hawes has a weekly market, regular live stock markets and when it rains some impressive water falls.