Have you ever heard of a Ledge ‘n Dairy experience? Neither had I, until my hairdresser shared something she’d seen on social media and said, “This has you written all over it.”
Combining puns, cheese, and adventure, this was definitely something I’d never done before! So I signed myself up, ready to claim it as one of my 52 new things in 2025.
What On Earth Is A Ledge ‘n Dairy Experience?!
Described as a unique date idea, and a one-of-a-kind foodie experience, the Ledge ‘n Dairy experience at How Stean Gorge was one of the more extraordinary ways of celebrating the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival.
This was a dining experience unlike any I’ve ever had before. We were going to be suspended 40 feet (12 metres) above the gorge, where we would enjoy a hand crafted cheeseboard of locally sourced Yorkshire cheeses, chutneys, and even some port!
I do love a combination of cheese, chutney and port, especially on a cosy winter night in front of a fire. An alfresco cheeseboard at height was certainly a novel way to enjoy the treat!
Can we take a moment to enjoy the sheer genius of the name of the experience? I would love to have been in the meeting when someone first came up with the idea! I can imagine the initial eye-rolls at the suggestion, and then the fun of working out that it could actually be brought to life.
About How Stean Gorge
How Stean Gorge is in the heart of the Yorkshire dales. The drive to get there is simply stunning. If you remember the TV show Postman Pat, you’ll feel like you’re driving some of the roads from his route as you wind your way along country lanes lined with mossy dry stone walls. Crossing moors, and past the reservoir, it’s a beautiful part of the county.
It’s a fantastic outdoor adventure destination, with the central attraction being the limestone gorge. The deep ravine cracks through the landscape, carved out over 10 thousand years ago by flowing water in the last ice age. The clear waters of the beck cascade along the natural channel as it makes its way to the river Nidd.
Visitors can enjoy trails of varying degrees of difficulty which take them exploring through some of the caves, including one thought to have been used as a hide out by a highwayman.
For people looking for a little more adventure, they offer a whole host of outdoor activities. If you want to try rock climbing, canyoning, canoeing, abseiling, via ferrata, stand up paddle boarding, orienteering, Gorge Walking, Ghyll Scrambling and some special events, they are well worth looking into if you want to try something new!
About The Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival
If you love cheese, you should definitely add this festival to your ‘to visit’ list.
Since 2017, The spectacular Yorkshire Dales has hosted an annual cheese festival. With a long history of cheese making in the area, and being home to the world famous Wensleydale, local businesses all across the National Park get involved.
Rather than the festival taking place in one location, there are participating venues all across the Dales, meaning visitors get to experience the breath-taking sights as well as the mouthwatering tastes of the area.
Menus are levelled up with additional cheese based delights; visitors can meet the farmers and artisans behind the cheesemaking craft for demonstrations and tastings; and, there are some more unusual cheese themed events!
Whilst the spotlight is firmly on the cheese, it’s also an opportunity to find some exceptional pairings, such as local chutneys, home made breads, locally sourced cured meats, and some delicious regional tipples to wash it all down.
From local crafts, to exhibitions, presentations, and experiences, it’s a wonderful time to visit the area as the beautiful colours of autumn paint the landscape.
Arriving For Our Ledge ’n Dairy Experience
It was a little damp and drizzly as we drove across the bridge and parked up at How Stean Gorge. We’d arrived ahead of our allocated Ledge ‘n Dairy time slot, so enjoyed a delicious coffee in the cozy cafe. With a partial glass floor overhanging the gorge, this was our first taste of how big the drop was going to be.
It was only as we were sitting inside and looking out of the window, that I spotted people were hanging from the bridge and having their cheeseboard experience! I hadn’t noticed them as we’d driven and then walked over!
Getting Lowered To Lunch
Stepping into the harness and tightening the straps, our instructors made sure we were fully secure before clipping us in and lowering us to our lunch.
Opening a small gate in the railing along the bridge, the table-clothed picnic bench dangled underneath, and looming further beyond was the rocky gorge.
I sat back into my harness and with my hands still clinging on to the railings, I took a step over the edge. And then another. This was it. I was completely suspended. Swinging my legs beneath me, my confidence grew as I could feel that the ropes were reassuringly tight and secure and doing their job of keeping me safe.
Letting go of the railings, I was completely in the hands of the instructors who gently released the rope, bit-by-bit, lowering me down. Being encouraged to stand on the table felt like I was breaking all the rules, but it was the only way to be able to turn, tuck my legs in and take my seat ready for our savoury snack.
My dining companion, Lucy, made a graceful descent to join me, and even though I was safely attached by the ropes at all times, there was a bit of unnerving wobbling as she took her place.
Not Your Average Dining Table
There we were! Dangling underneath the bridge, suspended over the gorge with the waters flowing beneath us. Waving at the couple suspended on the other side of the bridge, it was a surreal picnic spot!
Taking in our beautiful surroundings and feeling fully immersed into the outdoors, a voice called out from above, as a basket speedily descended to us.
Removing the contents, the basket was whipped back up from the table, as we spread out our cheesy feast and tucked in.
Delicious Cheese Tasting
Our wooden platter was laden with three generous servings of local cheeses, two different chutneys, a good helping of a selection of crackers, celery, grapes, and even a small bottle of port.
The cheese was sooooo good. One was fruity and crumbly – a perfect balance of sweet and savoury, the blue had a delectable tangy ripeness without being overpowering, and the firm cheese had a bold nutty flavour.
We crunched through the variety of crackers, spooned on samples of the deliciously sweet and sticky chutneys, and washed it all down with sips of the rich and treacly port. This was a tasty, if slightly bonkers, treat!
Ledge ’n Dairy Lunchtime Location
Of course it was the location that stole the show. The craggy limestone rocks, the crystal clear waters, the rich greens of the wet leaves, the mossy smell in the air, and the bizarre feeling of not being able to put your feet on the floor!
I’m not sure I’ve ever worn a hard hat for a meal before, and I’ve definitely never sat at a suspended picnic bench before. I loved the uniqueness of it all!
The Climb Back Up
Getting back up to the bridge was far harder than the descent, and involved climbing up a very thin and very flexible metal ladder.
Lucy went first and made it look so easy. I… did not. Picture a slightly panicked jellyfish in hiking boots and you’ll have an idea of how I got on!
The table juddered and rocked wildly under my feet as my legs seemed to have lost any sense of balance! Laughing at the absurdity didn’t help, until with a little focused concentration I gradually found some stability.
The ascent was probably only 4 steps in total, but I seemed to make an absolute meal of them, and was glad to be back on a solid surface. Huge thank you to the instructors who were especially patient with me at this bit!
I Loved the Ledge ’n Dairy Experience
This was utterly unique and brilliant, and I can ‘highly’ recommend it!
I loved how deliciously daft it was, I mean, there’s no need to enjoy a cheese board suspended over a gorge, but why not?!
It was a brilliantly well thought out experience and we felt in safe hands throughout. From the cafe to the instructors, the staff were all really friendly and helpful, and made our whole day so memorable.
If you’re looking for a foodie experience with a difference, you can’t go wrong with this adventure!
Definitely A Ledge ’n Dairy Experience
I camembert to miss out on unusual new things like this, so you cheddar believe I booked it as a new experience for 2025 as soon as I heard about it!
A grate adventure and really gouda fun! What feta way to spend a Sunday in a gorge-ous location?! You didn’t really think I’d make it through a full post without any cheese puns did you?!
Want To Try It Yourself?
- The Ledge ‘n Dairy experience is a special event. Take a look at the How Stean Gorge website to find future dates, and to explore all of their other regular brilliant adventure activities!
- Keep an eye on the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival website, for details of all of the events at the festival.
Cost Of Experience
- The one hour experience cost £60 for two people. It’s great value and delicious too!
Recommendations For Trying A Ledge 'n Dairy Experience
- Book early. If you decide you want to give this a try and some dates become available, don’t delay in booking a place as it is popular.
- Wear clothes that are easy to move in. You’ll be tightly secured in your harness, and you’ll need to be able to easily move as you ascend back up to the top.
- Follow the instructions. The instructors want to keep you safe, and they want you to have a good time. Make sure to follow what they tell you to do.
- Make a day of it. Whilst you’re at How Stean Gorge, why not have a look into some of the other activities you can do, or enjoy following the trails, and don’t forget to visit the cafe!
- Don’t forget your camera. You’ll definitely want to capture this experience, but make sure to hold tight and don’t drop it over the edge!