A CONVOLUTED WAY TO YORKSHIRE'S SMALLEST CITY.

 We leave Northallerton behind and head north along the main line to Cowton, once a favourite spot for photographers.

Almost a U turn, to get to Brompton station, on the Northallerton to Middlesbrough line. If yu're confused, here's a map of the route.

A few miles to the west is the village of Patrick Brompton, where we find the Green Tree.

Just off the A1 is Leeming Bar, where United once had an outstation.

Abbotts was also based here.

The closed railway station was still in situ in 1981 and the signal box still operational.

The Wensleydale Railway has now taken possession of the Leeming Bar site and various items are kept here.

There's also a 10.25 inch miniature railway. Both these locos later went to Hertfordshire.

Further along the railway was Bedale station. Here it is in NER times.

Now it's 2003. The station and signal box, operated by the Wensleydale Railway.

In Bedale town centre, the Waggon & Horses.....

.....and the Three Coopers.

It's a fair way south now to our next stop, at Ripon railway station, sadly all gone now, despite it being an important route.

An unusual loco for a Newcastle to Liverpool express at Ripon.

There are alternatives to rail transport in Ripon!

United was one of the main operators in Ripon.

West Yorkshire Road Car ran services towards Leeds, from the small bus station in Ripon, next to the cathedral.

Not all United buses wore the standard red livery.

Today, Transdev operates the 36 to Harrogate and Leeds.

Dales & District run rural services in the area.

Ripon is also served by the canal, which terminates at this basin.

The frontage of Ripon Cathedral.

A couple of 1950s postcards of the city showing North Street and Market Place.

There's just time to look at Ripon's pubs. First up is the Wheatsheaf, a Vaux house back in 1988. Sadly, now closed.

The White Horse is still open, but has no cask ale.

The Unicorn is the city's Wetherspoons.

The Royal Oak is worth a visit. It has Taylor's beers.

Magdalens is certainly worth the short walk out of the city centre.

We conclude our tour of Ripon at the famous One Eyed Rat.

Right, that's your lot for this post. Next time, Fountains Abbey and onwards.