Leven Gorge

Upstream from Great Ayton and Easby the River Leven is confined by a narrow gorge as it flows through Mill Bank Wood. A few hundred metres downstream from here, where the gorge widens a little, is the site of a bleach and fulling mill that can be dated back to the 14th century. In the mid 19th century an artificial lake at Kildale burst and completely destroyed the mill. The water was reported as being 30 feet deep. The stone walls of the mill race can still be seen. I’m guessing the bridge is a temporary one for estate workers felling trees on the far side.