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Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley added to English Heritage in Yorkshire and the Humber by D0c.Col on 19/12/2024

Was just a quick impromtu visit as was having lunch in nearby Helmsley. The Abbey is an English Heritage property so watch out for any overzelous staff. There are the usual English Heritage on-site amenities available including parking.

Rievaulx Abbey is a historic monastery located near Helmsley in North Yorkshire, England. Founded in 1132 by Cistercian monks from Clairvaux, it became one of England's most powerful and wealthy abbeys and is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture, large arches and intricate stonework. Even as a ruin, it showcases the grandeur of medieval monastic life.
Nestled in a tranquil valley, surrounded by the North York Moors, it offers breathtaking views and a sense of seclusion, reflecting the monks' desire for peace and contemplation.
The abbey was a religious, economic, and cultural hub, with monks leading a life of prayer, study, and labour. They also managed vast estates and were skilled in agriculture and sheep farming.
At its peak, the Abbey housed over 140 monks and 500 lay brothers, making it a major influence in the Cistercian order and the local economy. Like many others, the abbey fell into decline after the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII in 1538, when it was stripped of its wealth and abandoned.
Managed by English Heritage, the Abbey is a popular tourist destination and visitors can explore its ruins, learn about its history through the museum, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Rievaulx Abbey stands as a striking testament to medieval monastic life and holds a significant place in England's religious and cultural heritage. Its impressive ruins continue to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into its storied past and a serene space for reflection.

There are a couple of places on the adjacent road to TOAL and maintain VLOS and if it's not too busy you can park on the roadside.

View and discuss this location in more detail on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.25816, -1.118545 • what3words: ///once.intestine.shatters
The originator declared that this location was not inside a Flight Restriction Zone at the time of being flown on 02/11/2024. It remains the responsibility of any pilot to check for any changes before flying at the same location. Landowner permission may be required before taking off.

Where to fly your drone

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Loch Glascarnoch, Ross and Cromarty Central (By Herrach)

A great place to fly where there are no obstacles. Goo for beginners. It is an enhancdd warning site because rescue helicopters or military jets can be in the area. I just accept this and never have i seen one. It is also great for VLOS due to unobsructed views. The area is one of outstanding mountain views wit possible great reflections on the loch. The hieht of the water can drop really low revealing an old road you can fly along. There are multiple pull overs for a vehicle. It is a must go place for me. It is also a great location to see an aurora.

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Co-ordinates: 57.71769, -4.86989 • what3words: ///crowd.popped.chum
Sommerset Park home of Ayr Utd., Lochside, Braehead and Whitletts (By Mundito)

Home of Ayr United.
Always better to phone the club before flying.
they are normally very accommodating to drone flyers.
But be careful as the Pik no fly zone starts very close to back of the north stand.

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Co-ordinates: 55.46911, -4.620352 • what3words: ///repair.edge.lodge
St Andrews Ferring, Arun (By grandad1950)

St Andrews Parish Church in the West Sussex village of Ferring is a grade 1 listed building dating from around 865. It is one of the oldest churches in West Sussex

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Co-ordinates: 50.81244, -0.448047 • what3words: ///wizard.burst.depend
Ayton Castle, Scarborough (By MickeyMoo)

Ayton Castle, located near the village of West Ayton in North Yorkshire, England, is a striking example of a medieval fortified manor house. Built in the late 14th century, likely by Ralph Eure, the castle was constructed primarily for defense during a period of frequent border conflicts. Though now a ruin, its remaining stone tower and fragments of curtain walls still convey a sense of its former strength and importance. Set on a rise overlooking the River Derwent, Ayton Castle played a strategic role in the region’s history, especially during the turbulent Wars of the Roses. Today, it stands as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, offering visitors a glimpse into the architectural and military history of medieval North Yorkshire.

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Co-ordinates: 54.252, -0.485607 • what3words: ///grumbles.pretty.monorail
Steall Waterfall, Glen Nevis, Fort William South (By AlbionDrones)

The second day of our NC500 trip, after spending the first night in Fort William, an extra to our planned trip, a drive into Glen Nevis and a walk up to Steall Falls, the UK's 2nd largest waterfall.

The day was much improved over the torrential rain of the previous day, and with a long drive ahead and plenty of places planned to stop, we set off early - after a great breakfast at the Cruachan Hotel - to see the falls.

Arriving early, we had the place almost to ourselves. The drive along a twisty single-track road is not for the faint of heart, but upon arrival at the small car park, we saw only one other vehicle. The walk to the Falls is not an easy one, lots of steps, waterfalls and streams to cross and some treacherous terrain. Walking poles came in handy, good boots are essential, and a good level of balance and mobility would be recommended.

However, the reward of reaching the almost alpine valley and seeing the Falls is definitely worthwhile. I wish we had allowed ourselves more time to walk and explore - it would have been great to fly the valley up to the falls with the AVATA2, skimming over the rocks to reveal the distant falls, but time was not with us, so we decided not to fly the AVATA this time - rest assured, we will return!

Lots of areas to fly from in the valley atop the walk, however the falls can also be seen after about a 10 minute walk form the car park - in the distance at a range of about a mile or so.

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Co-ordinates: 56.77014, -4.979821 • what3words: ///clocks.grumbling.perused
Fountains Abbey, Harrogate (By D0c.Col)

Fountains Abbey is one of the most spectacular and best-preserved monastic ruins in England, located near Ripon in North Yorkshire. It’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Studley Royal Park, including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey and Fountains Hall.

Founded: 1132 by 13 Benedictine monks who left St Mary’s Abbey in York seeking a simpler, more devout life as a Cistercian – known for their austerity, self-sufficiency, and agricultural innovation.

Peak Prosperity: By the 13th century, Fountains Abbey had become one of the richest monasteries in England, owning vast lands and thriving through wool production.

Dissolution: In 1539, during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey was seized and closed. Its lands were sold to private owners, and the buildings fell into ruin over time.

Studley Royal Water Garden
Created in the 18th century by John Aislabie and later his son William, this landscape garden incorporates the abbey ruins into its design — an early example of Romantic landscaping. Features include ornamental lakes, canals, temples, follies, and carefully composed vistas. The combination of the abbey’s medieval ruins and the Georgian water gardens makes the site unique in Europe.

As it is a National Trust run estate TOAL is limited, however, there are a few spots on the adjacent road on by the west entrance where VLOS can be maintained that I've marked on the map.

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Co-ordinates: 54.10999, -1.580925 • what3words: ///venue.shielding.nightfall
The 'Wee Hoose', Little Loch Shin, Lairg (By AlbionDrones)


Something a little different today, the wonderfully quirky 'Wee Hoose' in Lairg, a place that always makes me smile when we see it.

I have long wanted to fly it, but every time we have passed there were nesting birds or the weather wasn't right, this time though, we were good to go, and although it is only a short flight and video, it captures the essence of the place...

Car parking is free and just over the road...

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Co-ordinates: 58.02356, -4.403653 • what3words: ///slap.protrude.airbag
Saint Mary the Virgin parish church, Arun (By grandad1950)

Saint Mary the Virgin parish church in East Preston in West Sussex is a grade 1 listed building dating from 1150.

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Co-ordinates: 50.8125, -0.489763 • what3words: ///zinc.kennels.built
Heatons Bridge, West Lancashire (By Bradders101)

This was part of a walk I completed from Burscough to Scaribrick Marina. The canal takes you past Heaton's Bridge and the WWII military pillbox. In addition there are some fantastic pictures spray painted on the nearby bridge each side of the canal.

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Co-ordinates: 53.59982, -2.902703 • what3words: ///otter.helps.ladders
Hurtwood Park, Waverley (By grandad1950)

Hurtwood park polo club in Surrey has several 'pitches' and so gives a lot of room to fly. Obviously not a good location if there are polo matches on.

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Co-ordinates: 51.14023, -0.430087 • what3words: ///mend.froth.emulating

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