The River Wharfe

The River Wharfe in Yorkshire is volatile and highly deceptive. I've written a short story about a particular point where it narrows into a fast churning gulley of water known as The Strid. It's easy to think you can jump from one side to the other; the stones are tantalisingly close. Many people have slipped on the wet uneven stones, fallen in, been dragged under by the currents, bashed against the curves of the rock and caught in their pockets until spewed out and left to drift, more often than not under water to resurface down stream.

On Saturday, an extremely hot, beautiful day, further downstream, where many paddle, swim and push out in rubber boats, an eight year old boy drowned. People had taken picnics and barbeques. They were eating locally made icecream and playing ball. Children were splashing and collecting pebbles. Ducks were swimming. He fell into a deep section of water.

The brown peaty river is treacherous. It is cold. The shallows quickly give way to great depths. And there are channels of strong currents.

A few years ago, one hot summer's day,I swam across with one of my daughters. It was fun. It was fine if a little cold, then just as we reached for a rock on the other side, a current grabbed us. It was frightening, but I tried not to show my panic. We reached the stone ledge. The force of the current was a shock. I was relieved when we were back on the other side.
Wikipedia says that The Wharfe is the/one of the most dangerous rivers in the world. Here, at Bolton Abbey, it flows through flat green fields and beautiful surroundings, with towering hills and the stunning Strid Woods. It is paradise. And the river lures you in.
I think everybody's thoughts must be with the family of the young boy. It is hard to comprehend how tragedy can strike so suddenly when the sun is shining and everyone is happy. This is a Yorkshire Beauty Spot. I know it really well and it still shocks me.