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I visited the quiet village with 17 residents – and it was a time warp

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I visited the quiet village with 17 residents – and it was a time warp

Sheep were scattered all over as I neared the quaint North Yorkshire Moors village, known for its mere 17 residents and often described as a step back in time. Little did I know, I was in for more than I had anticipated.

My vehicle trudged along the winding country lane towards Beck Hole, near Whitby, cautiously avoiding the herds of seemingly satisfied sheep leisurely wandering near the tranquil roadside. Their woolly coats fluttered in the wind that swept across the valleys, as they nestled down on their laurels.




One of the creatures let out a deep yawn, casting a sideways glance at my conspicuous bright orange Seat as it rumbled by. As I drove past, I found myself locking eyes with a ram, huddled next to two of his pals, who appeared to be a pair of ewes.

There was a certain assurance in the animal’s gaze, baring its teeth, as if declaring this was their territory, the road was theirs, and they were merely permitting us to travel through. I pressed my foot on the accelerator, eager to continue my journey.

Along the road, I spotted a worn-out tractor sat parked by the roadside near a cluster of farmhouses, reports Yorkshire Live. It once must have been a Goliath of a machine, munching away at the wheat, its engine gloriously roaring. Now, its large metal grill rusting as flocks of sheep trotted past, munching at the thick bed of grass growing around it.

Up above, the marshmallow clouds loomed over, floating over the forest green, jade and olive landscape. The sunshine glistened across the crumbling cobbled walls, held together by wooden fences and barbed wire, dirt gravel lay-bys and the never-ending road which cut across the beauty like a runway in an airfield, plunging me deeper within the valley.

I was keen to find other signs of human life so followed road signs to Hill Farm Holiday Cottages. I wanted to speak to somebody in the area in a bid to shake this feeling of disconnect I had harboured on my journey.

The curious shop in nowhere-ville

Model railway enthusiast Martin Maddison pointing over at the TMC store(Image: Samuel Port)

I found a small car park which opened up to a glorious view where you could see for miles around. I felt like I was visitor gazing upon the UK version of Shangri-La, the rolling hills, flora and fauna, looking unspoilt and bursting with life.

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