Wolves on the North York Moors

There are no wolves wandering across the high North York Moors nowadays.  But wolves once roamed wild on the Moors above Rosedale.

And remainders of those times are still to be found in local place names associated with wolves.

One local example is Wolf Pit Slack; found on the high moor in the triangle of land between Danbydale, Fryupdale and Rosedale.

Today it is just a small and shallow hollow in the moorland; but once it was a place of violence; where wolves were hunted, trapped and destroyed.

For in those far-off days, whole packs of wolves ran wild upon those high moors.

And there is little doubt that local people in Rosedale were afraid of wolves.

In the winter months, when natural food was scarce, wolves were known to attack and kill vulnerable travellers crossing the high moorland around Rosedale.

And packs of wolves would also target larger cattle and sheep in the dales.

But the landscape is much changed since the last wolf was hunted in Yorkshire. 

Nowadays there are no wolves left; but other wildlife and birdlife is still plentiful in the region.

If you look around you'll see fox, badger, hawks, sea-birds on the coast, wrens, robins and all manner of other creatures - both great and small.

There are no wolves on the North York Moors nowadays, but there is a good chance you'll see badger, fox, hare, owls, and much other wildlife besides during your stay in Rosedale Abbey.

And if you're out walking on the high moors when a fret descends to blanket the tops, you might just imagine that there are still wolves roaming about!

Rosella Luxury Holiday Cottage

Rosella Cottage is a luxurious self-catering, get-away-from-it-all holiday home in Rosedale Abbey; focussed on the holiday needs of active couples wanting a break from routine.  We have a cosy lounge, small kitchen, a king-size bed in a spacious bedroom with vaulted-ceiling, and a lovely en-suite. 

With a village-centre location it's easy to walk to the local shop, cafes, gallery & village pubs with great restaurants.  Built in 1850 but now completely refurbished, Rosella Cottage offers a luxury bolt-hole in the heart of the North York Moors.  To view availability and for bookings enquiries,  just click here.