Malton: The Food Capital of the UK!

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Discover which Yorkshire market town is the "Food Capital of the UK"! And don't forget to prioritize self-care during life's quiet stretches. Find out the answer in Malton!

Warrior Ant

Aug 19, 2025

From the Moors: North Yorkshire Moors Railway Halts Steam Services

The whistle that once echoed across the heathered hills is falling silent. This summer, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway — that ribbon of romance winding from Pickering to Whitby — is halting steam services on certain days, citing the rising costs of coal and the push to reduce emissions.

It feels almost sacrilegious: steam trains are more than transport here, they’re part of the landscape itself, chuffing through valleys and moors like iron time machines.

Since the 1830s, Yorkshire’s rails have been a meeting point of grit and grace. The NYMR has carried not only passengers but stories — of miners heading to work, of courting couples leaning from carriage windows, of wide-eyed children pressing noses to glass as the moors sweep past.

The sight of a steam engine puffing white clouds into a blue moorland sky can still make even the most cynical soul soften. Yet change is creeping in on steel wheels. Diesel services will fill the gaps, ensuring visitors can still reach Whitby’s gothic cliffs, but there’s a quiet melancholy in knowing the heartbeat of steam will skip a few beats.

Preservationists are quick to remind us: the engines aren’t vanishing, just resting more often. Still, it’s a reminder that heritage, like steam, is precious — and needs careful tending if we want it to last.

In the words of an old stationmaster from Goathland, “Steam’s not just about getting somewhere. It’s about taking the long way, and loving every click of the track.”

And perhaps that’s the lesson. Whether by rail or by life’s slower paths, sometimes the journey is the treasure.

From ancient stones to modern quirks, Yorkshire never runs out of stories.

Which Yorkshire market town is known as the “Food Capital of the UK”?

Answer at the bottom!

While you think on that, let’s talk about looking after yourself.

The signs and symptoms of burnout:

Burnout isn’t just “being tired.” It’s a slow leak in your energy, focus, and motivation. The sooner you spot it, the easier it is to fix. Watch for:

Constant fatigue – Even after rest, you feel drained.
Irritability – Snapping at small things more than usual.
Brain fog – Struggling to concentrate or remember simple tasks.
Loss of joy – Activities you once enjoyed now feel like chores.
Physical symptoms – Headaches, muscle tension, or frequent illnesses.

What to do:

Take mini-breaks throughout the day. Even five minutes away from screens can help.
Set realistic boundaries at work. Say “no” more often.
Prioritise sleep. Poor rest makes burnout worse.
Move your body daily — a walk over Ilkley Moor counts.
Talk to someone. A friend, colleague, or counsellor can help you see solutions you’ve missed.

More resources:

NHS Mental Health advice: www.nhs.uk/mental-health
Mind Charity: www.mind.org.uk

Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak — it means you’ve been strong for too long.

Wisdom’s great — but so are these nuggets of local lore.

In the depths of North Yorkshire lie hidden ancient burial mounds and stone circles, whispering tales of a time long forgotten, where druids once roamed and magic flowed freely.

The charming town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire is home to the world's oldest surviving sweet shop, dating back to 1827, where the scent of sugary delights fills the air and delights the senses.

Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of North Yorkshire is the stunning Bolton Abbey, a historic estate where the ruins of a 12th-century priory stand in majestic splendor, inviting visitors to step back in time and soak in the aura of bygone days.

"May your courage be your shield, your compassion be your sword, and your wisdom be your guiding light. Together, we forge a world of unity and hope, leaving an eternal legacy of honor and grace in our wake."

Ah, gather 'round, folks, for I've got a peculiar tale from the charming lands of Yorkshire to tickle your fancy!

Picture this: a flock of sheep in the heart of Yorkshire Dales, not baa-ing about their usual business, but instead...

taking to the skies?!

Yes, you heard it right!

According to the Yorkshire Post, a group of adventurous sheep decided to try their hooves at paragliding, unwittingly becoming the stars of their very own woolly air show.

It seems these woolly daredevils found themselves caught up in a gust of wind and soared above the picturesque dales, leaving onlookers both baffled and amused. Now, if that isn't the talk of the town, I don't know what is!

But wait, the eccentricity doesn't end there.

In a quaint village nestled in the rolling hills of Yorkshire, residents have taken up a most curious tradition – donning inflatable unicorn costumes to perform the annual village square dance! As reported by the BBC, locals of all ages prance around in these whimsical get-ups, hoofing it to the sounds of lively folk music, creating a sight straight out of a fantastical storybook.

I tell you, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more enchanting sight this side of the Pennines! And speaking of enchantment, have you heard about the mystical weather phenomena that swept through Yorkshire last week?

The Yorkshire Evening Post shared the tale of a rainbow that not only arched across the sky but seemed to touch the very ground, leading locals to believe that perhaps a pot of gold was hidden somewhere in these verdant hills. So, there you have it, mates – from flying sheep to unicorn square dances and rainbow treasures, Yorkshire never fails to surprise and delight with its quirky happenings.

Next time you're in these parts, keep your eyes peeled for the extraordinary, for you never know what wonders the land of Yorkshire may reveal!

Cheers to the weird and wonderful tales of Yorkshire!