2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Samantha Teasdale )
It has been a landmark for the lost and curious since 1857 and now a popular talking point for visitors on Tripadvisor. But recently, The White Horse at Kilburn, near Thirsk , has been the recipient of some scathing reviews. Many have felt disappointed after seeing the 318ft milestone cut into the chalky rolling hills of the North Yorkshire Moors, saying it is ‘unrecognisable’ and looking more like a ‘beheaded donkey’ than a strong white horse.
The attraction is Britain's largest white horse in surface area and is situated on the steep slope of Roulston Scar. On a clear day, the horse is visible from north Leeds, 28 miles away on the higher ground to the west of the Vale of York. There's a car park at the bottom - which commands a £2 fee and a steep climb up the hill - or you can park for free at the top or at the visitor centre.
The latter is something I wished I had known on my visit. Designed and financed by Thomas Taylor, it is only a 15-minute drive from Thirsk. The White Horse is 314ft long and 228ft high and is cut into limestone, so it needs artificial whitening which was originally acheved by using gallons of whitewash.
Now, the chalk chippings from the Yorkshire Wolds are used. Once spotted, it is an impressive sight and since you can travel to it on quiet roads, you can stop - as long as you do so safely - to take photos of it. However, when you park up and arrive at the site, it is a different story.
After paying the parking charge, there is a viewpoint at the bottom to look at the horse. However, it is blocked by bushes and cannot be recognised. I instantly understood why other visitors would be unimpressed.
Warning others not to ‘waste their time’, many Tripadvisor reviewers called the attraction ‘disappointing’ and said that up close, you could not tell if the design was a horse, donkey or a dog and that the head had been ‘cut off’ due to the trees blocking it. There were also warnings about walking up the hill to look above the white horse - which was appropriately named ‘heart attack hill’ due to its steepness and steps. However, it only took around ten minutes to get up after taking many breaks half way up.
Even half way up, through the trees, I could see gaps in the design where it had been washed away on the hill and did not look cared for. Once on top of the hills, the view was breathtakingly beautiful but due to the obvious placement of the white horse, you cannot see it. It is, however, impossible not to appreciate the surrounding Moors as you continue to the visitor centre.
Overall, I was glad to have seen the horse but I do agree with the online reviews that it did seem to be a little waste of time and I could have saved my money by just taking pictures on the quiet roads. Like this story? Sign up to our Explore Yorkshire newsletter where we showcase the best of Yorkshire locations and destinations as well as selected offers and competitions. Sign up here.
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