Goats to star in Cheese Festival

Frank Hunter’s goats at Piper Hole farm in Ravenstonedale will be among the highlights of this weekend’s annual “Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival, Celebrating Local Produce”.

A visit to the farm, where goats are milked and cheese is made by hand, is one of more than 40 Cheese Festival events taking place at venues in and around the National Park.

Other highlights include the Wensleydale Creamery Experience in Hawes; a live mozzarella making demonstration at The Courtyard Dairy near Settle; a “cheese and vinyl Sunday” at the The Mess Room in Skipton; “cheese and climb” at How Stean Gorge; and a “boots, beer, beef and cheese” event at The Wheatsheaf in Carperby.

The Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival, taking place from 11 to 14 October, is a celebration of community, tradition, and exceptional local produce.

Frank Hunter, who started his goat milk enterprise 12 years ago, said: “Our goats are dependent on the plants we have on the farm, not on any bought-in minerals, medicines or feed.  So our cheese is about as natural as you can get.  It has no preservatives in it other than salt.  

“Goats don’t graze, they browse. They spend the summer picking off the heads of the likes of knapweed, betony and meadowsweet.  That all reflects back in the cheese. 

“During the Cheese Festival we’re at Orton Farmers Market on the Saturday and on the Sunday people are most welcome to visit the farm.”

Mr Hunter said he runs a flock of about 50 goats, with about 25 in milk at the moment, each producing an average of two litres of milk a day over two milkings.  Typically he makes around 6kg of cheese a day and to make the enterprise viable, he sells only direct to consumers.  

“We’ve been told we are the only maker of crumbly goat’s cheese in the UK.  In November we’re taking it to the World Cheese Awards in Portugal.  We get the cheese out as fresh as possible, after about three weeks, so it’s very mild,” he said.

Chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Derek Twine, said:  “Piper Hole Goat Farm is a fine example of an upland farm that has found a way to stay viable.   The abundant flower rich meadows and pastures, with all the wildlife they host, are a big part of the story of the fresh and scrumptious goat’s cheese. 

“Piper Hole is one of many local businesses taking part in the festival.   So whether you're a cheese connoisseur, a food lover, or looking for a fun day out with family and friends, this year’s Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival, Celebrating Local Produce has something for everyone.”

Mr Twine added: “Sometimes people ask, ‘Where is the festival?’  The answer is that there is no one location.  The Cheese Festival invites you to explore a variety of local businesses, in locations across the National Park, each offering their own special events and showcasing their exquisite produce.”

 For more information, detailed event schedules, and ticket bookings, visit our website at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/cheese-festival or follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/yorkshiredalescheesefestival