I’m into phase II of my summer holidays – back in our favourite spot of Askrigg in Wensleydale. In the past, I’ve always refused on principle to holiday in the same place twice, but we love this old croft house so much, this is our third visit. First time we had one child, second time two, this time three. And no, we won’t be continuing that particular trend…

You can’t miss the Tour de France paraphernalia still adorning every house from the Grand Depart almost six weeks ago. I’ve been pedalling up hill and down dale a couple of times already, giving the old muscles a warm up before I hit the ‘Côte de Buttertubs’ that Nibali, Froome, Contador et al made look like a speed bump. Unlike them, I’ll be stopping for tea and cake or a pint halfway around my circuit.

Naturally, I like to seek out local sustainability efforts when I’m on holiday. The amount of rooftop solar installed had increased once again, but the biggest permanent change I noticed was this fantastic archimedes screw on the river Bain in nearby Bainbridge – capable of powering 45 houses and generating £35,000 per annum for the community group which installed it – once the investors are rewarded, the profits are being invested in the local environment.

I remember reading an article in New Civil Engineer about a decade ago suggesting that hydro-projects at this scale are very cost-effective and avoid the impacts of large scale hydro. Nice to see a good, (presumably) successful community energy project too.

Another thing I like about Askrigg is the local produce, whether Wensleydale Cheese, local bread and honey, and, of course, the eponymous local ale. Don’t worry, I’ll have one on you!