The Dales

Covering a vast area from the Howgill Fells in the north west, across to Richmond and from Swaledale down past Wensleydale, over the tops to Wharfedale and finally reaching down to Airedale, the Yorkshire Dales is an area of infinite variety – high fells and lush valleys carved out by rivers with limestone pavements cutting through wild uplands under towering feels of dark millstone grit. Almost a natural part of the scenery are the distinctive white drystone walls criss-crossing the hillsides – built by farmer long ago.

Although there are many smaller dales like Deepdale and Langstrothdale, the larger southern dales are Ribblesdale, Malhamdale, Airedale, Wharfedale and Nidderdale running roughly north to south, with Wensleydale, Swaledale and Teesdale being more northerly and running west to east.

For those looking for a country walk in the Dales, try the Wensleydale village of Aysgarth, famed for its waterfalls and an ideal starting point to head off on foot toward Castle Bolton and West Burton. Bolton Abbey, which features the 12th century priory, has nature trails through Strid Wood.

All along these valleys lie famous Dales villages like Arncliffe – used as the original location for Emmerdale Farm – Aysgarth, famed for its waterfalls, and Hawes, where traditional cheeses and ropes are made and there are plenty of shops, good pubs and cafes.

How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale was carved in limestone by fast-running water, with ferns and wildflowers growing in its sheltered shade. Hire a torch and explore Tom Taylor’s Cave or, for a small charge, you can walk along a roped-off causeway through the gorge.

Horse racing fans will enjoy Middleham with its many top racing stables – there’s an open day on Good Friday – well preserved castle and good pubs, while anyone looking for a subterranean experience should visit Stump Cross Caverns between Grassington and Pateley Bridge, with its atmospheric crystal rock formations.

Kettlewell is an attractive village with three pubs and excellent cafes and tea rooms. It is great as a starting point for a number of good walks, including one over the fells to Arncliffe.

Linton in Craven, on the Burnsall to Grassington road, has cottages, almshouses, a pub and a fine village green alongside a stream spanned by three bridges, with a ford where children can play safely.

Grassington is the bustling heart of the Dales, home to the National Park Centre and the Upper Wharfedale Museum.. Buckden lies north of Grassington, and is the gateway to 5,200 acres of magnificent Dales landscape with the Dalesway and other footpaths providing many scenic walks.