The Yorkshire Dales National Park

 

The Yorkshire Dales is an area of exceptional beauty, unique character, immense heritage and a rich and varied history. So unique and special is this region that some 50 years ago it was designated as a National Park so that its amazing personality could be preserved.

What then makes this region of Britain so special? Perhaps it is its rich variety and blend of characteristics including geology, landforms, scenery, history and heritage.

There are perhaps two distinct parts, the generally east-west running northern dales of Dentdale, Wensleydale and Swaledale, and the contrasting more southerly running dales of Nidderdale, Wharfedale and the south western limestone reGion around Ingleton, Clapham and Malham.

The northern dales have a blanket of heather moorland with a magnificent purple blanket during summer, whilst the southern dales possess the classic short grasslands of limestone country.

History abounds with numerous castles such as Richmond Castle, Bolton castle, Skipton Castle and Ripley Castle, and many religious buildings such as Fountains Abbey, Easby Priory, Ellerton Abbey, Marrick Priory and Ripon Cathedral.

However, there are many other attractions such as underground features such as White Scar Cave, Ingleborough Cave and Stump Cross Caverns, and many lovely gardens such as Harlow Carr Gardens near Harrogate.

Whilst there are obviously many attractions to explore and enjoy, it must not be forgotten that the landscape of the Dales is partly man-made. The stone walls and barns that add so much appeal to the landscape are the products of farming - a major employer in this rural landscape over the centuries. Other activities in the Dales countryside include quarrying and the now 'extinct' lead mining industry.

In addition, there are a host of historic crafts like candle making, furniture making, glass blowing and of course the hand knitting of woollens, mainly in the northern dales of Dentdale, Wensleydale and Dentdale.