The Yorkshire Dales has outstanding scenery and a diversity of wildlife habitats. In 1954 over 1700 square kilometres was designated a national park in recognition of these qualities.
There are a number of individual dales differing much from each other in character and atmosphere. The residents of the Dales live in the scattered farms, villages and small market towns of the Dales, some looking after the landscape of sheep fields, hay meadows, dry-stone walls and barns which make up the typical views loved by locals and visitors alike. However, both the landscape and traditional farming methods are now under threat from government interference in the management of the countryside.
Each of the individual Dales has a different character but throughout them all there is a variety of scenic attractions and enjoyable walks, plus a range of accommodation, which can keep any visitor fully engaged for days.
The Yorkshire Dales is a year round area to visit, whenever you come you will find a fascinating landscape and many things to see and do.
The countryside of the Dales is the result of glacial erosion. Subsequent weathering of the limestone and sandstone has created the distinctive landscape of open moorland, rounded valleys, crags and hills. The area around Ingleton is particularly well known for its splendid limestone pavements, scars, caves and dramatic waterfalls many of which can be seen on the Waterfalls Walk.
Generations of farmers have formed much of the Yorkshire Dales landscape by clearing woodland, cultivating crops and building the barns and the walls which are such a feature of the area. Current farmers continue to look after the dales, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery, the wildlife and the peacefulness.
The Yorkshire Dales are a spectacular, beautiful and living landscape, providing the visitor with plenty to do and see. With the current state of farming this may not always be the case. Come and enjoy the Yorkshire Dales while you still can.
