In the north of England is a National Park that lives up to helping give England the title of ‘green and pleasant land’. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is an area of approximately 680 square miles and full of green lush valleys, flowing rivers, hills and limestone rockscapes. I adore the area as I train there and thousands of visitors per year shows many agree.
For me I am lucky to live not too far and I find it a great place to wander up, down or along with every type of hike and walk imaginable. Why, it is even home to my favourite training challenge, The Yorkshire 3 Peaks, 26 miles, 3 of its finest hills and variety with views along the way. In fact there are so many hills in this area you can stroll and enjoy just the one leisurely when the mood hits you.
But, fresh air comes in all ways and this place is not just for the hardened walker. Every valley has is own charm and there is lots to do and see wherever you look.
For a spectacular family walk and day out why not take a stroll around the Ingleton Falls Trail? 5 miles of woodland, waterfalls in all shapes and sizes, superb pathways and wonderful images. So much to see and explore here that the kids will not get bored.
And for a shorter walk but worth every step is Hardraw Force. Hidden in the grounds of the Green Dragon Inn is England’s highest single drop waterfall. You can watch it from below or make the short pathed walk up and round to the top to look down as the water flows over the edge with great effect.
Of course though this limestone rich environment has made some fantastic rock landscapes and the rock climbers would not be disappointed. A great example of the Yorkshire Dales limestone scene is Malham Cove. A huge wall of rock facing out from the hill, an old ice age waterfall standing now as a beauty spot for many visitors. Some admiring, some climbing it, some to stroll to its Limestone pathway at the top.
I have only touched on a small number of walking and views aspects of this great National Park here. I look forward in future to sharing with you the hilltops, villages, abbeys and grand houses, plus a hidden world underneath.
If You would like to see more of Paul Steele’s ramblings both in Britain and around the world you can follow him on Twitter @paul_steele, his Blog BaldHiker, Huffington Post and more VisitBritain posts






what gorgeous landscapes. I would not mind training there everyday either! I particularly love the limestone waterfalls. reminds me of Malaysia;)
Some wonderful photos – thanks for sharing!
Thank you very much!
This remind me of Peak District !!
Peak District is fantastic too!
Wow, FANTASTIC !!!!!! Georgous landscapes and awesome waterfalls…. Thanks for shareing.
Walking in fresh air is always a healthy activity. Recently I had the chance to visit Yorkshire for the first time. Our group began our walk in the quaint village of Haworth, the town where the Bronte sisters wrote novels such as Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. Guided or self guided walks over the moors is spectacular. I love walking in places that revitalize my lungs. Yorkshire did so in a big way. There is so much do do in this area it’s mind boggling. Check it out.
You have given me so much more adventure to think about this year!
thanks
A scenery of comfort,relaxation,harmony,stress free. Love it a DREAM goal to make it there some day
Hi David, thx. Yes you really should make it
Spent Mother’s Day at Grassington & Malham – this article was the impetus to escape the Lake District & go somewhere different
I already loved the yorkshire 3 peaks, but you show us there’s so much more beauty to explore! Gorgeous photos and a beautiful post, thnx for sharing
Thx Cindy, yes there is so much more to this lovely place
Lovely pictures, Paul. Thanks for sharing.
We feel very lucky here as we’re sandwiched between the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks.
You don’t get much better than that.
We feel very lucky here as we’re sandwiched between the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks.
You don’t get much better than that.
Hi yes, you are beautifully placed there
thank you
I love the green valleys, hills and rockscapes of Yorkshire Dales.
A wonderful place to explore, thank you
I used to live in Bradford and I love to reminisce about the trips into the Dales.
Thanks for the lovely review.
Thank you, yes it wouldn’t have been too far for you
Thanks for beautiful pics. First one is very nice.
thx very much!
Wonderful blog and integral pictures Paul, thank you very much, it’s appreciated
all the best
Emma
Thanks Emma
What fabulous pictures Paul. That looks like a wonderful place for a hike. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Elle, it truly is, thanks very much
Why not come and visit ME in my cave at http://www.yorkshire-dales.com/trollers-gill.html {heh heh heh] ??
great post Paul! beautiful waterfall i wish one day will see this place in real! just love it.
Hi farrukh, thanks from over here
Yes you must come visit and give me a shout when you do!
Hallo,
Eine wunderbare Landschaft in der das wandern sicher Spaß macht. Dort würde ich als erstes nach Gesteinen und Mineralien suchen. Grüße aus Erfurt/Deutschland
Jürgen
Danke Jurgen
Some cracking waterfalls in Yorkshire. Rain and limestone must be a good combination. Must get down there again soon
Hi Johanna, yes. So many waterfalls and potholes aren’t there?:)
Amazing post, amazing place, amazing video collage! Hoping to go there some day and make pictures of my own, best regards
Thank you. Yes. There is so much more to see and do there. Come see it in full glory
Beatifull site, interesting…..happy site
thanks
Thank you for helping show the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. This is the most beautiful place in the UK and you capture some of its finest features. Thank you Paul.
Thanks very much to you. Absolutely agree
nice photos,tnx.