The Yorkshire Dales...

Carved from the rugged Pennine hills by ancient glaciers, gently eroded by rushing streams and then softened by meandering rivers, the Yorkshire Dales form one of the most varied and spectacular landscapes in Britain. Scenery so breathtaking and unspoilt that some 680 square miles have been protected as a National Park since 1954 - the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Consisting of several "dales", the National Park is made up of Wensleydale, Swaledale, Bishopdale, Coverdale, Raydale, Arkengarthdale and Wharfedale.

If you are a keen walker, or merely an ambler, there are over 1200 miles of well-maintained footpaths from which to enjoy the countryside at first hand, but don't worry if you prefer to drive for here the roads can offer some of the most panoramic routes in England.

Waterfalls abound more than anywhere else in Britain, stately peaks and heather moors, dry stone walls and tree lined meadows, abbeys, castles and stately homes, grey stone villages and of course the warm dales people are all to be enjoyed.

Pick any weekday and there's sure to be a market at a nearby town or visit the Lake District, York, the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Coast, Bronte Country or Hadrian's Wall - all less than 2 hours drive away.

Visit the local craft centres or have family fun at the Lightwater Valley Amusement Park. In fact, whatever your pleasure it's almost sure to be found in the Yorkshire Dales. Cat lovers should visit The Cat Pottery at West Burton. When in Leyburn visit The Little Chocolate Shop.

Have fun, relax, breathe the fresh clean air, be awed by the timeless beauty, feel moved and refreshed by the experience but most of all enjoy it!