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The airforce
memorial on Buckden Pike
looking towards Great Whernside
Isolated field
barns in Swaledale
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The variety of
landscape within the Park includes limestone scars,
steep-sided valleys, heather-clad moorland, swift
flowing rivers and plunging waterfalls. Pastimes
such as angling, caving, climbing, cycling, horse
riding and walking are all enjoyed regularly in the
Park. The estimated 1100 miles of public footpaths
and bridleways within the Park provide some of the
best walking in England.
The spectacular
landscape of the Yorkshire Dales evolved over
millions of years. Weathering of limestone,
millstone grit, sandstone and shale, deposited
about 300 million years ago, moulded the scenery
that can be seen today. Man has also made his mark
on the landscape through woodland clearances,
cultivation of crops, sheep farming, establishing
villages and building roads. The patchwork of
fields, dry stone walls and isolated field barns
are features unique to the Yorkshire Dales.
The National Parks have
two prime objectives; 'to preserve and enhance the
natural beauty of the area for the enjoyment of
future generations' and 'to promote opportunities
for a variety of outdoor recreation.' Traditional
farming methods are encouraged and support is given
for the conservation of natural habitats. This
attracts a great variety of flora and fauna to the
area.
We can all make a
contribution to the protection of this beautiful
and unique landscape. During your visit please
follow the country code, and when it is time to
leave, 'take nothing away but photographs and leave
nothing behind except footsteps.'
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