The sheep is the symbol of Yorkshire Dales National Park, and for good
reason. This is sheep country, and the open fields are criss-crossed
by patterns of dry stone walls marking the field boundaries. Small villages
and farms cling to the sides of valleys and river banks, and the high
ridge of the Pennine Range looms over the landscape.
Upper Wharfedale
Swaledale is the largest of the dales which make up the park, and the
sheep which takes its name from this area grazes the high fells, while
cattle occupy the river bottom.
There is excellent walking here, and in neighbouring Wensleydale. There
is a visitor centre at Hawes, in addition to the Upper Dales Folk Museum.
Hardraw Force, near Hawes
Near Hawes is Hardraw Force, an impressive waterfall with a sheer drop
of 100 feet. You can actually pass right behind the fall of water, or
take the steep walk to the top of Great Shunner Fell, for superb views.
Further west, Malham Cove boasts a huge natural amphitheatre, as well
as the National Park Information Centre at Malham village, and several
enjoyable circular walks to nearby Malham Tarn.
What to see: Clapham: outstanding nature trail begun by Reginald Ferrer. The
trail passes Ingleborough Cave, perhaps the finest in the North
of England. Aysgarth Falls: a wonderfully picturesque series of
three waterfalls in preserved countryside Bolton Priory: scenic ruins beside the River Wharfe Southerdale Scar: Wildlife reserve with fascinating limestone
pavements Malham Cove: a natural amphitheatre Hardraw Force: a waterfall with the longest unbroken drop in
the north (100 feet)
Contact: Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority
Yorbridge House, Bainbridge
Leyburn
North Yorkshire
DL8 3EE
Tel (01969) 650456
OR
Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority
Colvend, Hebden Road
Grassington
North Yorkshire
BD23 5LB
Tel 01756 752748 website
email: info@yorkshiredales.org.uk