Article Written By: Michiel Van Kets
The Yorkshire Dales is one of the most interesting and beautiful places to visit if you're considering a UK short break - the diverse range of activities available are sure to grab your interest. The scenery is particularly exceptional in this area, and its wide variety of flora and fauna to explore along with a rich cultural heritage are the reasons why much of the area has been awarded national park status.The Dales are made up of sprawling farms, small quaint villages, and traditional market towns that litter the landscape. Take a drive through the countryside and you'll be amazed at the collage of dry-stone walls meandering for miles over the hills, an immeasurable number of sheep grazing on the fells, and hay meadows nestled in the valley beds. People visit for many different reasons, some are locals who enjoy re-discovering the rugged scenery just on their doorstep, others come from neighbouring counties to walk the hills, and international tourists arrive from all over the world to go sightseeing and buy home-made delights from the local markets. Accommodation in the Dales can cater to a range of needs, choose from an overnight stay in a cosy bandb country pub or an extravagant weekend break in a boutique hotel, a 5 star luxury lodge, a family holiday in a country cottage or a comfortable guest house.More popular than ever, visitors arrive here in their droves eager to discover the delights of the hills, towns and countryside of this beautiful county with its green dales, winding rivers, picturesque villages and scenic trails. The best routes are those that pass through the Dales, including the Pennine Way where the attractions include Malham Cove, the Dry Valley of the Watlowes, Water Sinks and Malham Tarn.The majority of the Dales Way walk runs through the Yorkshire Dales National Park, crossing over moors, across limestone pavements, dipping down into valleys and running alongside rivers before heading up into Cumbria, covering a length of more than 76 miles it's one of the most popular walks in the UK. The Ribble Way is another that mainly follows the course of the River Ribble and part of which runs through North Yorkshire, its fascinating history is reflected in the Roman roads, ancient abbeys and 14th century halls dotted along the way along with a number of landmarks from the industrial revolution that have been integrated on the route.Apart from walking there are also lots of other activities that enable you to enjoy the surrounding landscape and scenic views. An established network of byways and bridleways means that cyclists can pedal slowly around without pressure from traffic, the quiet roads give a sense of total freedom to those who enjoy cycling but also want to enjoy the scenery and peace. Look for hotels Yorkshire Dales online where there is lots of choice and prices are cheaper.Potholing is another pastime popular with visitors as the limestone regions of the Dales are full of hidden caverns and passages that can be explored by experienced cavers. Check out Ingleborough, White Scar and Stump Cross, some of the most popular places for pot-holers and be amazed at the limestone scenery found in the caves and potholes that the geology of the area has created. Whatever past-time you prefer - from climbing the limestone scars and grindstone crags, joining in the coast to coast walk, going fishing, watching the local wildlife and exploring the museums for a taste of the past, the Yorkshire Dales has something to make everyone enjoy their holiday. Hotels in Yorkshire can be booked online for convenience at much lower prices than you'd find anywhere in the high street. Take a browse through the tourist guides to find out the best places to eat and sightsee, and ensure your break is a memorable one.
This Article Has Been Published on Sun, 1 May 2011 and Read 231 Times