The Yorkshire Dales have long been a favourite area for walkers and day trippers from Yorkshire towns and cities such as Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield.
A ‘Dale’ is the local word for a valley; the ‘Dales’ are therefore a series of valleys carrying the local rivers (the Swale, Nidd, Wharfe and Ure, being the largest).
It should be no surprise that these areas are called Swaledale, Nidderdale, Wharfedale and (just to make it confusing) Wensleydale.
You might think of London as the centre of England. Its status as a major cultural, financial, and political hub would certainly seem to confirm that. But the true centre of England is the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This scenic area has rolling hills dotted with charming villages and tiny hamlets. Cattle and sheep graze quietly in green pastures separated by traditional dry-stone walls.
The Dales attract visitors who want to explore the area’s natural beauty, see the historic landmarks, or grab a pint at a local pub.
Here are seven of the most well-known dales in and around the national park:
The Dales Of The Yorkshire Dales
Swaledale
As with many of the dales, Swaledale is named for the river running through it. The River Swale follows a path carved out centuries ago by glaciers. It winds past flower-filled meadows, well-preserved stone barns set in fields of hay, and inviting villages where local farmers and craftspeople sell their wares.
Swaledale is located in the northern part of Yorkshire Dales National Park and is known for the curly-horned sheep that inspired the park’s logo. The sheep are used for producing many of the hand-crafted items that can be found in local shops including woollen socks and sweaters. You can try artisan cheese and Swaledale lamb at area restaurants or pick some up at farmers markets in Richmond and Reeth.
Annual events such as the Swaledale Festival celebrating arts and music and the historic Scott Trial motorcycle competition draw an international crowd. If your particular brand of tourism is tracking down the biggest and the best, head to Tan Hill Inn for a pint.
While there are many other excellent pubs in the dales, Tan Hill is the highest in Britain at 528 metres above sea level.
Natural beauty isn’t the only thing Nidderdale is known for. Knarseborough on the Nidd is the perfect market town worth a visit in itself (we have a photo of the famous viaduct in our gallery this month).
Wharfedale
The romance of Wharfedale is undeniable.
Located on the southern end of the national park, this picturesque dale is perfect for strolling hand-in-hand along the banks of the River Wharfe. From Buckden to Burnsall, the National Trust maintains walking trails that take you past some of the most stunning scenery in North Yorkshire County.
(We have more info on Upper Wharfedale below)
Buckden is a lovely place to book a bed and breakfast to begin your romantic weekend.