Nature and wildlife - Yorkshire Dales National Park

The Yorkshire Dales National Park, sitting astride the central Pennine watershed, has been described variously as wild, expansive, tranquil and, at times, awesome and bleak. Whatever the mood, the Dales unquestionably occupies the finest area of upland limestone country in Britain and possesses a unique combination of both related and contrasting landscape features.

Here is a sympathetic blend of pastoral valleys, delightful waterfalls, heather-covered grit-capped fells, flower-rich hay meadows, intricate patterns of dry-stone walls, field barns and stone villages. Exposed limestone cliffs, gorges, valley-side screes and a fretwork of limestone pavements, scraped clean by glacier ice, add a further dramatic dimension.

Historic and Prehistoric remains abound, as do places to stay in each dale. The Pennine Way crosses the Park from north to south.

Did you know?

• The Park boasts Britain's most famous long distance footpath, the "Pennine Way".  

• This windswept land of heather and wild moors became the inspiration of the classic work by the Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne.  

• This Park has featured in several television series and films including "Emmerdale" and "Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves".

Visit The Yorkshire Dales National Park