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Yorkshire’sGreat Outdoors
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4 OnFoot12 Rocksports18 OnWater22OnWheels30CountryPursuits32NaturallyYorkshire34Airsports36EasyAccess
Contents
WELCOME
Thetitleofourbookletsaysitall.Yorkshire’s GREAT Outdoors!
WiththreeNationalParks,threeAreasofOutstandingNaturalBeauty,thePenninesandastunningcoastline,wehaveallthenaturalingredientstothrilleverykindofoutdoorenthusiast;theonlythingmissingisyou.
SowhynotmakethemostofyourpreciousfreetimewithanactionpackedbreakinYorkshire’soutdooradventureplayground.
Whetheryouareonyourannualholiday,ashortbreakorbreakingwithtraditionandvisitingYorkshireforthefirsttime,Iamsureyouwillbebothamazedbywhatyoudiscoverandinspiredenoughtoreturnagain.
WelcomeonceagaintoYorkshire’sGreatOutdoors.Mayyourlifelongadventurestarthere!
Gary Verity, Chief Executive, Welcome to Yorkshire
FormoreideasandtoplanyourYearofAdventureinYorkshire,gotowww.yorkshire.com/outdoors
FOREWORD
Yorkshiregoesbymanyfinenames:theBroadAcres,theWildRidings,evenGod’sOwnCounty.Andnicknamesaren’tspawned–anddon’tstick-withoutgoodreason.
Yorkshirefullyjustifiesallitspseudonyms(well,Ican’tspeakforGod,butI’mprettysurehe’skeen).Itismind-bogglinglydiverse,withanadventureforeveryheartthatwantstoseemore,domore,orreachfurther.Icanproveit:standonthetopofIngleborough,mightiestoftheYorkshireThreePeaks,surveyinganalmostinfinitelandofmountainsandmoorlandripeforexplorationonfoot.
Thenanotherday,scrambleacrossthegritstoneofthePeakDistrictaboveSheffield,feelingthefriendly,sturdyrockbeneathyourfingersandhearingitcallyouonwardsandupwards.Ordescendintothecave-systemsofDentdaleandexplorethevastlabyrinthsbeneathYorkshire’slimestoneskin.
Someotherday,pedalintooneofthebestnaturalrollercoastersonEarth–theserpentinecyclepathsofDalbyForest.ThenstandonthecoastatFileyBriggandfeelthefoamoftheNorthSeacrashingaroundyou.
Theselandscapescouldn’tlookmoredifferent,butthey’reallYorkshire.
I’vecometoYorkshireseekingmanydifferentthings:excitement,tranquillity,escape,friendship;anewthrillandtheperfectpubtofollowit.I’vefoundallofthem–manytimesover–andIthinkyouwill,too.Whatevernicknameyougiveit,Yorkshireissimply:agreatadventure.
Vincent Crump, Editor, Country Walking Magazine
Front cover image: Gordale Scar, Malham, North Yorkshire image © Country Walking Magazine.
There’s a lot to do – so best foot forward
On foot
WALKING
The Turner Trails JMWTurnerwasoneofBritain’sgreatestlandscapepainters,andformuchofhislife,Yorkshirewashisinspiration.Followinhisfootstepsandrediscoversomeofthe70placesandscenesimmortalisedinhisartwithourself-guidedwalkingtrails.Youcanfindthewalksatwww.yorkshire.com/turnerdownloads
Walkers on Cleveland Way, Hasty Bank - photo by Mike Kipling.
Hardraw Force, North Yorkshire.
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Onfootisoneofthebestwaystoexploreourvariedlandscapes,stunningscenery,historicalsitesandlegendarylandmarks.Whetheryou’reoutforastroll,ahikeorpickingupthepacealittlewithafellrunoradventurerace,Yorkshireismadeforexploringonfoot.
On foot
EXPLORING YORKSHIRE’S GREAT OUTDOORSThree world-famous National Parks, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, wide sweeps of open heather moorland, rolling hills, rugged coastline and stunning views around every turn. Yorkshire is made for walking.
We’reluckytohavefourofBritain’sfinestNationalTrailshereinYorkshire.Sotakeyourpick.The Cleveland WayfollowstheedgeoftheNorthYorkMoorsNationalParkfromHelmsleytothedramaticcoast.The Yorkshire Wolds Wayramblesthroughpeacefulfieldsandovergentlechalk-hills.Orforsomethingmorestrenuous,The Pennine WaystridesthroughtheYorkshireDalesonitsmammothjourneyfromthePeakDistricttoScotland.OrmaybethepurposebuiltPennine Bridlewayisyourkindofwalk?
Oneofthebestthingsaboutthesetrails,apartfromtheamazingscenery,ishoweasyitistosamplethem.Try a Trailroutesareshortdayroutesthattakeinhighlights,withouttheneedtodoallthemiles.
TheYorkshire Dalesalsooffersabountyoffantasticwalksforeveryone.SomeofthebestfamilyroutesareatAysgarthFallsthattakesinaseriesofbreathtakingwaterfallsandthegemofawalktoMillGillForceandWhitfieldGillForcefromAskrigg.
Thoselookingforsomethingalittlemorebracingarespoiltforchoicetoo.ADales High WayisachallenginglongdistanceroutewhichstartsintheWorldHeritagevillageofSaltaire.It’sanexhilarating90milewalkacrosstheglorioushighcountryoftheYorkshireDales,returningonthefabulousSettle-Carlislerailway.
FollowtheriverEskfromitssourcehighontheNorth York Moors,tothe
coastatWhitbyonthebeautiful35mileEsk Valley Walk,whilethe48mileTabular Hills WalkwilltakeyoufromthecharmingmarkettownofHelmsleyalongtheTabularHillswithitsstunningviewacrossthemoorstothecoastatScarborough.Perfectforalongweekend.
OrhowabouttryingoneofYorkshireWater’swalkingroutes?ThetrailaroundDigleyReservoir,nearHolmfirth,isaninvigorating4.9milewalkalonglanes,fieldsandoveropenmoorland.WhileinnearbyHebdenBridge,thecountry’sfirstWalkers are Welcometown,visitorscanenjoyseveralwaymarkedroutes.YorkshireisnowhometomanymoreWalkersareWelcometowns,proofthatourcountyisarealwalker’sparadise.
Finding your way around our great outdoorsExploringtheunmistakablebeautyofourcountyiseasyforfamilies,casualwalkersandserioushikers.Whateveryou’relookingfor,here’salittlehelptofindyourway.
Arangeofwalks,fromgentlestrollstoheartyhikesandtheTry a Trailseries,canbedownloadedfromwww.yorkshire.com/walks
Ifyou’dliketohoneyournavigationalskills,thenwhynotgoonacoursefromoneoftheseexperiencedinstructors?
River Mountain Experience 01677426112TeamWalking 01423871750Where2Walk07824304060
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So much more than walkingFell running, adventure racing,
orienteering, geocaching, the
list of fast and fun things to do
in Yorkshire make our county’s
wilder areas a haven for those
looking for big challenges and
big adventures.
On foot
ON FOOT
Forthosewholiketotravelfast
andlight,therearemanyfantastic
fellrunningeventsacrossYorkshire
everyyear.Themostfamousisthe
3 Peaks Racebutthereareusuallya
feweventseverymonthtotestyour
fitness.Manyhaveshorterandless
strenuouscourseswhereentriesare
acceptedontheday.Burnsalland
Kilnseyarejusttwotoconsider.
Yorkshire’samazingoutdoorscanbe
yourgymtoo.WithJelley Legs,you
canrunforthehillsandenjoyaguided
spotoftrailrunning,withbed&
breakfastincluded.Orwhynottryone
ofNero’s Boot Camps…surrounded
bywoodlandtracks,trailsandlakes
inatrulyoutstandingsettinginthe
HowardianHills,you’reguaranteed
tohavearewardingexperience.
“ I really enjoy training in many
different parts of Yorkshire.
But from Leeds there are some
great areas that are really
close and accessible like Otley
Chevin, Ilkley Moor and the
Washburn Valley. They offer
endless walking, running and
biking opportunities and have
something for everyone.”
Alistair Brownlee
Triathlete and
2012 medal contender
Alistair Brownlee training on Ilkley Moor, West Yorkshire.
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Orienteering fun in Yorkshire
On footSOMETHING DIFFERENT?
Itwon’tcomeasahugesurprisetofind
thatthewideexpansesoftheYorkshire
Wolds,thehillsandvalleysoftheNorth
YorkMoorsandYorkshireDales,and
thespectacularPenninesareallperfect
orienteeringcountry.Whetheryoufancy
enteringoneofthemanyeventsinthe
county,orwanttotryyourhandatthis
challengingsportforthefirsttime,you’re
intherightplace.Permanentcourses
canbefoundatDalbyForest,IlkleyMoor,
OgdenReservoir,OtleyChevinForest
ParkandRichmond.Simplypickupamap
fromthelocalTouristInformationCentre.
Fancytryingsomethingalittledifferent?
Howaboutgeocaching?Ifracingacross
thecountryside,usingyourGPStofind
hiddencachesisyourthing,you’lllove
this.Totrythisexcitingfamilyfriendly
sport,visitwww.yorkshire.com/outdoors
forlocations,GCcodesandwhereto
hireGPSreceivers.
Ifthisisstillalittletooconventional,
howaboutleadingallamaaroundthe
fantasticrockformationsatBrimham
RockswithNidderdale Llamas?Andthe
bestbitis,thellamascarryyourpicnic.
Orhowabouttakingahaltertrained
alpacaforawalkintheHambleton
Hills?Beacon Alpaca’sdelightful
creaturesarecuriousandfriendly,
andeasytohandle.
Black Sheep Boots and Beer Walking Festival, SeptemberWhatcouldbebetterthanaweekendofgreatwalks,beautifulcountryside,fantasticbeerandexcellententertainment?Justoneofthemanyfabulouswalkingfestivalsyou’llfindthroughoutthecounty.•Pickering Walking Festival,April•ride2stride Settle-CarlisleWalkingFestival,May
•Otley Walking Festival June/July•South Pennines Walk & Ride Festival September
•Pateley Bridge Walking Festival September
•Richmond Walking & Book Festival September/October
3 Peaks Fell Race, AprilGetreadyforthetoughestfellraceacross24ofthemostruggedmiles.Theannual3PeaksRaceisnotforthefaint-hearted.TakinginthefamousYorkshireDalesmountainsofPen-y-ghent,IngleboroughandWhernside,whetheryoufancyachallengeorwanttosupporttherunners,don’tmissthisfantasticspectacle.
Keeping the Three Peaks beautiful – with a little help from our friendsAround250,000visitorsexploretheThree Peaks areaeveryyear,puttingheavydemandsonitsfootpaths.TheFriendsoftheThreePeaksareindividualsandorganisationswhowanttoprotectandenhancethisspecialarea.Anyonewantingtobecomea‘Friend’canjoinforasmallfeeatwww.yorkshiredales.org.uk/threepeaks.You’llreceiveregularnewsletters,invitationstoFriendsWalksandhavetheopportunitytogetinvolvedinlookingafterthe Three Peakspaths.
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TraditionalvillagepubintheheartoftheYorkshireWoldswellplacedonlocalwalksandtheWoldsWayandofferingcaskales,homemadefoodandBedandBreakfast.01377 288272www.thixendale.org.uk
Cross Keys Inn, Thixendale
TheawardwinningCarltonLodge,inthepicturesque12thcenturymarkettownofHelmsley,offerscosycomfortinaheritagerichsetting.Idealforspectacularwalkingandcycling.01439 770557www.carlton-lodge.com
Carlton Lodge, Helmsley Escape with a
view to luxury!
MapreproducedfromOrdnanceSurveydigitalmapdata©CrownCopyright2009AllrightsreservedLicencenumber0100031673©NaturalEngland2009
Osmotherley rambleStartSquareCornercarpark.(AlternativestartfromOsmotherley)
Distance4.8miles(7.8km)
Height Gain754ft(230m)
TerrainAmixtureofstoneslabandpitchedpathsovermoorland,grassfieldsandoccasionalmuddypathsthroughwoodland.Someroadwalkingandsomestonesqueezestilesandgatesenroute.
Time3hours
Refreshments and public toiletsCafé,pubsandtoiletsatOsmotherley
How to get thereSquareCorneris2.5milessouthwestofOsmotherleyontheminorroadforHawnby.ThereisarailwaystationatNorthallertonandregularbuslinkstoOsmotherley.OsmotherleyisalsoservedbytheMoorsbusnetwork.Fordetailsvisitwww.yorkshiretravel.net
More InformationSuttonBankVisitorCentre,SuttonBank,Thirsk,YO72EH.Tel:01845597426Email:[email protected]
Osmotherley ramble 4.8 miles (7.8km) – moderate circular walkWalking from Square CornerContentandinformationprovidedbyNaturalEngland
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1 FromtheSquareCornerparkingareajointheClevelandWayheadingwest,signedforOsmotherley.
2Atthebottomofthemoor,continueontheobvioustrackthatpassesOakDaleReservoir.
3Turnleftalongtheroadandafterabout30metresgorightontoatrackstillontheClevelandWay.
4 PassthefieldgateandturnleftatthesqueezestileafewmetresafterandheadtowardsWhiteHouseFarm.
5 Turnrightonthepaththatbypassesthefarmanddropdownandthenacrossthebottomofthevalley.
6 CrossthebridgeandcontinueontheClevelandWayupthesideofthewoodandthenthroughthefieldstowardsOsmotherley.
7 AttheroadcrossstraightoverandfollowBackLaneintothevillagecentre.
8TurnrightandupthemainroadinOsmotherley,carryonbeyondtheClevelandWayturnoff.Jointheroutehereifarrivingbypublictransport.
9 TurnrightanddowntheprivateroadsignedfortheYHAandcampsite.
10 Justpastthehostelturnleftupapathalongthewoodlandedge.
11 GothroughthegatemarkedforCodBeckandfollowthepaththroughtheforestblock.
12ThepathmeetsaTjunction,withaderelictbuildingontheleft.Gorighthere.
13GostraightacrossatthetwogatesbyBadLane.
14TurnleftoffthelaneafterpassingRockyPlainFarmandheadupthefield.
15Beyondthefarmturnleftandontothefarmsaccessroad.
16AtthetopturnrightontotheHambletonDroveRoad.
17 ContinuealongtheroadtoreturntoSquareCorner.
OsmotherleyOsmotherley’strademarkappearanceisapicturepostcardsceneofamarketcrossandstonetableonthesmallvillagegreenattheT-junctionofitstwomainroads.Ithasbeenahavenforholidaymakersanddaytrippersforoverahundredyearsandboaststhreepubs,acaféandawalkingshoptosatisfyactivevisitors.OneofthehighlightsofthevillageyearistheholdingoftheOsmotherleySummerGames.
Hambleton Drove RoadWhenyouwalkthetranquilroadnearChequersitishardtoimaginehowbusytheHambletonDroveRoadwouldhavebeeninitsheydayinthe18thand19thcenturies.Manycattleandevengeese,sometimeswithfeltpadstoprotecttheirfeet,weredrivenalongthisroutefromScotlandtoYorkshiretownsandsomeeventuallytoLondon.
Moorland Path RestorationAtthestartofyourwalkyouwillfollowstoneslabsandstepsthatwerepartofanaward-winningschemeofpathrestorationinthe1990s.Inallabout8milesoftheClevelandWaywasrestoredfollowingextensivedamagecausedbywalkingonthevulnerablepeatsurface.Thissectionwonanawardforthequalityofworkcarriedouttoblendthesurfacingintothenaturalsurroundings.
Walking from Square Corner
Osmotherley ramble route profile
www.nationaltrail.co.uk/clevelandway
Here’sagreatwaytoappreciatethemoorlandfringeoftheNorthYorkMoors,combinedwiththedelightfulvillageofOsmotherley
Osmotherley ramble 4.8 miles (7.8km) – moderate circular walkWalking from Square CornerContentandinformationprovidedbyNaturalEngland
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Lookingforadventureontherocks,orevenundertherocks,it’sallhere.WiththePennines,NorthYorkMoors,Dales,PeakDistrictanddramaticcoastline,welcometorocksportsheaven.Thereareclimbs,cavesandchallengesforeveryonefrombeginnerstoexperts.
Some of the UK’s best limestone sport climbing and gritstone bouldering can be found in Yorkshire. And even if the weather is against you, there’s always a climbing wall nearby to test your technique.
ClimbinginYorkshireisnotonlyagreatwaytotestyourskillandnerve,it’salsoanamazingwaytoseeourstunningcountyfromawholenewperspective.FromtheweirdandwonderfulformationsatBrimham Rocks,inNidderdale,tolandmarkfeatures,suchastheCow and CalfinIlkley,boringisneveranoption.
Professional sport climber Steve McClure, mastering Overshadow, on the limestone crags of Malham, North Yorkshire © Keith Sharples.
Rocksports
DiscoverYorkshire’sgreat upsand downs
CLIMBING
Steve McClure
One of the best rock
climbers in the world
“ Yorkshire still stands out as
one of my favourite places in
the world to climb,”
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RocksportsRocksportsSeriousclimberswillloveMalham CoveandnearbyGordale Scar.ThemagnificentsteepcragatKilnsey,theravineofTrow Gill,GiggleswickandRobin Proctor’s Scararealsomust-scalefaces.Castlebergh Crag,aboveSettleisalsowellworthaclimb,with24fullyboltedroutes.Andifyou’relookingforeverythinginoneplace,tryAlmscliff.Ithasover180climbsandworld-classboulderingallpackedontoonehillside.
Youdon’thavetoclimbhightogetyourkicks.Yorkshire’sothergreatboulderinglocationsprovejustthat.CrookriseandScugdaleoffersomeexcellentoptions.Withbouldersofallgrades,Earl CragisoneofYorkshire’sfinestvenueswithoverhangsandlipsinabundance.
ThePeakDistricthasplentyofchallengesupitssleevetoo.Burbage Northishometooneofthearea’sgreatroutes,LongTallSally.AndoneofthePeak’sbestkeptsecrets(untilnow)isRivelin Edge.Asuperbshelteredspotwithmanyformidablefeatures.
CLIMBING WALLSTryingyourhandforthefirsttimeorperfectingyourtechnique,Yorkshire’sclimbingwallsarereadyandwaiting.The Leeds Wall inLeedsandHarrogate Climbing Centrearegreatplacestotestyourhandholdsandfootwork.TheROKT Climbing GyminBrighouseisthenewestadditiontoYorkshire’scollection,creatingastateoftheartfacilityfromanoldflourmill.
HIGH WIREAbravechallengeforthrillseekersistheVia FerrataatHow Stean Gorge.Traverserockwalls,wadethroughgushingwater,abseiloffabridgeandslidethroughwaterspouts.
BringoutyourinnerapeandswingthroughthetreesatGo Ape!inDalbyForest,orfindtheultimatetreetopadventureatLog Heights,tuckedawayinthegroundsofRipleyCastlenearHarrogate.
Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalMarchAlineupofthebestadventurefilms,includingsomeamazingclimbingmovies,allinoneplace,allinoneweekend.Don’tmissit.
Overground Underground, IngletonMay/JuneFamilyfriendlyexplorationinandaroundIngleborough.Cavesarethebigdrawhere,butexpecttoexperiencethelandscapeaboveandbelow,withguidedwalks,inspirationaltalks,have-a-gosessions,demonstrationsandexhibitions.
CliffhangerJulyTheUK’sbiggestoutdooreventforoutdoorpeople,withplentyforrocksportsfans,Sheffield’sCliffhangerisamust.
Bouldering at Sharp Haw, North Yorkshire.
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The Yorkshire Dales are world famous for
their rich caving opportunities. You don’t
have to go far to discover a labyrinth of
cave systems and potholes.
Themysteriousflowofwaterasitappears
anddisappearsaroundRibbleheadhas
longcaptivatedcavers,drawingthem
undergroundtofindoutmore.Thegrand
dramaticentrancesofplacessuchasHull
PotnearHorton-in-Ribblesdalealsoattract
theseriousandnotsoseriousenthusiasts
fromfarandwidetoexplorethemany
cavernsandpotholes.
Anunmistakablelandmarkinthecounty
isGaping Gillonthesouthernslopesof
Ingleborough.Withamainshaftdescending
105m,astunningmainchamberbigenough
toengulfSt.Paul’sCathedral,andthetallest
unbrokenwaterfallinEngland,it’sonevery
caversmustdolist.
GAPING GILL OPEN WEEKS
Whyshouldonlythemostseasonedcavers
getallthefun?FortwoBankHolidayweeks
ayear,inSpringandAugust,anyonecan
experiencethebreathtakingscaleand
beautyofoneofBritain’smostfamouscaves.
Takethewinchridefromthesurfaceto
discoverthestunninglylitcavernfloor105m
below.Justdon’tforgettowrapupwarm.
There’s a lot going on down there The largest caving area in
the UK is right here in (well,
below) Yorkshire. So with
2,000 caves and potholes,
plus more than 400km of
surveyed passages, you’d
better get your torches ready.
Yorkshire’s unique geology
is waiting to be explored.
Gaping Gill, Ingleborough, North Yorkshire.
Rocksports
CAVING
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SHOW CAVESWant to try caving but not sure where to begin? Try a show cave. These offer guided underground adventures that don’t involve crawling around on your hands and knees.
TheYorkshireDaleshasthreetotry,includingBritain’slongestatWhite Scar Cave,nearIngleton.Thissubterraneanlandscapeisbeautifullylit,withgushingstreams,waterfalls,exoticcaveformations,andahugeice-agecavernadornedwiththousandsofstalactites.It’stheperfectintroductiontoYorkshire’sundergroundtreasures.
Ingleborough CaveisreachedfromClapham,beforeawalkwaytakesyouoverhalfakilometreintothemountainwhileStump Cross Caverns,situatedhighonthemoorsaboveGrassington,offersafascinating
insightintotheuniquegeologyofthearea.BothareproudmembersoftheAssociation of British and Irish Show Caves,whichencouragesenjoymentandprotectionofthesespecialunderworldsites.
GOING UNDERGROUNDExploringthecavesinourcountytakesknowledge,experienceandtherightkit.ThebestwaytoaccessallthisisbycontactingoneofYorkshire’smanyoutdoorinstructorsoractivitycentres,allwithlicensedwell-qualifiedguides.Asyou’dexpectinanareasoabundantincaves,thereareplentytochoosefrom.
Above & Below Clapham,NorthYorkshire01524 251011
Carlton Lodge Outdoor Centre Thirsk,NorthYorkshire0800 0962608
Live for Today Harrogate,NorthYorkshire01423 551585
Lost Earth Adventures York01904 500094
North Country Guides Richmond,NorthYorkshire07950 440576
Rock Steady Adventure York08456 123636
Yorkshire Dales Guides Settle,NorthYorkshire01729 824455Gaping Gill Open Weeks
Bradford Pothole Club May/June01484 683260
Craven Pothole Club Augustgapinggill@ cravenpotholeclub.org
White Scar show cave, Nr Ingleton, North Yorkshire.
RocksportsRocksports
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Ilkley Moor, West Yorkshire.
Rocksports Routes
Aswithsomanythings,Yorkshirehasgreatcontrastinwhatitoffersforrockclimbers.Many people take advantage of the superb indoors climbing walls, such as those at Harrogate, Brighouse, Leeds and Sheffield, to learn how to climb, improve their skills and to train for the next climbing season.
Onceoutsidethechoiceissimpleastworocktypesdominatetheareaofferingverydifferentclimbing-limestoneorgritstone.Onlimestoneyouthenneedtodecidebetweensportclimbingwhereyouclipboltsinthesamewayasataclimbingwall,ortogotraditionalandplaceyourownprotection.
Ongritstonethechoiceisbetweentraditionalclimbingorbouldering.Manypeoplechoosethesimpleandpureapproachofbouldering,whichisclimbingshortrouteswithoutropes,althoughtraditionalclimbingisstillverypopular.
Yorkshire’s Big ThreeTheYorkshireDalescontainsthelimestonecliffsofthe‘bigthree’-MalhamCove,GordaleScarandKilnseyCrag.TheyprovidesomeofthebestandhardestsportclimbingtobefoundanywhereinEurope.
Malham, North YorkshireMalhamisahugeamphitheatrewithgreatmid-gradetradroutestothehardestsportclimbsinthecountry.Malhamispopularallyearroundwithclimbersandwalkersalike.TheCoveisaSSSIsospecialcareshouldbetakenwhenvisiting.
Gordale Scar, North YorkshireGordaleScarisanimpressivegorgewithtoweringcliffsandatumblingwaterfallatitsheart.ClassictraditionalclimbssuchasFaceRouteaswellashardersportclimbslikePierrepoint(F7c+)climbthemassiveoverhangingwallsdeepwithinthegorge.
Kilnsey, North YorkshireKilnseyisfamousforitsoverhangingprofilewhichdominatesthispartofWharfedale.RoutesrangefromF6ctoF9aandarethebesttobefoundanywhereattheirgrade.
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Kilnsey, North Yorkshire Almscliff, North Yorkshire Slipstones, North Yorkshire
Number of routes160
Rock Type Limestone
Climbing Style Sportandtraditionalclimbingwithsomebouldering
AspectOverhangingthroughoutandfaceseast,sogetsthemorningsun.Normallystaysdryevenwhenitisrainingalthoughitseepsbadlyinthewinter.
How to get thereTaketheB6160northfromSkipton,andKilnseyappearsbytheroadside4kmnorthofGrassington.Thereisalargelay-byforparkingjustpastthecrag,wherethereisusuallyateawagon.
Refreshment & public toiletsTheTennantArmsisnextdoorandthereisacaféatthetroutfarm.
Featured climb Comedy(F7c)
Number of routes110+bouldering
Rock Type Gritstone
Climbing Style Traditionalclimbingandbouldering
AspectHighontopofthenorthernridgeofLowerWharfedale,Almscliffisvisibleformiles.
How to get thereJustoffthemainOtley-Harrogateroad(A658)nearHuby,some8kmssouth-westofHarrogate.
Refreshment & public toiletsOtleyandHarrogate
Featured climb FlyingArete(Font6b)
Number of routesc.120shortroutesandboulders
Rock Type Gritstone
Climbing Style Traditionalclimbingandbouldering
AspectHighonthenorthedgeofColsterdale.
How to get thereFromMashamheadthroughHealeyandintoColsterdale.
Refreshment & public toiletsThe‘realale’pubsinthelocalvillagesarenottobemissed
Featured climb Killer(E46b)
Rocksports Routes
Comedy © Keith Sharples. Flying Arete © Keith Sharples. Killer © Keith Sharples.
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Discover Yorkshire’s wet and wild sideFastflowingrivers,tranquilcanals,vastexpansesofopenwaterandmileaftermileofcoastline,it’snosurprisemanywatersportsenthusiastsflocktoYorkshire.Serioussailors,have-a-gosurfersandfirst-timefishermenwillallbeintheirelementhere.Solet’sdivein.
On Water
ON WATERSURF’S UPWetsuits at the ready because Yorkshire has some great surf beaches. The varied coastline throws up some great surfing conditions that are largely rock-free and free from crowds too. So, thanks to the great facilities, easy access, and of course tempting waves, surfing in the county has never been as popular.
Sowheretosurf?Orshouldthatbewheretosurffirst?Scarborough’s North and South Bayhavenicerollingbeachbreaksandaregentleenoughforbeginnerstotry.Apopularspotforlongboarders,lowtomidtidesofferbiggersurfforthemoreexperienced.
AnotherfavouritespotisCayton Bay.Aquietandunspoiltbay,withgreatfacilities,itofferssomeofthecounty’sbestsurfing,especiallyinwinterandspringtime,fromtwokeysurfinglocations.ThePointofferslefthandedwavesthatholdabigswell,andisforexperiencedsurfersonly,whilethePumpHousebreaksatmidtolowtidewithfastmovingwaves.
Forsomethingalittlemorefastandfurious,experiencedkitesurferswillfindsomegreatspotswithidealwindandwaveconditions.
Joss Wescombe masters the Scarborough surf.
On WaterIfyou’renewtosurfing,orinneedofalittleextratuition,theteamatFluid ConceptinScarboroughincludesoneofthemostexperiencedsurfinstructorsaround.Andifyoufancysomethingalittledifferent,Fluid Conceptcanhelpyoutryyourhandatstanduppaddleboarding.Standingonalongandstablesurfboard,propelyourselfwithalong-handledpaddle.It’sagreatwaytoseeouramazingcoastlineandbrilliantifyouwanttospendmoretimeoutofthewaterthaninit.PADDLES UPYorkshire has some excellent rivers and can cater for flat water paddling to Grade 3+ white water. Our extensive network of canals and rugged coastline also offer some of the best canoeing and kayaking around.
Theriver Washburnjoinsupanumberoflargereservoirsinthearea.Dryformuchoftheyear,butfor30gloriousdaysthedamisreleasedpurelyforyourcanoeingpleasure.The2.4kmofGrade2-3,fastflowingwaterbetweenThruscrossReservoirandFewstonReservoiristheonlydam-releasefacilityinEnglandandisoneofthemostimportantcompetitionsitesinthecountry. On Water AdventuresCoasteeringnowavailableinYorkshire!Abseildowncliffs,traversethecoastlineandleapintorockpools,foranincrediblyfundayoutwithRock Steady Adventure.
CheckoutFlow House indoorsurfingcentre,locatedatXscapeYorkshireinCastleford.TheFlowRidersheetwavesimulatorisagreatwaytolearnorexperienceHawaiian-stylewaveswhilstperfectingyourskills.Giveitatry…betyouloveit!Waterways and canals TheAire&CalderNavigationandLeeds&LiverpoolCanalaregreatplacestoexplore,includingthespectacularBingley Five-Rise Locks.Cruisealongatthehelmofyourownnarrowboatorsitbackandrelaxontheluxurious Lady Teal boutiquehotelboat.Withensuitefacilitiesandsumptuousdinners,there’snoneedtocompromiseaboardthisboat.
Canoeing in Yorkshire © Sam Atkins
TheWashburnisalsoperfectforyourfirstwhite water raftingexperience,faceyourfearonYorkshire’swildestwaterwithXperience Adventure.YoucanlearncanoeingbasicsinasafeandcontrolledsettingonthescenicriverEskwithBlue Frog Adventure.OrhowabouttryingyourhandatCanadiancanoeing?It’sanidylliclaid-backwaytoexploreourwaterways.Stable,roomyandwithplentyofspaceforafriendortwo,apicnicandevencampingequipment.Ifthissoundsmoreyou,River Mountain Experienceofferonedayboathandlingcoursestogetyoustarted.LoversofsaltwateractionwillbeimpressedbythevarietyandqualityofseakayakingoffYorkshire’scoast.Sweepingsandybeachesprovideplentyofsurfandthisbeautifulcoastlineishometosomeimpressivesights.Viewingover200,000seabirdsnestingonBempton Cliffsfromyourkayakorcanoesimplycan’tbebeaten,whileforgeologicaldrama,themassivecliffsofFlamborough Headhavespectacularcaves,whichmayrequireatorchtobefullyexplored.
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It’s plain sailing hereThewindinyoursailsorafishonyourline?EveryonecangettheirkicksfromYorkshire’srivers,reservoirsandcoastline.Soifyoufancyditchingthepaddlesaltogether,there’sstillplentyofothergreatwatersportstogetexcitedabout.
Watersports
WATERSPORTS
SAILING AND WINDSURFINGIf sailing and windsurfing is your thing, Yorkshire is your kind of place. Our rich variety of sailing venues combine the best facilities with the most stunning views as your backdrop.
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Watersports
Ifyou’vegotyourownsailingboatorwindsurferandarelookingforagreatdayoutonthewater,try Lake Semerwater,thelargestglaciallakeinNorthYorkshire.SetamongstthehighandimposinghillsoftheYorkshireDales,andwitheasyaccesstothelakefromthelargecarpark,it’stheperfectspotforwatersportsenthusiasts.
Forexcitingoffshoresailing,looknofurtherthanRunswick BayandFiley.WhilewindsurferslookingtotakefulladvantageoftheexhilaratingYorkshirecoastlinearespoiltforchoicetoo.Withlotsofwideopencoastalwaters,regularwindandgreataccesstosomeamazingbeaches,particularlyaroundtheFraisthorpearea,experiencedwindsurferscanberacingaroundthewaterinnotime.
FISHINGGrab your tackle and take your pick from our freshwater rivers, deep still lakes and reservoirs, varied coast and network of waterways - all teeming with fish.
Still water fishingThere’sanabundanceofgreatstillwaterfishingavailablethroughoutYorkshire.Infact,YorkshireWatermanagessomeofthebestfisheriesinthenorthofEngland.Damflask ReservoirinthestunningPeak District National Parkboastsacoarseandpikefishery.AnotherexcellentplacetofishistheWashburn Valley.HeretheFewston,SwinstyandThruscrossreservoirsoffersuperbtroutfishinginidyllicruralsettings.
AgreatoptionintheYorkshireDalesisKilnsey Park,wherechildrencanhaveafirstattemptatfishinginthefunpond,whiletwospringfedlakesofferyearroundflyfishingfortrout.
Shore and sea fishingWiththesoundoftheseabirdsandlappingwaves,shorefishingisagreatwaytonotonlygetabite,butalsogetbacktonature.Whitby East and West PiersandScarborough’s quiet PierandMarine Drivearegreatlocationstocastoffandwaitforthatbigone.SandsendhasbothsandandrockstofishfromandthescenicStaithesexposeslargeareasofflatrockduringlowtide,provingperfectplatformsfromwhichtofish.Ifyoufancysomenighttimefishing,thefirsthouroffloodtideatScalby Nessisarealtreat.
Inspiredbywhatthefishingboatsbringin?ThentakeyourrodandtryyourhandatNorthSeafishing.BoatscanbehiredfromScarborough,WhitbyandBridlingtonharboursandwithplentyofprofessionalfishermenaround,you’llneverbeshortofadvice.
European Open Beach Championship, MarchThebiggestthree-dayfishingfestivalinEurope,thisBridlingtonbasedbashattractsstarsofshoreanglingfromallovertheUKandEuropetoYorkshire’scoast.
UK Pro Surf Tour, Scarborough, OctoberAgreatsurfingweekendfestival,withskateboarding,livemusic,drive-inmoviesandmuchmuchmore.Anextremesportsextravaganzanottobemissed.
Sailing (left) and windsurfing (above) in Yorkshire.
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On Wheels
Get on your bike
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Yorkshireismadeforexploringbybike.Quietcountryroads,byways,anetworkofcyclepathsandsomefantasticmountainbiketrails.There’salottoseeanddo,sogetonyourbikeanddiscoverYorkshirefromyoursaddle.
Tough trails at Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire.
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On Wheels
WELCOME TO MOUNTAIN BIKE HEAVENFrom twisting technical singletrack to ‘hold on for dear life’ downhills and thigh burning climbs, Yorkshire is just one big playground for the serious mountain biker.
BoththeMoorsandtheDalesareprimemountainbikingcountry.Thereareover1,600kmofbridleways,bywaysandgreenlanestoexplore,allinremote,unspoiltcountryside.TheDalesarefamousfortheirfaststonebasedbridlewaysandlimestoneplateauswhiletheMoorshavesomeofbestsingletrackinEngland.GemsincludeMastilles Lane(betweenKilnseyandMalham),Fremington EdgeinSwaledale,andaroundRosedaleontheNorthYorkMoors.
You’llalsofindpurpose-builtmountainbiketrailsinStainburn, Guisboroughandofcourse,thesuperbDalby Forest,withmilesofexpertlysculptedtechnicalsingletrackthattemptsyoutorideallday.Homeofthe2011MountainBikeCrossCountryWorldCupcourse,thiswillprovideachallengeforeventhemostexperiencedriders,ifyou’vegottheskillsandthelegs.
ThePennine BridlewayisoneofthenewestandmostpicturesqueNationalTrails.Thefirstpurposebuilttrailofitskind,it’swellsignpostedandmaintained,whichmeansyoudon’thavetobeaseriousmountainbikertoenjoysomeofourfinestmountainbikecountry.Opensectionsincludethe47mileMary Towneley Loop,whichrunsclosetoTodmordenandtheSettle LoopintheYorkshireDales.This10milelooptakesinthearea’sstunninglimestonescenery.NewsectionsintheDaleswillbeopeningsoon.Keepaneyeonourwebsitefornews.
TherestofthePenninesareobviouslyanaturalmagnetforbikersinsearchofbigadventure.TryCalderdale’s MoorsaboveHebdenBridgeandTodmorden.It’sonlyforthecommittedbutthestunningsceneryisworththeeffort.
There’sevensomethingfortheCyclo-Crossfantoo.The3 Peaks Cyclo-CrossintheYorkshireDalesNationalParkisthetoughestandbiggestCyclo-CrosseventintheUK.HeldattheendofSeptemberandstartingfromHelwithBridgenearSettle,itcovers38milesofYorkshire’smostchallengingandrewardingterrain.
Cycling in Reeth Low Moor, Swaledale, North Yorkshire © Dales Bike Centre.
Family cycling in the Yorkshire Wolds, East Yorkshire.
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Become a ‘musher’ at Pesky Husky
On Wheels
Perfect biking basesExploringYorkshirebybike?Thereareanumberoffantasticplacestobaseyourself.AllrightintheheartofgreatMTBcountry.
Gone Mountain Biking(01751475111)andBig Bear Bikes(01751474220),bothinPickering,arerunbybikenutsandspecialiseinguidedridesandskillsinstruction.WithDalbyForestrightontheirdoorstep,it’stheperfectopportunitytoexplorethisamazingarea.
Cycle Yorkshire(01904624009)organisesallinclusive,relaxingcycletoursaroundthehistoriccityofYorkandsurroundingcountryside.
NestledintheYorkshireDales,Dales Bike Centre(01748884908)isanidealbase.Theaccommodation,café(withlegendarycakes),bikeshopandworkshopwerebuiltbycyclistsforcyclists.
Hit the Hills(07540647227)runweekendsintheDaleswithadifference.Withatrainedchefonboard,it’smorethanjustaplacetobikeandsleep.
MTB Cycle Yorkshire(07958130712)offerskillscourses,guidedrides,weekendsawayandbikehirearoundWestYorkshire.
Going to the dogs
Becomea‘musher’andenjoytheexhilarationofbeingpulledalongbyPesky Husky’spowerfulhuskies-andyoudon’tevenneedsnow.TreksrunbetweenOctoberandMarch,whilePeskyHuskyHikesareavailableyearround;avisitorcentreisopeningsummer2012too.
Enjoying the singletrack at Gunnerside Gill in Swaledale, North Yorkshire © Dales Bike Centre.
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The Cinder Trackisoneofthemostspectaculartraffic-freetrailsinthenorth,followingthedisusedrailwaylinefromWhitbytoScarboroughalongsideYorkshire’sHeritageCoast.It’salsopartoftheMoor to Sea Cycle Networkwithover100milesofquietlanesandrightsofwayrightacrosstheNorth York Moors National Park.Trythenewestleg-usingforesttracksandpartoftheoldRosedalerailwayline,itlinksEasbyonthewesternfringeswithDalby Forest.Alongits34miles,there’sonetoughclimbuptothemoortop,rewardedwithastunningview.Therestisfairlyeasyandcanbesplitintosmallersectionsforthoselookingforamoreleisurelypedal.
TheYorkshireWoldsalsoofferssomeinspiredandrewardingroutes.Don’tmissBig Skies Bike Ridesorthenew146mile
Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Routethattakeintherollingchalkhills,longviewsandofcourse,bigskies.
The170well-signedmilesoftheWay of the Roses Cycle RoutebetweenMorecambeandBridlingtonBays,rollsthroughtheForestofBowland,YorkshireDales,Nidderdale,theValeofYorkandYorkshireWolds,allalongcyclepaths,countrylanesandquieterroads.Justfollowthedistinctivebluesignsbearingredandwhiteroses.
OrhowabouttheCalder Valley Cycleway?Thispicturesque14mileroutebetweenSowerbyBridgeandWarlandisfunforeveryone.Thewellconstructedpaths,quietroads,sectionsofcanaltowpathandcollectionsofpublicartenrouteallmakeforagreatride.
TheTrans Pennine Trailiswellworthgettingonyourbikefor.Mainlyoffroad,butnotoffthebeatentrack,therouteweavesinandoutofourcounty’smajorurbancentres,andmakesgreatuseofourpost-industrialwaterways,givingyouauniqueperspectiveofYorkshire.
Etape du Dales, Grassington, May
Areyoureadyforoneofthetoughestcyclingchallengesaround?Thisgruellingcyclospotiveevent,isaboutpittingyourselfagainstthis175kmlongroutewitharound3,500mofclimbing.Withsomegradientshitting1:4(25%),it’snotforeveryone,butjustthinkofthesatisfactionofcompletingoneofthehardesteventsofitskindinthecountry.
York Cycle Show, June
HeldatYorkRacecourse,there’ssomethingforallcyclistsatthisgreatweekendfestival.Withshowsandexhibitions,entertainment,organisedridesandagrandparadethroughthecity,it’sonenottobemissed.
Yorkshire’s not all flat outSticking to the tracks, country lanes and cycle paths doesn’t mean missing out on great biking opportunities. Road cyclists, tourers and those who just want to take it easy and take in the view are well catered for too.
Etape du Dales cycle ride, North Yorkshire.
On Wheels
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MapreproducedfromOrdnanceSurveydigitalmapdata©CrownCopyright2007AllrightsreservedLicencenumber100018881©NaturalEngland2007
Settle LoopStartThemarketplaceinSettlegridref.SD819636
Distance10miles(16km)
Height Gain1608ft(490m)Somesteepslopes.
TerrainAmixtureofgrasspaths,limestoneoutcrops,grass/gravelpathsandtarmaclanes.
Time4.75hoursonfoot1.5–2.5hoursbybike
Refreshments & public toiletsShops,cafés,tearooms,pubsandpublictoiletsinSettle
How to get thereSettleisjustofftheA65betweenSkiptonandKendal.Parkintown.TrainsfromLeeds,BradfordandCarlisle:www.settlecarlisle.co.ukBusesfromSkipton,Ingleton,Clitheroe:www.yorkshiretravel.netorphone0871 200 22 33
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23
4
5
6 7
89
0 1km (0.6mile )
Freethespiritonthislovelyuplandloopwithitsfar-reachingviewsacrossarollingYorkshireDaleslandscape,studdedwithfascinatinglimestonefeatures.Speciallycreatedpathsprovideafreshchallengeforwalkers,horseridersandmountainbikers.
Settle for a biking epic 10 miles (16km) – intermediate circular rideContentandinformationprovidedbyNaturalEngland
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1TurnrightatthebackofthemarketplaceontoHighStreet.
2AttheendofHighStreettaketheleftforkandfollowVictoriaStreetsignpostedAirtonandMalham.
3AtthejunctionforkrightfollowingsignpostsforthePennineBridlewaytoLongPreston.Therouteclimbssteeplyupanarrowtarmaclane.
4AsthetarmacendsforkleftalongatracksignpostedThePennineBridlewaySettleLoop.
5AsyourejointheroadturnrightalongthetarmacroadsignpostedPennineBridlewayStockdaleLane.
After100mturnleftalongthenarrowtarmaclanesignpostedPennineBridlewayStockdaleLane.
6AttheendofthetarmacsingletrackroadforkleftthroughthewoodengatesignpostedPennineBridlewayMalham3.5miles.Theroutefollowstheobviousstonetrackwaywithsomegrassystretchesasyoucontinuetoclimb.
7AsyouapproachthegateturnleftkeepingthewallonyourrightsignpostedPennineBridlewayLangscarGate.Theroutefollowsagrassytrackwaythatpassesthroughseveralwallsviagates.
8AtthejunctionfollowtheroutesignpostedPennineBridlewayLangcliffe4.25miles.Theroutefollowsanewlybuiltstonebridlewayandsomegrassiersections.
9AsyourejointheroadgodownhillforashortdistanceandturnleftsignpostedPennineBridlewaySettle2miles.Lookoutforthewaymarkpostthatshowsthebestlinedowntothewalled-inlanewhichreturnsyoutoSettle.
Cycle shops & hire OfftheRails01729824419;3PeaksCycles01729824232
CassGilbertexplainswhytheSettleLooponthePennineBridlewayistheperfectdestinationformountain-bikerswholiketheirsceneryonanepicscale.Situatedtothesouthwest,themarkettownofSettleis,asthenamesuggests,hometotheSettleLoop,thefirstsegmentofthegargantuanPennineBridlewaytobecompletedintheYorkshireDales.Thisoff-roadroutewilleventuallytravel560kmalongEngland’sspine,fromtheHighPeakTrailinDerbyshiretoByrnessinNorthumberland.
Aimedatbikers,horseridersandwalkers,theSettleLoopis16kmandmakesagreatintroductiontotheDales:emptybackroads,cobbleddirtlanes,alung-bustingclimb,oodlesoffastgrassytrailsandanidyllictarn,too.What’smore,it’sanall-weatherride-helped,forinstance,bysome3,500tonnesofstonewhichwasairliftedtoMalhamMoortopatchupasectiononcealmostimpossibletocrossafterheavyrain.
Dalesterrainischallenging,andincludesplentyoftoughcobblylimestonetracksthatonceservedthearea’smines.Infact,everywhereyougobeginswithaclimb,butatleastyoufinishwithadescent.Localridersrecommendrunningtyresonthefirmsidetoavoid
pinchflats,andkeepinganeyeoutforthelimestoneafterrainfall,asitcangettreacherouslyslippery.
Butlimestoneisporous,sotheareadrainswell–thoughwatchoutforpeatbogsafterheavyrain,andbepreparedforbleakconditionsinmidwinter.Thissaid,whilemuchoftheridingisexposed,it’snottoohigh,andifconditionsaredire,there’salwaysaquickescaperoutetovalleyvillagessuchasAustwick,LongPrestonandStainforth.
TheSettleLoopissignpostedandstartsatGR819636.It’s16kmlongandkicksinwithameatytarmacclimb,andthenatraditionaldrovers’trailwithsometechnicalruns.There’sagoodchancetoseelimestonepavementstoo,withfarreachingviewstoMalhamTarn.ThefinaldescentintoSettleisacracker,asinewoffastsingletrackacrossthehillside,andasharpdescentbackintotown.Ridingtimeis1.5-2.5hours,andyoucanextendthelooptotakeinidyllicMalhamTarntoo,addinganother5km.
Starting at Settle
Settle Loop route profile
www.nationaltrail.co.uk/penninebridleway
Settle for a biking epic 10 miles (16km) – intermediate circular rideContentandinformationprovidedbyNaturalEngland
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InBedale,thischarmingcountryhomeisfilledwitheverythingtomakeyoucomfortable&leaverefreshed.PeacefulsituationbetweentwoNationalParks.Walksfromthehouse.Highlandcattle,sheep,wildflowers&woodland.Hugecomfybeds,teatrays&silentfridgeswithwelcometreats.Onefourpostersuite,tworoomshaverelaxingspabaths.Breakfastaward.01677 450257 www.millclose.co.uk
Mill Close Farm
Great views look even better on horseback
Travellingbetweensmallhiddenvillagesoralongriversidetrails,exploringmilesofHeritageCoastlineortrekkingruggedlandscapestracks,it’snosurpriseYorkshireisalwaysafavouritewithhorseriders.
Country pursuits
COUNTRY PURSUITS
Cantering around the countryside near Hawlsey in North Yorkshire © Bilsdale Riding Centre.
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Whether you’re a skilled rider with your own horse, or someone looking for their first experience, Yorkshire has some of the UK’s most spectacular and most memorable places to explore.
Withsuchastrongequestrianpedigree,Yorkshire’shorsetrailsarelegendary.Thefirstlong-distancetraildesignedforriders,thePennine Bridleway National Trailcombineshistoricpackhorserouteswithspeciallycreatedpathsandsomeofourbestcircularroutesarebasedaroundit.The Settle LoopintheYorkshireDalesNationalParkveersofftheBridlewaytocreateanovice-friendly10milelooptakinginstunninglimestonescenery.StillonthePennineBridlewayisthe47milecircularMary Towneley LoopthatdipsintoandoutofsteepsidedSouthPenninevalleys.
TheNorthYorkMoorsisalsoperfecthorseridingcountry.Thediverselandscapesandabundanceofwildlifemakeeveryrideanexperiencetoremember.Ridingcentresintheareacaterforbeginnersthroughtoexperiencedriders,includingBoltby Pony Trekking & Trail Riding CentreandBilsdale Riding Centre.
Insearchofbiggeradventures?Thenthe55milecircularNorth York Moors and Dales Rideistheoneforyou.WithmorethanitsfairshareofspectacularsceneryanddramaticviewsthroughthecentralandwesternareasoftheNationalPark,thisfourdayrideisidealforanyonewiththeirownhorse.
Withawiderangeoftrekkingcentres,it’seasytofindyourfeet,andagoodhorse.Manyrunexcursionswhichmakethebestuseofournationalparks,andunspoiltvillages.TryDraughton Riding Centre,nearSkiptonwhileRide Yorkshireorganisesholidaysforyou,withorwithoutyourownhorse.FromthegentleterrainoftheYorkshireWolds,tothemorechallengingvalleysandhighmoorlandoftheNorthYorkMoors,you’resuretofindwhatyou’relookingfor.
Amazing beach ridingThe exhilarating feeling of riding along the shore is hard to beat. Whether galloping through the surf or gently trotting along the beach, we have some great options for you.
Thestunningcoastalscenery,fieldsandmoorlandaroundFarsyde Riding CentrenearRobin Hood’s Bay alwaysmakeforaninterestingandmemorableride.Experiencedriderscansplashinthewavesandpoolsandevenridethroughthenarrowstreetsofthispicturesquefishingvillage,whilenovicescanenjoythescenicCinder Track,theoldWhitbytoScarborough rail track.
AnothergreatspotisFraisthorpe Beach,justsouthofBridlington.Thesandshereareflatandexpansive,especiallyatlowtides,andareperfectforexploringonhorseback.
Country pursuits
Horse riding in East Yorkshire © Ride Yorkshire / Paul Moon.
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Yorkshire’s wilder side
Naturally Yorkshire
NATURALLY YORKSHIRE
Yorkshire Nature Triangle The Yorkshire Nature Triangle is a great place to start your wild adventure, with an abundance of
reserves to explore. Bounded by the Humber estuary to the south, the east coast’s spectacular cliffs and headlands, and the rolling Yorkshire Wolds to the west, take your pick from these highlights.
Spurn Point,agiganticsandspit3.5mileslong,isoneofthefinestsitesinEuropetoseemigratingbirds,whileyou’llbeabletospotkingfishersatclosequartersatTophillLow.
Flamborough CliffsisthebestplacetoseepuffinsontheUKmainlandatspringtimeandnearbyBempton Cliffsishometoover200,000nestingseabirdsfromApriltoAugust.
North Cave WetlandshasagrowingpopulationofbreedingavocetswhileatBlacktoft Sandswatchthebreathtakingcourtshipdisplayofmarshharriers.
Puffins on the Yorkshire coast.
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Withrollingcountryside,unspoilthabitatandthestunningDinosaurCoast,YorkshireisaperfectsanctuaryformanyofEngland’sgreatestspecies.Nottomentionthekeenestwildlifeenthusiasts.
Yorkshire’s rich abundance of natural wildlife habitats and reserves are home to everything from puffins and red kites, to deer and red squirrels.
Binocularsready,becauseYorkshire’sotherRSPBsitesarearealtreatfortwitchersandwildlifefans.Fairburn IngsinCastlefordhasaricharrayofwildlifeandbirds,andwithponddipping,regularfuneventsandwalks,it’stheperfectplaceforthefamily.Old Moor,nearBarnsley,issetin250acresofwetlandandthekingfisherisjustoneofthestarsoftheshowhere.
There’sevenmoreforbirdwatcherstogetexcitedabout.AtMalhamintheYorkshireDales,andinScarboroughtown,you’llfindperegrinefalconsnestledwithinthelimestonecliffs.Withhigh-poweredtelescopesprovidedbytheRSPBatbothsites,gettingclosetooneoftheUK’srarestbirdsofpreyisrefreshinglyeasy.
Potteric CarrnearDoncasterisYorkshireWildlifeTrust’sflagshipreserve.It’sthelargestinlandwetlandintheUKoutsideofLondonandisahavenforwildlifewaitingforyoutodiscoverallyearround.FellowTrustreserve,Staveley,nearBoroughbridge,isaformerworkingquarryandisnowhometomorethan200birdspecies;tryviewingthemfromthenewstrawbalebuiltbirdhide.
Howaboutabitofredsquirrelspottinginstead?TheWiddale Red Squirrel ReservenearHawes,istheplacetoseethisshynativespeciesinitsnaturalwoodlandenvironment.
Onaredtheme,redkitesinfullflightatHarewood House areasightthatleavesmanyinawe.Releasedontheestatein1999aspartofaconservationinitiative,
theirnumbersaregraduallyincreasingeachyear.Sospottingafewshouldbeprettyeasy.You’llalsobeabletoglimpsedeertrottingamongstthewoods.
The National Trust’s Marsden Moor Estate,alsoinWestYorkshire,boastsawho’swhoofBritishwildlife,includingahostofbirds-curlew,dunlin,merlinandtwite,aswellasrarelyseenmammalsandnativefloraandfauna.
TheabundanceofwildlifeoftheNorth York Moorsmakesitanaturalmagnetfornaturespotters.Therearemanyfantasticlocationstogetupclosetorareandwonderfulspecies,includingcurlew,lapwing,redgrouseandBritain’ssmallestbirdofprey,themerlin.ThegoldenploverarrivesinsummerandCommondale Moorisagreatplacetospotthemduringthebreedingseason.YoucanalsogobadgerwatchinginCropton Forest.Anaccessiblehidegivesviewersauniqueglimpseofthesenocturnalmammals.
Naturally Yorkshire
Red squirrel.
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Yorkshire’s great outdoors – from aboveYorkshire’s great outdoors looks even greater from above. Not to mention exhilarating too. So if you’ve got a head for heights this is the perfect place to soar, loop, glide or simply float.
Airsports
AIRSPORTS
Paragliding over Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire.
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With stunning scenery and the spirit of adventure around every turn, it’s no surprise that some of the UK’s best hang gliding, skydiving and paragliding launching areas are here. And with so many organised events and plenty of taster days throughout the year, getting quality airtime is easy.
Glidersandmicrolightsareafamiliarsightinourskies.AtYorkshire Gliding ClubyoucanenjoytheamazingexperienceofflyingoverthestunningNorthYorkMoorsNationalPark.Tryoutsessionsandfullweekcoursesareavailable.
Thevalleys,peaksandcragsofMarsden MoorinwildandwindsweptWestYorkshireisanaturalairsportsmagnet.EnjoykiteflyingandmodelflyingatitsmostextremefromBuckstonescarpark.Thisdramaticlocation,withitsmagnificentviewsanddrop-off,alsomakesitanidealparaglidingandhangglidingjumpoffpointwhereyou’llsoonbecruisingtheheightsabovebeautifulmoorland.
Fortheultimaterush,tryatandemskydivewithSkydive Hibaldstow.Experiencethesheerbuzzfromfreefallingat15,000ft(theUK’shighestskydive)foronewholeadrenaline-fuelledminute,reachingterminalvelocityat120mph,beforetheparachuteisreleasedandyouslowlyglidetotheground.It’seasy,allittakesis20minutesinstructionandyou’rereadytojump.
Foramorerelaxingoption,whynotseeYorkshirefromtheskywithahelicopter‘themedflight’fromPennine Helicopters?TakeyourpickfromThe Yorkshire Three Peaks trip,The Wharfedale Wander,Compo’s Country TrailortheDambuster’s Run.With14sitestoflyfrom,combinedwithacountrypub,asuperdayoutisguaranteed.Flightstakeplaceatweekends,weatherpermitting,throughouttheyear.
Go fly a kite (power kite that is)
PowerkitefanswillloveYorkshire.Thereareplentyofwide,windybeachestopractiseyourskills.Greatinwinterasthebeachesarequietersoyouhavemoreroom,allyouneedisapowerkite-butstartwithasmallone!
Ifyoufancyachangefromscuddingdownthebeach,whynottryamountainboardorapurposebuiltbuggy?Untilyou’vetriedhurtlingonthreewheelsoverYorkshiresandswithyourbottomthreeinchesofftheground,youdon’tknowwhatspeedis!Blue Frog Adventure,basedinWhitby,canteachyoualltheskillsforthisexhilaratingexperience.
Airsports
Take to the skies © Skydive Hibaldstow.
Views of Kilburn White Horse from a glider, North Yorkshire © Yorkshire Gliding Club.
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Yorkshire’s Great Outdoors - access all areas
Ifyouhavelimitedmobilityoryoungchildrenwithyou,noproblem.Therearesomeamazingeasyaccesslocationsandattractionsinthecounty.SonooneneedmissoutonYorkshire’sgreatoutdoors’experiences.
Easy Access
EASY ACCESS
Enjoy the paths around the Priory ruins, Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire.
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Easy Access
From abseiling cliff faces to sailing our lakes, many attractions in Yorkshire cater for all levels of mobility. Even getting out and about into our beautiful and rugged wilderness is surprisingly easy going too.
TheNorthYorkMoorshasanumberofeasyaccessroutesjustwaitingtobediscovered.ThepanoramicviewsfromSutton BankandofRosedale,Staindale LakeinDalbyForest,Forge Valley Woods,andEsk Valleyto Beck Holearejustsomeofthehighlights.
ThepathrunningupfromthevillageofMalhamintheheartoftheYorkshire Dales toMalham Coveisawell-surfacedtrack.You’llfindperegrinefalconsnestledwithinthisdramaticlimestonecliff,andwithfreetelescopesavailablefromApriluntilJuly,gettingclosetooneoftheUK’srarestbirdsofpreyisrefreshinglyeasy.Bolton AbbeyontheedgeoftheDalesonthebanksoftheriverWharfeisalsowellworthavisit.Withover80milesofeasyaccessfootpaths,andgreataccessiblefacilities,it’sverywheelchairandpushchairfriendly.
SoisOgden Water,northofHalifax.Thisshorteasyaccessroutearoundtheedgeofthereservoirispackedwithinterestingfeaturesalongtheway,whilethelongerwalkaroundDamflask Reservoir,nearthecharmingvillageofLow Bradfield,liesclosetoSheffield
ThoselookingformoreadventurewilllovewhatYorkshirehastooffer.
ScalenewheightsatoneofYorkshire’sfabulousclimbingwalls,including
Harrogate Climbing CentreandThe Leeds Wall.Thenewestadditiontoourcollection,ROKT Climbing GymhasbeentransformedfromadisusedBrighouseflourmillandissettobetheUK’shighestandbiggest.There’ssomethingtosuitallabilitieshere,justgivethemacall.
Howabouthittingtheslopes?EnjoythespeedandfreedomofeasilyaccessibleskiingattheSnozone in XscapeatCastleford.
There’sstillsomuchmoretodo.FlyabirdofpreyatPark Rose Bird of Prey CentreatBridlingtonorTalon Falconry,nearRipon,anamazingdayoutforthewholefamily.Feedminiaturepigs,mischievousgoatsandwoollyalpacas,allatFiley Bird Garden & Animal Park.
Copleys Corn Maze,nearPontefract,isoneofthelargestcornmaizemazesaroundandisdesignedwithwheelsinmind.Ponderosa Rare Breeds Farm,nearDewsbury,ismorethanjustavisittoseetheanimals,withreptilerooms,zipwireslidesandlotsmore.Delvedeepdownintotheearth’scoreattheNational Coal Mining Museum,orjourneyintoadarkcanaltunnelbuiltbynavvies’handsatStandedge Tunnel...allfullyaccessible.
TherealbeautyofYorkshireisthatwhateveryouwanttodo,there’snothingstoppingyouenjoyingthebestourcountyhastooffer.
Cotter Force – WensleydaleKnownas‘thevalleyofthewaterfalls’,Wensleydaleisadelightallyeararound.NowheremoresothanCotterForce,asecludedwaterfallinawoodedsetting.Thetrailtoitisa490mlevelfootpathalongsidethebeckandissuitableforwheelchairs.Whilstwalkingtheroutelookoutfordippers,greywagtails,redstarts,longtailedtitsandkingfishers.
ROKT Climbing Gym in Brighouse © ROKT.
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How to get hereFor more travel information go to www.yorkshire.com/travel
YORKSHIRE BY RAILYoucangettoYorkshirebyhigh-speedtrainfromLondonorEdinburghinlessthantwohourswithGrandCentralandEastCoastservices.TheMidlandsisevennearertoYorkshire’scities,whileTransPennineservicesofferdirectlinksfromtheNorthWestandtheNorthEast.
YORKSHIRE BY SEAFerryservicestoHullandNewcastlelinkYorkshirewithHolland,BelgiumandGermany.P&OFerriesoperateovernightservicestoHullfromRotterdamandZeebrugge.
YORKSHIRE BY ROADBritain’sbiggestandfastesthighwayscrossYorkshirefromnorthtosouthandeasttowest,makinggettingherebycarorbycoachverysimpleindeed.Fordetailsofthequickest(orthemostscenic)drivingroutesseetheAAorRACwebsiteswww.theaa.comandwww.rac.co.uk
YORKSHIRE BY AIRLeeds-BradfordInternationalAirportisourbusiestairgateway,withflightsfromAberdeen,Belfast,Bristol,Exeter,Edinburgh,Glasgow,theIsleofMan,LondonGatwick,Newquay,PlymouthandSouthampton.YoucanalsoflytoRobinHoodAirportDoncasterSheffield,HumbersideAirportandDurhamTeesValleyAirport.
Getting Here
For more information please contact:Welcome to Yorkshire DrySandFoundry,FoundrySquare,Holbeck,LeedsLS115DL0113 322 [email protected]
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