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With three National Parks, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Pennines and a stunning coastline, we have all the natural ingredients to thrill every kind of outdoor enthusiast; the only thing missing is you.

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Page 1: Yorkshire Great Outdoors

FREE MAPS & ROUTES INSIDE

// On Foott // Rocksportst // On Watert // On Wheelst // Country Pursuitst // Naturally Yorkshiret // Airsportst // Easy Accesst

Yorkshire’sGreat Outdoors

Page 2: Yorkshire Great Outdoors
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03YORKSHIRE.COM/OUTDOORS

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.

Page 4: Yorkshire Great Outdoors

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.

YORKSHIRE.COM/OUTDOORS04

Onfootisoneofthebestwaystoexploreourvariedlandscapes,stunningscenery,historicalsitesandlegendarylandmarks.Whetheryou’reoutforastroll,ahikeorpickingupthepacealittlewithafellrunoradventurerace,Yorkshireismadeforexploringonfoot.

Page 5: Yorkshire Great Outdoors

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

05YORKSHIRE.COM/OUTDOORS

Page 6: Yorkshire Great Outdoors

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.

YORKSHIRE.COM/OUTDOORS06

Page 7: Yorkshire Great Outdoors

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.

07YORKSHIRE.COM/OUTDOORS

Page 8: Yorkshire Great Outdoors

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!

Page 9: Yorkshire Great Outdoors

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

1615

14

1210

9

8

7 65

4

3

2

1

17

1311

0 1km (0.6mile )

09YORKSHIRE.COM/OUTDOORS

Page 10: Yorkshire Great Outdoors

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

YORKSHIRE.COM/OUTDOORS10

Page 11: Yorkshire Great Outdoors
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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,”

YORKSHIRE.COM/OUTDOORS12

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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.

13YORKSHIRE.COM/OUTDOORS

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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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Page 15: Yorkshire Great Outdoors

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

15YORKSHIRE.COM/OUTDOORS

Page 16: Yorkshire Great Outdoors

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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Page 17: Yorkshire Great Outdoors

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.

17YORKSHIRE.COM/OUTDOORS

Page 18: Yorkshire Great Outdoors

YORKSHIRE.COM/OUTDOORS18

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.

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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

1

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

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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.

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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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A18

PEAKDISTRICT

YORKSHIREDALES NORTH YORK

MOORS

SHEFFIELD

ROTHERHAM

DONCASTER

HORNSEA

WITHERNSEA

FILEY

BARNSLEY

HUDDERSFIELD

HOLMFIRTH

WAKEFIELD

BRADFORDHAWORTH LEEDS

HARROGATE

MALHAM

WETHERBY

GUISBOROUGH

BRIGG

YORK

SELBY

HULL

CLEETHORPES

HEBDEN BRIDGE

HALIFAXTODMORDEN

SCARBOROUGH

BRIDLINGTON

WHITBY

THIRSKHAWES

BEVERLEY

RICHMOND

SETTLE

HORTON-IN-RIBBLESDALE

GRASSINGTON

OTLEY

PATELEY BRIDGE

REETH

RIPONMALTON

INGLETON

PICKERING

HUMBER BRIDGE

HELMSLEYSUTTON BANK

LEYBURN

SKIPTON ILKLEY

KNARESBOROUGH

SEAMER

DANBY

KEIGHLEY

MIRFIELD

ROBIN HOOD’S BAY

PONTEFRACT

SCUNTHORPE

NORTHALLERTON

GRIMSBY

MASHAM

SALTAIRE

A59

A65 A658

A1A169

A64

A165

A166

A614

A63A63

A19A64

A1

A57

A19

A684

A170

A180

A1079

A15

A164

A629

Motorways

A Roads

Rail Routes

Airports

KEYHeritage Coasts

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

National Parks

Ferryport

N

GOOLE

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]

Please recycle after use.

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