Walking in the Yorkshire Dales: North and East. Dennis Kelsall

for example during the grouse-shooting season or while heather and gorse burning takes place. There may also be restrictions for conservation purposes. Such closures are notified in advance and should be respected, but do not affect any public rights of way that may run across the land.

PRACTICALITIES

      Although none of the routes described in this book is technically demanding, many venture onto upland moors where paths may be vague or non-existent, and conditions can be very different from those in the valleys. The weather can rapidly deteriorate at any time of year, and inexperienced walkers should be aware that it is easy to become disorientated in mist. However, taking a few simple and common-sense precautions will help ensure you get the best out of the day.

Navigation and maps

      Take heed of any warning signs (Walk 9)

      The mapping extracts (1:50,000) accompanying each walk in this guidebook are provided to indicate the general outline of the route and are not intended as a substitute for the map itself. The context of the wider area will not only add to the enjoyment of identifying neighbouring hills and other features, but is vital should you wander off course or need to find a quick way back.

      On the open moors and hills, paths may be indistinct or non-existent and, particularly in poor visibility, the terrain may pose navigational problems for inexperienced walkers. You should therefore be competent in the use of map and compass and, while a GPS receiver can be a useful additional aid, you should know how to use it and be aware of its shortcomings. Remember, too, to carry spare batteries. Be aware of your limitations, and do not start out if anticipated conditions are likely to be beyond your experience, and should the weather deteriorate unexpectedly, always be prepared turn back.

      The area is covered by Ordnance Survey maps at both 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 scales, the larger scale showing a greater detail that is often invaluable. The key maps for the walks in this guide are: Explorer OL2 – Yorkshire Dales (Southern & Western areas); Explorer OL30 – Yorkshire Dales (Northern & Central areas); Explorer OL19 – Howgill Fells & Upper Eden Valley; and Explorer 298 – Nidderdale.

Careful planning

      Plan your walk in advance, bearing in mind your party’s capabilities and the anticipated weather conditions for the day. The times given in this guidebook for each walk are based on Naismith’s Rule, and are provided merely as a guide. They make no allowance for stops along the way, and in practice your time may be significantly greater, since it will depend on your level of fitness, ability to cope with the particular terrain, and other factors such as weather.

      The amount of height gain, poor conditions underfoot and lousy weather can add considerably to both the time and effort needed to complete a walk, and it is a good idea to make your own estimate, adapting Naismith’s Rule to match your own performance. Naismith’s Rule basically takes into account distance and height gain, allowing one hour for every 5km (3 miles) and a further half hour for each 300m ascended. By monitoring your own performance over a period to determine appropriate personal times for each element of the calculation, you can achieve a reasonably reliable formula that suits your own level of capability. Having said that, particularly if you are out alone, it is also a good idea to leave a note of your intended route and return time with someone (not sitting on the dashboard of your car as an open invitation to a thief).

Clothing and footwear

      Wear appropriate clothing and footwear and carry a comfortable rucksack. The variability of British weather can pack all four seasons into a single day – sun, rain, wind and snow – with the temperature bobbing up and down like a yo-yo. All this makes deciding what to wear for a day on the hills potentially more difficult than choosing an outfit for a wedding. The comprehensive advice is to be prepared for everything, and with today’s technical fabrics, this is not as daft as it may seem.

      Lightweight jackets and trousers can be both effectively wind- and waterproof without being too cumbersome should the weather improve. Efficient underlayers wick away the damp to keep you warm and dry, and throwing in a fleece takes up little extra room. Good-quality socks will help keep feet comfortable and warm, and don’t forget gloves and a hat. In summer, a sun hat and sunscreen lotion offer necessary protection against UV, but shorts aren’t always a good idea, particularly where there are nettles and brambles.

      Whether you choose leather or fabric boots is a matter of personal preference, but you should ensure that they are waterproof rather than merely water resistant. They should, of course, be comfortable, as well as offering good ankle support and grip underfoot. Finally, note that mobile phone coverage is at best patchy.

Food and drink

      A number of these walks take you past a pub or a café at some stage, but if you intend to rely on them for a snack or meal, do check in advance that they will be open. It is, in any case, always advisable to pack emergency rations, in case your walk takes longer than anticipated. Also carry plenty to drink, particularly when the weather is warmer, as dehydration can be a significant problem. Drinking from streams is not always a good idea, and in limestone country they can be something of a rarity in any case.

Taking your car

      If you travel to the start of the walk by car, remember that the roads, never intended for today’s traffic volumes, are generally narrow, have many bends and several very steep hills. Extra care is also needed because slow-moving farm vehicles, animals, pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists may lie around any corner. And, while you might be enjoying a leisurely drive soaking up the beauty of the countryside, the car behind could contain a local just going about his daily business, so be a courteous driver and pull over as soon as it is convenient to allow faster-moving traffic to safely pass.

      Wherever possible, use official car parks. This helps to reduce congestion, avoid obstruction and protect verges, and gives a measure of protection against car crime. The revenue from national park car parks is used to improve services for visitors to the park. If there is no car park available, please park considerately, and ensure that you do not obstruct field or farm access or cause damage.

Leaving your car behind

      However, leaving the car behind not only helps the environment, but opens a wealth of other opportunities for your visit. Instead of confining yourself to circular walks, which most of us accept as the norm for a day out, you can broaden your horizons in walking from one dale to the next. Combined with an overnight stay or two you can truly become a traveller, and begin to appreciate the relationships between the different valleys. The Dales offers several real alternatives to using the car. There is a frequent rail service along the Settle–Carlisle line serving the upper Ribble Valley, Dent Head and Garsdale. Regular bus services run into most of the popular dales, with additional services at weekends and during the summer. Full details are available from the Travel Dales website (www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/visit-the-dales/essential-information/travel).

      Cycling is another environmentally friendly way of getting about. Take your own bike, perhaps leaving the car at one of the fringe car parks, or hire one when you get there. You will find useful information on the Cycle the Yorkshire Dales website (www.cyclethedales.org.uk).

      Narrow lanes and a tractor leave little room for walkers (Walk 16)

      A Norman stronghold, Castlehaw was built around 1070 to control passage along the valley of the Rawthey (Walk 1)

      If you have the time, spend a couple of relaxing days in the area rather than stressfully travelling back and forth on day visits. There is a wealth of inviting bed and breakfast, hotel and inn accommodation, as well as campsites, and the area