Heavenly hikes in ‘God’s Own County’ — Yorkshire Dales

When you visit the Dales, it soon becomes clear why they call Yorkshire ‘God’s own County’. With some of England's most evocative landscapes, it’s home to mystical mountains, magnificent waterfalls, melancholy moors, lush pastures, wildflower meadows and a resolutely peaceful atmosphere.

On top of spectacular scenery, the national park boasts picturesque villages, warm and cosy pubs, friendly people, wonderful wildlife and abundant local produce to feast on, including Wensleydale cheese, Yorkshire pudding, pikelets, parkin and pints of real ale.

Whether you want to push the extremes of endurance on marathon hikes, test your skills on rocky ravine scrambles, or simply wander alongside waterfalls, daydream by streams and relax by roaring fires, there’s something for you in this Collection.

The biggest challenge here is the Yorkshire Three Peaks route, which takes on the county's highest mountains in one gruelling 12-hour circuit. However, if you don’t fancy the full challenge, there’s a superb route up Whernside, the highest of the Three Peaks, included here that is truly magnificent.

This Collection also takes you up to the highest pub in Britain, transports you to the stunning setting of a famous watercolour by Romantic painter William Turner at Aysgarth Falls and takes you on one of the most impressive waterfall walks you will experience, which begins from the village Ingleton.

If you’re partial to hands-on scrambling, the Gordale Scar and Malham Cove route is arguably the most iconic hike in the Dales. Crossing some of the finest limestone scenery the national park has to offer, the superb route boasts awe-inspiring rocky ravines, immense cliffs and breathtaking views.

Getting to the Yorkshire Dales by train is easy as two National Rail services cover the area. This gives fantastic access and affords one of the most spectacular train journeys in England. After Settle, the train stops at Horton-in-Ribblesdale (perfect access for the Yorkshire Three Peaks), Ribblehead (to explore the iconic viaduct), Dent, Garsdale and Kirkby Stephen.

Bus and coach links to the Dales are excellent, too. Nearby towns such as Lancaster, Penrith, Skipton, Leeds, Harrogate, York, Ripon, Northallerton and Darlington are well served and services within the national park are fantastic.

Where to stay depends on what exactly you want to do on your visit. There are plenty of great options and, as mentioned, brilliant transport links.

A great choice, though, is Hawes. Centrally located, the magical little market town boasts plenty of places to stay, as well as great pubs, restaurants, shopping, and more. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, it is also home to the famous Wensleydale cheese.