...Go walking and camping

Want to try a bit more walking?

Walking is one of those activities which you don’t need a great deal of equipment or knowledge to take part in. However, if you don’t know how to map read you will need to build up some skills with an instructor, or go on guided walks to start with.

Where to go

There are endless short walks in the Yorkshire Dales, and countless guidebooks to help you explore the area. As a start you can find some suggested walks in the area by looking in the Getting Active section of the National Park Authority's website. There is also a good selection of walk suggestions in the Bradford area on the Bradford Metropolitan District Council's website.

Guided walks

If you want to go walking but are concerned you are not very fit and don’t want to be dragged up a mountain, then you could go along with a Walking the Way to Health group. There are lots of these groups throughout the area who aim to introduce people to walking.  You can find details of them all on the Walking the way to Health website.

The most local groups are:

• Skipton group meet most Mondays. Contact Craven Voluntary Action on 07984 781350, or email Skipton Walkers.
• Bradford Health Walks have up to 20 walks each week, and you can contact Kerrie Wallbridge on 01274 202799.
• North Craven Strollers are based in Settle and run walks each month. Contact Veronica Caperon on 01729 824537.

There are also walks organised by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and Niddledale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as by other organisations such as the Friends of the Settle Carlisle Railway and Dales Bus Ramblers. More details can be found on the Guided walks page of the National Park Authority's website.

Learn to navigate

The key skill to be able to explore the countryside is the ability to navigate using a map, and the best way to get these skills is either through a friend, a club or being taught on as part of a course. The companies below regularly organise navigation training weekends – just contact them for details.

Above & Below
2 Greenstead, Newby, Via Clapham, Via Lancaster, North Yorkshire, England LA2 8HR
Tel: (015242) 51011

Yorkshire Dales Guides
Hornby Laithe, Stainforth, Settle, North Yorkshire, England BD24 9PB
Tel: (01729) 824455

Mark Reid, author of a number of guide books, also runs navigation weekends in the Yorkshire Dales. Find details on the Team Walking website.

Walking festivals

One of the best ways to get out and about in the Yorkshire Dales is to take part in one of the many festivals and events taking place throughout the year. They provide the opportunity to discover the great walks that the area has to offer.

Black Sheep Boots and Beer Walking Festival is held in early September.
What could be better than a weekend of great walks, beautiful countryside, fantastic beer and excellent entertainment?
Over the weekend, you can enjoy a choice of 14 walks ranging from easy to challenging, specially written by Mark Reid, author of 'The Inn Way' guidebooks. Walks start from Hawes, Askrigg or Aysgarth and there will be a free daytime shuttle bus linking the three registration desks. If you take part in the festival, you will also receive a goody bag and an exclusive Boots & Beer T-shirt as well as a Walker's Tally Card which will include a Pub Trail Collector Card.  

Richmond Walking & Book Festival is held in late September.
You can take part in over 30 guided walks through Swaledale & Wensleydale, some on land that has rarely been walked on. Complete The Swaledale Chain - a series of five circular walks from Keld to Richmond and discover the historic delights of Richmond with its Norman Castle, Georgian Theatre, fast flowing river and spectacular setting and once you've worked up an appetite; you can sample local produce such as Richmond Ale, and Swaledale Cheese.