A 90 mile walk across the glorious high country of the Yorkshire Dales
A Dales High Way Walk: a 90 mile walk across the glorious high country of the Yorkshire Dales

A Dales High Way

News en route

Recognition for man who created National Parks

John Dower plaque unveiled (photo: YHA)

This year's 75th anniversary of the birth of National Parks was further celebrated by the dedication of a blue plaque to John Dower - the man who came up with the idea.

Dower was the civil servant who wrote the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act in 1945 whilst living in Malham, and the plaque was unveiled on the Youth hostel where the idea was conceived.

Dower's youngest son, Robin, unveiled the plaque dedicated to his father alongside the minister for access at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Baroness Hayman.

David Butterworth, chief executive officer of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said Mr Dower "knew there was a popular desire for National Parks in a post-war nation.

"The story of the Dower family deserves this recognition, in this 75th anniversary year of the National Parks Act, and 70th anniversary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.”

Photo shows from left - Robin Dower, Baroness Hayman, Margaret Hart (Chair, YHA), James Blake and David Butterworth.

See the Youth Hostel Association here

19 Nov 2024

Dark Skies Fringe Festival

Northern Lights over Upper Wensldale (photo: Yorkshire Dales National Park)

The Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival, run jointly with the North York Moors National Park, is celebrating its 10th anniversary, with a special Fringe Festival running this month.

The annual festival, which runs from February to March each year, also marks the 5th anniversary of the Yorkshire Dales being designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve – a prestigious title awarded by Dark Sky (formerly International Dark-Sky Association). It's one of only 22 locations worldwide recognised for its pristine, dark skies.

The Festival has become a highlight on the calendar, offering visitors the chance to explore and marvel at the beauty of the night sky

As part of the Fringe Festival, The National Park Authority is hosting a training event on  Dark Sky Reserve Lighting in the Yorkshire Dales.

This free event on 11 November is aimed at local businesses, tradespeople, landowners, and holiday accommodation providers within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The presentation will focus on best practices for minimizing light pollution and the importance of proper lighting practices to preserve our dark skies, wildlife, ecosystems, and human health.

See the Dark Skies Festival website here

21 October 2024

Friend's Autumn Newsletter

DHW Newsletter 11.

This year's newsletter from the Friends of A Dales High Way is now available to download.

The newsletter provides a brief review of the year's events and developments along the route.

There is a roundup of improvements to the trail - this year focussed mainly on the first stage between Saltaire and Skipton, with thanks to rangers at Bradford Council's Countryside Service and volunteers from the Friend's of Ilkley Moor.

Community action from the residents of Dent village looks likely to save the iconic Sun Inn from closure, but this year's Ultra Marathon along the route looks like it may be the last for a while.

Iconic Appleby Castle is up for sale for anyone with £9 million to spare.

Best selling author David Nicholls, whose latest novel is set on the Coast to Coast Walk, talks about his love for lone long-distance walking and why A Dales High Way is one of his favourites.

There's also a chance to bake yourself a yummy crunchy chocolate and nutty treat, the Saltairey Appleby Cake, to give you an energy boost and keep you going on those long days along the trail.

Finally, we asked a guest editor in the shape of an AI Assistant, what they thought of A Dales High Way. The answer may surprise you.

Download the newsletter here.

17 Sept 2024

Step Repairs on Ilkley Moor

Jacob's Ladder repairs on Ilkley Moor courtesy of the Friends of Ilkley Moor

The knee crunching descent from Ilkley Moor has just got a lot easier for walkers on A Dales High Way, thanks to volunteers from the Friends of Ilkley Moor (FoIM).

The rough, steep stone steps, known locally as "Jacob's Ladder" which lead from the rim of Ilkley Moor down to White Wells have finally received the makeover they've been waiting for, probably since Victorian times.

Owen Wells, chair of the Friends, said " This is probably the most difficult task our volunteers have tackled. The steps will remain a tribute to their resourcefulness and determination for years to come."

Richard Perham of Bradford Council's Countryside Service provided the materials - mainly wood for the timber rises and 3 tons of hardcore - and a team of volunteers from the FoIM did the hard work. Between 10 and 15 volunteers worked on the upgrade for 8 consecutive Tuesdays, starting in mid-June – reckoned to be around 250 hours of labour in total. 

Richard Perham, said "It’s been great working with the volunteers on this project.  It was planned and designed by them and has been a catalyst to get the steps repaired. It looked like a daunting task, but the skill and hard work of the group has created a much safer and easier-to-use flight of steps on this right of way across the moor."

See the Friends of Ilkley Moor here.

18 Aug 2024

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A Dales High Way

An exhilarating Dales High Way waymark90 miles across the glorious high country of the Yorkshire Dales

Walk this spectacular landscape from Saltaire to Appleby-in-Westmorland

Explore its rich history, geology and culture

Return with a breathtaking train ride along England's most beautiful railway

More than just a walk

Dales High Way Guide Books

 

"Promoted through a superbly illustrated Companion booklet, rich in local geology, history and wildlife, with detailed OS-based maps in an excellent Route Guide, the Dales High Way is a sure-fire winner for all keen Dales walkers."
- Colin Speakman
Yorkshire Dales Review

David & Bridget walk a Dales High Way
Dales High Way - the film!
Nicola with Certficate & Guestbook at Appleby TIC

Dales High Way Certificate & Guestbook

Don't forget to call in at the Appleby Tourist Information Centre when you finish your walk to sign the Guestbook and collect your Certificate.

Appleby TIC in the Moot Hall

Dales High Way Lapel Badge thumbprint Dales High Way Lapel Badges

Celebrate your Dales High Way walk with this beautiful high quality enamel lapel badge.

 

 

 

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A Dales High Way Walk