The challenge is how best to sample the national park<\/a>‘s abundance of natural riches without falling into the trap of charging breathlessly from one Instagrammable location to the next.<\/p> Our advice is to plan ahead, but leave plenty of leeway for unexpected detours. Slow down and explore on foot where possible \u2013 especially in Wharfedale<\/a> \u2013 where Dalesbus<\/a> operates regular services up and down the valley to return you to your starting point. <\/p> This maze of interlacing valleys was carved by repeated periods of glacial activity over the last 500,000 years, when retreating ice sheets scoured out deep fissures in the limestone, leaving lonely upland plateaus of peat, punctuated by stark, terraced escarpments such as Ingleborough<\/a> and Pen-y-ghent \u2013 two of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks<\/a>.<\/p> Stepping back still further in time, the limestone, which is such an elemental feature of the Yorkshire Dales, was laid down some 350 million years ago and variations in the durability of this porous sedimentary rock produced the complex landforms we see today \u2013 characterised by precipitous cliffs with vast networks of interconnected caverns below the surface.<\/p> The word \u2018Dale\u2019 derives from the ancient Germanic word \u2018Dal\u2019 meaning valley. Depending on how you define them, the limestone landscapes of North Yorkshire are riven by as many as 40 separate river valleys, but most of the locals agree that there are 10 \u2018official\u2019 Dales.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p> Before the advent of the motor car, travelling over the \u2018tops\u2019 between the valleys was a tough and potentially dangerous undertaking, so over the centuries each individual Dale evolved its own distinct character; from the verdant meadows of Swaledale to the isolated windswept vastness of Garsdale.<\/p> From peaceful farming villages nestled below dramatic limestone escarpments to mysterious caves, romantic abbeys, romantic cottages and sparkling waterfalls, the Yorkshire Dales offer visitors a chance to truly unwind. But where are the best places to stay? A holiday cottage, perhaps?<\/p> We\u2019ve unearthed five fabulous Yorkshire Dales holiday cottages<\/a> off the beaten path to help you escape the madding crowd yet still sample the very best of the national park.<\/p> \u201cThere is no better country in England,\u201d wrote British novelist J.B. Priestley; and he\u2019s right. For sheer variety, few places in England can compete with the contrasting landscapes and ever-changing vistas of the Yorkshire Dales. <\/p> Visiting this much-loved corner of the British countryside is special no matter how you do it. But camping or glamping is surely one of the best ways to feel a true sense of connection to the countryside. Need some ideas? Read our guide to the best campsites in the Yorkshire Dales<\/a>.<\/p> Still looking for the perfect base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales? Perhaps you’re seeking a little luxury? Why not stay in one of the hundreds of hotels in the Yorkshire Dales?<\/p> With so many hotels to choose from, picking the right one for your holiday may seem a little daunting. To help with your search, we’ve compiled five of our favourite Yorkshire Dales hotels<\/a> \u2013 including pub stays, country houses and village inns.<\/p> The bustling market town of Skipton is one of the most accessible of the southerly portals into the national park. There\u2019s ample car parking and the visitor centre at the town hall on the High Street is an excellent place to orient yourself and plan the days ahead. <\/p> The 900-year-old castle is one of the best-preserved examples of a medieval fortress in England and the town centre is packed with cafes and pubs. Toast the symbol of the national park with a pint of Timothy Taylor\u2019s at the outstanding Woolly Sheep<\/a> on \u2013 you guessed it \u2013 Sheep St!<\/p> The famous Malham Cove is the most iconic of the limestone features in the Yorkshire Dales. The village itself and footpaths leading to the Cove will be busy, so to escape the crowds, take the scenic route over the moors to Settle<\/a>, starting point for the world-famous Settle-Carlisle Railway<\/a>. <\/p> Hourly services operate to Carlisle with steam trains operated by West Coast Railways running through the summer months (advance booking essential). A return journey on England\u2019s most scenic railway is an unforgettable experience and a sustainable way to admire the scenery without negotiating the single-track roads of the Dales.<\/p> Visit Austwick and call in at possibly the best delicatessen in Yorkshire \u2013 Courtyard Dairy<\/a> \u2013 where Andy Swinscoe and his team have built tasty showcase of artisan cheeses from the Dales and further afield.<\/p> Austwick itself is a gem of a village from where you can wander up Crummackdale and climb onto the vast expanse of limestone pavements nestling beneath the brooding profile of mighty Ingleborough<\/a>. The summit is a challenging five-hour out-and-back hike for adventurous souls, but most people settle for a loop around the crags and woodland of Feizor, with coffee and cake at the charming Elaine\u2019s Tea Rooms<\/a>.<\/p> At the top of Clapham village lies the entrance to Ingleborough Cave<\/a> \u2013 a portal to the stunning subterranean world that lies beneath the fells. Visitors can venture 0.5 km into the caves along illuminated walkways in complete safety, but for expert cavers, the complex extends for miles underground, culminating in the vast cavern of Gaping Gill, whose main chamber could comfortably accommodate the dome of St Paul\u2019s Cathedral.\u00a0<\/p>Yorkshire Dales \u2013 a brief history<\/h2>
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Places to stay in the Yorkshire Dales<\/h2>
Cottages<\/h3>
Camping<\/h3>
Hotels<\/h3>
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Things to do in the Yorkshire Dales<\/h2>
Skipton<\/h3>
Settle-Carlisle Railway<\/h3>
Austwick and Ingleborough<\/h3>
Clapham and Ingleborough Cave<\/h3>