By Emma Dodd
Staycations are more popular than ever this summer and with your caravan you can head off to any part of the country for a well-earned break. In this edition of Dream Destinations, we ‘re focusing on the Yorkshire Dales, an outdoor lover’s paradise that often gets overlooked in favour of the Lake District.
The Yorkshire Dales is characterised by its rugged beauty, with miles of moors and interesting geological features. Punctuated with pretty villages, monasteries and castles, there’s so much to explore, you’ll be planning your next caravan holiday before you’ve finished your first one.
Where in the Dales you decide to base yourself will impact the type of scenery you experience and the activities you enjoy. The Northern Dales are great for walkers and full of hidden waterfalls and glens to discover, as well as the town of Richmond with its imposing castle.
Pitch your caravan in the Southern Dales to take advantage of historic towns like Otley, with its cobbled streets and market town traditions, and Skipton on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Visit the impressive Malham Cove, a natural 260-foot limestone cliff that forms the centrepiece of a walk with captivating views.
Of course, the Yorkshire Dales is also home to the Three Peaks Challenge, which sees hikers trying to conquer the three highest fells in just 24 hours. The route, which takes in Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, covers 24 miles and is a popular way to test endurance.
If that sounds a little too strenuous to undertake on your caravan holiday, you could tackle one of the peaks on its own. Climbing Ingleborough will allow you to see some fascinating caves, while Pen-y-ghent has good paths and is therefore an excellent option for all the family.
Take on Whernside for the most impressive views, as it’s the highest point in Yorkshire. On clear days you can see as far as the Howgills, the Lake District and Morecambe Bay. This walk starts at the Ribblehead Viaduct, making it dramatic right from the beginning.
Which staycation destinations have you got in mind for a caravan holiday this summer?
