Plumpton Rocks, Nidderdale

Barrie Pepper

Almost any view in the Yorkshire Dales could be deemed a sight so it is necessary both to be choosy and only to select a few.

Of the larger north to south dales, probably the most picturesque is Wharfedale where you can see Bolton Priory, Anne Clifford's Tower and several fine villages as well as Grass Wood and the Strid and the walk from Bolton Priory to Simon's seat is full of great views, not being as eroded as the tops on the Pennine Way or the Three Peaks.

It is a truly magical drive from Wharfedale via Littondale to Malhamdale where the limestone features of Malham Cove and Gordale Scar are outstanding.

Swaledale, one of the northernmost dales runing from west to east, is another particularly scenic dale with its steep sides leading up to lead mining remains and the distinctive barns scattered all over the dale itself. Richmond is a historical borough and enjoys a still functioning Georgian theatre; it is just a short walk to the remains of Eastby Abbey.

In Wensleydale hawes is a splendid town with its Tuesday market and Dales Museum and the road from there to Buckden in Wharfedale is stunning. The creamery where Wensleydale cheese is made is a good visit.

At the far west of the Dales lies Ingleton, a small market town below Ingleborough, one of the Three Peaks, very shapely with an Iron Age hillfort at the top. Ingleton is also well known for its waterfalls walk, where you have to pay as it runs through private land. Even so it's good to know a place where the scenery is at its best in heavy rain!