This volume covers the southern and western facing catchments of the Yorkshire Dales and is an area of dramatic and contrasting landscape; for it is here that the main outcrop of Great Scar Limestone is revealed. With 44 fantastic day walks including the Three Peaks, this guidebook is essential for anyone who wishes to explore the Yorkshire Dales.

The walks in this handy guidebook book are for everyone, from novices to experienced ramblers. However, newcomers to walking are advised to develop their abilities and confidence on the shorter walks before progressing onto the more demanding routes like the Three Peaks. Although none of the routes described in this book is technically demanding, many venture onto upland moors where paths may be vague or non-existent and conditions can be very different from those experienced in the valleys. Conditions can rapidly deteriorate at any time of year, and inexperienced walkers should be aware that it is easy to become disoriented in mist.

With the exception of the famous Three Peaks walk, the walks described in detail here range in distance from 3.5 to 13 miles, with a few suggestions for devising longer walks by combining some routes. While the longer walks require an appropriate degree of physical fitness, none demand more than an ability to walk.

The Three Peaks walk involves over 1,550m of ascent and nearly 23 miles of walking. The terrain varies from moorland and hill paths to tracks with some lane walking. As this is a long distance walk, it is estimated that it should take a good 10hr30 or more to complete with the aim of finishing within 12 hours.

Almost all of the walks are circular, most beginning from recognised car parks, most of which are furnished with public toilets. Public transport in the Dales, particularly during the summer months and at weekends, now offers a real alternative for reaching many of the more popular locations, and increases the opportunity for adapting and devising many satisfying ?one way’ walks around the routes described. Details of the terrain and nature of the walk, together with the local facilities available, are given in the information box at the start of each walk.