Hiking A Dales High Way in winter

Victoria Hall originally opened in the 1870s. The grand building is now used for weddings, events and hosts choirs, dancing and sports too. It also houses a 1930s Wurlitzer! Four impressive lion statues guard the square in front of the building. This is considered the start point of A Dales High Way, a long-distance walking trail between Saltaire and Appleby-in-Westmorland.

The Twelve Apostles is a beautiful stone circle in an atmospheric setting on Ilkley Moor. The stone circle dates to the Bronze Age (3000-1200 BC) and would have served a ceremonial purpose. As with many similar stone circles, there is usually a gathering here on the Summer Solstice.

This spa bath, believed to have been built around 1700, was a key part of Ilkley's establishment as a desirable spa town. Today, visitors can still take a dip in the plunge bath, though they'll need to supply their own bathing costumes. Hikers are more likely to make use of the cafe and toilets here. Amongst the many visitors to White Wells, Charles Darwin is perhaps the most notable. He 'took the waters' here in 1859.

Sharp Haw is a 1,171-foot (357 m) hill that sits along the Dales High Way long-distance hiking trail through the Yorkshire Dales. The hill just sneaks into the southernmost part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. There is a well placed bench just below the summit where you can enjoy the views.

Most people walk from Malham village up to the Cove using the road ways. There's actually an alternative route up past the pub, which takes you higher up. I find this is better for photos of the Cove. Once you're up on the top, after a break on the steps, don't miss out on the Malham Tarn further along. It's only an extra 10-15 minute walk and worth a visit, especially during the summer months.

Picturesque Settle is archetypal of the Yorkshire Dales. Use it as a base for adventures in spectacular Ribblesdale or head east for the limestone wonders found in Malhamdale. It is famed for bookending the Carlisle to Settle railway, one of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe.

This is one of many Weather Forecasting Stones that can be found all over the world! This one reads:

Stone is Wet = Raining
Stone is Dry = Not Raining
Shadow on Ground = Sunny
White On Top = Snowing
Can't See Stone = Foggy
Swinging Stone = Windy
Spinning Stone = Whirlwind
Stone Jumping About = Earthquake
Stone Gone = Tornado

Others I've seen in the past include funny versions like -
If the rock can be felt but not seen, it is night time.
If the rock has white splats on it, watch out for birds.
If there are two rocks, stop drinking, you are drunk.

Stainforth Force is a wonderful waterfall on the River Ribble in one of the Dales' most popular beauty spots. While it can get busy during peak times (bank holidays, sunny weekends, etc) at other times of the year you often have it all to yourself. If you happen to be here during autumn, look out for salmon leaping up the falls on their way to their spawning grounds.

This was one of my favourite sections of trail along the Dales High Way. The trail passes to the south of Pot Scar and Smearsett Scar, at 1,191 feet (363 m), and with the morning light glinting off the crags and crisp morning frost underfoot, this was a brilliant section of trail to walk in winter. Yorkshire Dales at its finest!

The Ingleborough summit richly rewards all those who conquer it with a magnificent panoramic view of Whernside, Pen-y-Ghent, Pendle Hill, out into Morecambe Bay and over to the Lakeland hills. It is, quite simply, glorious. At 2,372 feet (723 m) high, Ingleborough is the second-highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales and is usually the final summit climbed on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge route.

The highest of the Howgill Fells, The Calf sits in both the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the county of Cumbria. It’s a green, flat-topped hill, whose best ascent follows Cautley Holme Beck past the 650-foot (198 m) Cautley Spout waterfall to finish with a panorama that includes the Yorkshire Three Peaks and many miles of Lake District skyline.

With origins in the 12th century, St Lawrence's Church in Appleby is a marvellous building. The organ is of particular note. A gift from Carlisle Cathedral in 1683, it is the oldest working English organ in the country.

It was one of many churches and castles restored by Lady Anne Clifford during the 17th century. Her coffin can be found here, along with a memorial.