The Yorkshire Dales National Park stretches between the picturesque North York Moors in the east Lakelands in the west of England. The Lakelands area has been always been a popular area with tourists. The Dales became a National Park in 1954, and the name ''Dales'' is derived from the Old Norsk ‘Thal' describing valley landscape made boggy by rivers gushing down from the Pennine Hills. The national park consists of an area of 1769 km, and is one of the most visited areas of the UK. Tourists from all over the globe and including the UK flock to it, especially during the summer months when it is warm, and the daylight hours are longer. The longer daylight hours allow back-packers, cyclists and walkers much more time to view the beauty of the Dales in the evening light.
The small village of Grinton is just a mile away from Reeth on the River Swale, where the fertile landscapes of the lower dale turn into more rough and rugged scenery. The word Grinton means ‘the green pasture’ but the terrain surrounding it immensely craggy, full of hills, caves and masses of fissured rock pavements, valleys and waterfalls. Most people will pass through Grinton on their way to visit the scintillating Aysgarth Falls. Although, much of Yorkshire remains unspoilt, man, quarried for limestone, farmland and woodlands cut down to build villages, has ravaged parts of its landscape.
Activity holidays are in considerable demand, especially since many of us live in the city and have little time for any exercise. Taking time out for a country break would certainly boost any activities that you may participate in the gym or local clubs. The Yorkshire Dales National Park has the scope for many outdoors pursuits including walking, caving, potholing, horse riding, bird watching and climbing. Naturalists find this area is quiet delightful, because it is the natural habitat of many birds, flora and wildlife species, not found anywhere else in the UK. The Yorkshire Dales is an area of outstanding natural beauty with many ancient towns, villages and many historic attractions to visit. Although, the Dales are made up of a vast number of small settlements such as small hamlets or church parishes, they can be a fantastic source from where to begin your journey into other parts of the Dales.
One of Grinton’s main attractions is St Andrew’s church, whose ancient stone structure has undergone extensive structural work. Most of it has ornamented stained glass windows have been replaced due to corrosion. Although, the Dales are a haven for archaeologists, there are many sporting activities one can participate in, that are modern and up to date.
The Bridge at Grinton crosses into the River Swale and is a popular spot to try out river expeditions by canoes, boating, kayak, and lots more. There are many local adventure schools, which provide lessons or have guided for those who are highly experienced and, only need to know the area so that they can crack on with what they are doing. The river is also popular for fishing and many anglers’ fish there in the summer months. Surprisingly, there is even the Grinton Lodge Youth Hostel that caters for many young people who perhaps want to sample one-day activity tasters, also self-catering cottages to rent for stays of 3 days or more. This is the ideal ground for exploring the vast expanse between Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.
The Dales Bike Centre is literally about 120 metres north of Grinton, en-route for Reeth. Rent a mountain bike for an uphill challenge.
