Читать книгу The Dales Way. From Ilkley to the Lake District through the Yorkshire Dales онлайн

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The beauty of upper Wharfedale, from near Buckden (Stage 3)

There is no question that over the years of the Dales Way’s existence it has significantly helped the local economies along its length, and many isolated farmhouses will now gladly furnish walkers with a range of facilities. But you should remember to respect property and privacy, especially at times of the year critical to the welfare of the farming economy. Take great care during lambing time between March and May (sometimes a little earlier), when dogs must be under firm control. From May into summer many of the seemingly lush meadows, alongside the rivers provide a vital hay crop for the hill farmer. Where the Way goes through such fields, make a point of travelling in single file to avoid damage. It may be grass to us, but it is part of a livelihood to a farmer. Towards the end of the year, from mid August, is the grouse-shooting season, and while this doesn’t often affect the Way, there are stretches where shooting does take place, on the flanks of Blea Moor, for example.