Читать книгу Trail and Fell Running in the Yorkshire Dales. 40 runs in the National Park, including the Three Peaks онлайн

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During the middle ages, the great monasteries of Bolton, Rievaulx and Fountains owned vast areas of land in the Dales, which they used for sheep farming, while they also continued to build up profitable mining businesses, extracting metals (mainly lead) from deep underground.

Remains of the old lead mines at Gunnerside Gill (Route 24)

Upland farming is a common feature in the Dales, with relatively small farms keeping flocks of sheep and small herds of cattle. This has created the flower-rich hay meadow habitats of the Dales today. Traditionally, the hay was stored in stone barns that were once common across the Dales; it was kept in lofts above the byres that housed the cattle.

Most recently the Dales has become a popular tourist destination. People are drawn by the beautiful scenery and wide open spaces or are seeking the challenge of the many outdoor pursuits available in the area. TV programmes such as James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small and iconic events such as the Tour De France have all showcased the area.