off the bike

If you fancy a day off the bike then there are plenty of other alternatives.

walking

The Dales has always been popular for its superb walking taking in the famous Three Peaks, remote moorland or riverside paths.  A striking feature are the spectacular waterfalls that are found in many places including Hardraw force, Ingleton waterfalls, Asygarth Falls and many others that are less well known but equally impressive.  Some of the limestone scenery is world class from the awesome Malham Cove through to some fantastic caves and caverns.

From May 2005 the Countryside and Rights of Way Act will give you the unprecedented opportunity to walk freely across areas of open country without having to stay on footpaths.  In the Dales this will have a major impact increasing access land from 4% to over 60%.

other activities

The Dales is the number one pot holing and caving venue in Britain, and a trip underground is normally remembered for life.  It’s not all grovelling around on your belly - there are some amazing places such as Gaping Gill where you will have more than enough room to breath. 

If you have the experience there are some tremendous adventurous through trips such as Swinstos and Simpsons pots where you go underground high on the fells and reappear hours later through a barrel in the valley.

If you know what you are doing you can hire kit at:
Inglesports
The Square
Ingleton
Via Carnforth LA6 3EB
Tel: 015242 41146
www.inglesport.com

Cave and Crag
Market Place
Settle BD24 9ED
01729 823877
www.cave-crag.co.uk

You could also hire a fully qualified guide for the day. Try:
Ingleborough Hall OEC
Clapham LA2 8EF
015242 51265
www.ingleboro.co.uk

Yorkshire Dales Guides
Barrell Sykes
Langcliffe
Settle BD24 9LP
01729 824455
www.yorkshiredalesguides.co.uk

Or if you feel the need to keep your feet dry, then you could visit one of the show caves such as Ingleborough Cave, White Scar Caverns or Stump Cross Caverns.

If you are into your climbing then the Dales has plenty to offer from gritstone bouldering and climbing at venues such as Brimham, Almscliffe, Crookrise and Earl Crag, through to some of the hardest sports routes in the country on the fine limestone crags of Malham Cove, Kilnsey and Gordale. 

days out

The Dales has a great reputation for its beers and has loads of local brews to try: Theakstons, Black Sheep, Copper Dragon, Dent and Timothy Taylors.  Some offer the chance for a brewery tour, or you can just visit one of the many local pubs.

You could take a trip on the famous Settle-Carlisle railway and watch the world go by, go to Lightwater Valley for a ride on the longest rollercoaster in the country, or take the kids to the fantastic Forbidden Corner.