Access to the Countryside

You might think of Leeds as a big urban area- and you would be right- but you might be surprised to know that Leeds has more public green spaces per child than any other city in the UK (Children's Society 2008). This ensures an enhanced quality of life in Leeds. However, for those who are more adventurous, Leeds has the Yorkshire Dales National Park on its doorstep. Covering an area of 680 square miles, this is a favourite destination for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders as well as those interested in exploring its idyllic villages and industrial past. The Yorkshire Dales straddles the counties of North Yorkshire and Cumbria but is only 20 miles away from Leeds. As such, Leeds is an ideal location as it balances all the advantages of living in a big city with easy access to the countryside.

The National Park is not only a series of nice views but contain many features of importance. It contains a number of species (such as Yellow Wagtail Skylark and Atlantic White-Clawed Crayfish) and habitats (such as its limestone habitats) that are important for the UK's biodiversity and are being conserved. Equally the park is a rich tapestry of history, showing traces of its industrial past. For example, the park is scattered with the remains of former mineral extraction and processing sites. Moreover, it contains areas of natural beauty with features unparalleled in the United Kingdom. The south of the park, for instance, displays one of the best examples in Britain of classic limestone (Karst) scenery, with its crags, pavements, and extensive cave systems. More information on the National Park can be found at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk

Being only 20 miles away from Leeds, the Yorkshire Dales is within easy reach by car, bus and train. The train from Leeds to Skipton- The Gateway to the Dales- leaves every half an hour and takes only 40 minutes. From here you can get public transport to most other parts of the Dales. Alternatively, you can get a bus from Leeds City Bus Station straight to your destination. There is a regular service from the bus station in the summer months. To plan your journey there visit: www.metrojourneyplanner.info