National Character Area 21 - Yorkshire Dales : Key Characteristics

Large-scale upland landscape of high, exposed moorland, with blanket bog and heath, dissected by dales which are often deep and have their own distinctive character.

Plateaux of high moorland overlying Yoredale Group geology in the north and Millstone Grit in the east, forming typically stepped profiles to the dale sides and dramatic weathered features such as Brimham Rocks.

Wide, glaciated valleys, with rough grazing on upper slopes, permanent pastures on dale sides and fields cut for hay and silage in the more fertile valley bottoms.

Remnant semi-natural broadleaved woodland on valley sides and in gills, contrasting with large, rectangular blocks of conifers in some dales.

Large numbers of characteristic stone field barns, particularly in Swaledale and Wensleydale, and strong patterns of drystone walls, with very large, rectangular enclosures on fell tops, much smaller enclosures in dales, and often older, irregular patterns around settlements.

Evidence of historic land use from prehistoric times through to the present still highly visible as a result of relatively low levels of cultivation and development.

Great Scar Limestone in the south and west giving rise to a classic glacio-karst landscape with cave systems, outcrops, scars, gills, gorges and extensive limestone pavements.

Gritstone, sandstone and limestone buildings including scattered farmsteads, particularly in the north and west, and small nucleated villages on valley floors, often close to river crossing points and transport routes.

A number of major rivers rise on the high moorlands of the NCA and have made a defining contribution to the character of the area by carving out river valleys, gorges and waterfalls and forming a sinuous, dynamic focal point for many valleys and settlements.

A strong sense of tranquillity and remoteness, with low levels of intrusion and light pollution.

Dramatic topography with wide panoramic views, making a defining contribution to sense of place, from high mountain summits to sheltered valleys and gorges.

A well-known landscape with many opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoyment, including well-connected and maintained networks of access routes and open access areas, and widespread availability of information to enhance understanding and appreciation (such as interpretation panels and visitor centres).