Yorkshire’s Great Outdoors
January 31, 2015 10:54 amIf you enjoy being in the great outdoors, Yorkshire is a wonderful county to explore. For a start there are three National Parks in the region, all offering glorious views of the British countryside, an escape from urban life, wildlife encounters and breath taking adventures. From wild rugged hills, to the well maintained grounds of stately homes including Chatsworth and across to the coast, Yorkshire has a rich diversity of natural wonders.
A Day in the Wild
If you really want to head out into the wilds, a day of hiking on the remote and rugged Ilkley Moor is tough to beat. The surrounding countryside has remained largely unchanged in centuries, so you can really step out of the rat race. If you would prefer wildlife encounters, you can see natural inhabitant of Yorkshire at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Alternatively you may be interested in visiting one of Yorkshire’s falconry centres, the Yorkshire Wildlife Park or Tropical World in Leeds.
Outdoor Adventure
If you enjoy a challenge, there are plenty of outdoor activities on offer in Yorkshire including mountain bike tracks, rock climbing and abseiling, canoeing and if you have a good wetsuit, surfing. Yorkshire is also home to the UK’s largest caving area, with 2,000 caves and 400km of underground passages to explore. There are a number of outdoor adventure centres such as How Stean Gorge, in Yorkshire, which provide equipment, qualified instructors and the best destinations for your ultimate outdoor experience.
On the Water
From resorts such as Scarborough, you can enjoy surfing and other water sports off the coast of Yorkshire. In land you can experience canoeing and kayaking; with a choice of rivers, canals and lakes, there are flat water options for beginners, through to Grade 3 white waters. Lake Semerwater and the Leeds to Liverpool Canal are good options for flatter water, whilst the River Wharfe, River Washburn and River Ure offer varying flows depending on the stretch you paddle.
If you enjoy water, but would rather look at it than be in it, you may enjoy a walk in Ogden Water Country Park and Nature Reserve, or a stroll along the canal to see Bingley Five Rise Locks in operation.
Added Interest
If you enjoy history, art and culture, you may want to combine it with a walk in the great outdoors. You may enjoy a walk in the grounds of Chatsworth House or Harewood House, where you can also experience guided tours of the interiors and learn about the history of the buildings and their contents. Special events are also held throughout the year.
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a stunning landscape that could inspire many artists in its own right, however dotted around the grounds are a number of impressive sculptures that seem completely at home in the Yorkshire countryside. From Barbara Hepworth and Henri Moore, to the latest installations by contemporary artists, you can see a wide range of sculptural styles and materials.
Getting Around
Yorkshire is an expansive county, so you need a suitable vehicle to get around and visit its outdoor delights. When you are travelling as a family or a group with all-weather clothing and some outdoor activity gear, you need a vehicle with plenty of space. When you are heading to remote parts of the county, you want a reliable vehicle which excels on the rugged terrain.
For such an outdoor adventure break, the best option could be Land Rover Hire. Leeds and Bradford airport, or one of the counties train stations are popular points of arrival in the county and a hired Land Rover can be delivered to these destinations for your convenience. 4×4 Vehicle Hire https://4x4vehiclehire.co.uk/4×4-hire/leeds/ will provide you with a high specification vehicle that perfectly combines functionality with comfort, which will further enhance your Yorkshire experience.