Wildflower meadows in bloom

The flowering meadows of Richmondshire are famous for their spectacular displays of flowers in late May and early June, just before the main tourist season starts. So why not take a walk through some of the fabulous Richmondshire countryside?

Muker, in Swaledale, offers a superb walk through some of the best meadows in the Dales, beside the River Swale, with waterfalls, lead mining remains, historic farmhouses and field barns along the way. The walk is 5.2 miles (ca. 8 km); allow 3 hours. (Click link for walk details.)

In Wensleydale, a short, easy walk takes you through the superb Askrigg Bottoms, along the River Ure. The walk is just 1.7 miles (ca. 2.7 km), but you should allow 2 hours. (Click link for walk details.)

Elsewhere in the Yorkshire Dales, Yockenthwaite Meadows in Langstrothdale offers classic limestone scenery; Dentdale Meadows has quiet pastures, woodland, and waterfalls; and Grassington Meadows provides great views of Wharfedale - and lots of flowers. Follow the ydmt.org link below for more info.

When the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust started restoring hay meadows in 2006, less than four square miles of species-rich hay meadow habitat remained in the whole of the UK. Think about that  number: less than four square miles... Since then the Trust has worked hard with farmers, walkers and local communities to conserve and restore hay meadows and protect the wildlife they support. You can learn more about the Trust's wonderful work, and see details of all the above walks, at ydmt.org.

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