A new handbook full of inspiration, information and practical hints and tips is now available to encourage groups and individuals who wouldn’t normally visit the Yorkshire Dales countryside to do so under their own steam.

The handbook has been produced by local charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT), and brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience gained through running the pioneering education and outreach project ‘People and the DALES’.

This comprehensive handbook provides practical advice about how to plan a visit and stay safe in the countryside, along with travel information and navigation tips. The handbook also includes tried and tested suggestions for inspiring days out, along with a set of eight recommended walks guides, complete with detailed directions, points of interest and Ordnance Survey maps.

Disadvantaged groups across the region are already using the handbook to help them get out and about in the countryside under their own steam, to enjoy the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.

Jenny Powell is a community development worker for African & Caribbean communities at Sharing Voices, a mental health organisation in Bradford that has been involved in the People and the DALES project over several years. On receiving a copy of the handbook Jenny commented: “I just wanted to say thank you for the booklet…it looks fabulous. It shows just how much hard work you have done and just how diverse the groups accessing the Dales have been. The handbook is a good size, easy to handle, full of great information, easy to read and colourful which makes you want to pick it up and look at it.”

Gail Smith, community worker at YDMT, added: “The handbook is the culmination and a celebration of all the work we have done over the last 4 years helping people from disadvantaged groups get out and enjoy the beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Dales. We hope that the handbook, along with our website, will mean many more people can enjoy a breath of fresh Dales air for themselves, giving them new experiences, opportunities to improve their health and well-being and a chance to enjoy that ‘something special’ that the Dales has to offer.”

A limited number of copies of the handbook are still available (donations welcome ). For all enquiries please contact YDMT on 015242 51002 or email info@peopleandthedales.org

We are also able to offer visits to groups this year thanks to continued support directly from YDMT. Events are booking up fast so please get in touch if you would like to organise a visit for your group. Contact us at info@peopleandthedales.org or phone Judy or Gail here at YDMT on 015242 51002.