Mike Appleton – författare

A breathtaking landscape and attractive small towns and villages draw many visitors to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. A huge variety of people, landscapes and wildlife can be found within its boundaries, from churches that acted as places of rest on long routes, pubs that doubled up as courthouses and Neolithic discoveries in the new extension of the park, to the longest, deepest and oddest caves in the region and rare flora and fauna – there’s plenty to discover.A–Z of the Yorkshire Dales reveals the history behind the area, its streets and buildings, businesses and the people connected with it. Alongside the famous historical connections are unusual characters, tucked-away places and unique events that are less well known. Fully illustrated throughout, this book will appeal to all those with an interest in this spectacular corner of England.

The Yorkshire Dales, in northern England, combines river valleys, hills and historic settlements. Still largely rural, with farming being a way of life for generations, many are drawn to visit its beautiful landscape. Yet, its archaeology reveals more turbulent times and a history that encompasses battles, castles and even Roman marching camps. More recently, village shows are a real focal point of the calendar, including the quirky cuckoo festival in Austwick and the celebration of the 1940s just up the road in Ingleton. Then the hustle and bustle of livestock auctions bring noise and life to all across the Park. Dalesbred and other sheep varieties are revered across the world and notable businesses and industries include wool production, knitting, cheesemaking and black-marble production. Pubs characterise the Dales, some in remote high locations. Quoits is played locally and traditional music flourishes. Celebrating the Yorkshire Dales chronicles the proud heritage of the Dales, their important moments and what draws so many to this beautiful area today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into the Yorkshire Dales’ rich heritage, their special places, people and events, past and present.Celebrating the Yorkshire Dales is a valuable contribution to the history of this area and provides a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

The Three Peaks of Yorkshire - Ingleborough, Pen-y-ghent and Whernside - hold a unique fascination and focal point for all who head to the Dales. They dominate the landscape, shape those who work with and around them, and together offer one of the toughest challenges in England. Using the famous Three Peaks Walk as a road map, Mike Appleton takes a tour around this most popular of areas and finds the real story of the picturesque Dales: away from the trudging boots, the farmers who fight on with little or no help; the tourist villages still picking up the pieces following foot-and-mouth; the locals struggling to find affordable housing. But in a time when the countryside is facing a crisis from cuts and reduced spending, he also finds beauty in the labyrinth of passages hidden beneath the earth, countless species continuing to thrive and the character of the Dales carrying on regardless. He speaks to those who are charged with making sure this boundless natural wonder continues to serve its people and the rest of the country for generations to come.

Famous for being the home of the Peak District National Park (three-quarters of its 550 square miles lies within the county), Derbyshire is filled with natural appeal. From the historic city of Derby to picturesque villages nestled in unspoiled countryside, this book takes the reader on a fascinating journey through bustling market towns, vast landscapes and special places of historic interest. Spectacular upland views, castles, museums and scenes of bucolic beauty attract millions of visitors every year, and all are included here in a lovingly painted picture of Derbyshire today. In 50 Gems of Derbyshire, author Mike Appleton explores the places that make this county special.

The county of Cheshire holds many delights, from the wild moorlands of the Peak District to the gentler appeal of the Dee Estuary. Cheshire also boasts more than its fair share of heritage and history, from the ancient walled city of Chester to its distinctive rural villages of half-timbered buildings, as well as many ancient castles, houses and religious buildings that tell fascinating tales of the county’s rich and varied past. 50 Gems of Cheshire is overflowing with awe-inspiring photographs and fascinating facts to draw you closer to the places you already know and love and to tempt you to discover new gems of your own.

Idyllic and breathtaking, the Yorkshire Dales is one of the most popular and well-known national parks not only in Britain, but throughout the world. Designated a national park in 1954, it attracts millions of visitors each year who are lured there by the spectacular scenery. Then there are historic towns such as Skipton, Settle and Hawes.Its landscapes are famous and rewarding whilst picturesque chocolate box villages are untouched from a bygone era and yield a life full of character. But there is more to the Dales than meets the eye. With 841 square miles of beauty and things to do, it’s full of hidden gems that show a glimpse of its lesser-known heritage.In Secret Yorkshire Dales, author Mike Appleton takes the reader on an enlightening and entertaining journey through the park’s past, delving beneath the surface to uncover its secrets. You’ll discover a network of passages that have shaped the landscape above it, learn why the clack of needles was to be feared and hear folk tales from years past. You’ll also find out about hidden kilns and mines, discover why a village had to drive a spike through the heart of a dead man and tread along long-forgotten routes and pathways. Then there are the secret inns, meeting places, notable folk, the intriguing cottage industries and much more that make this area special.