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 Yorkshire Dales is one of the most diverse and rich landscapes in the British Isles. Limestone interlaces with sweeping and rolling fells, and dramatic peaks arise from its plains. There are caverns that stretch for miles under the surface, abundant flora and fauna that thrive in this unique environment and the hardiest of local folk who eke out a living in unison with their surroundings.This equilibrium is harnessed and interwoven by a revered heritage that not only stretches back hundreds of years but is retained, protected and celebrated today.In this book, we explore fifty of these magical places and discover what makes the Yorkshire Dales a unique place to live in and visit. See the majestic Skipton Castle, enjoy the splendour of Bolton Abbey and take in the fascinating views and history from the three peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside. Compare this to the tragedy and triumph of Ribblehead Viaduct. Follow the underground routes overground at Clapham and The Churns and find out the secrets of life in Dent, Malham, Settle and Gunnerside.Discover some of this area’s secrets and treasures and learn the fascinating history behind them with this handy guide.

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.

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.