Yorkshire Dales and Lake District

Covering the counties of North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the borders with Lancashire

The region of the north of England which borders Scotland is dominated by the three major counties of  Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Lancashire. Where these counties meet is best associated with the area where Alan was most at home. It is also these three counties which, while are in very close proximity, offer three different but equally stunning landscapes created from varied geological influences. The Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national parks protect the rural and agricultural heritage of these unique landscapes created out of  igneous and limestone rock. To the south lay the moorland and lower hills of the Forest of Bowland, an area of natural outstanding beauty but devoid of the original forestation. Much of this region is  privately owned and in particular by the Duchy of Lancaster belonging to Queen Elizabeth II who by title is the Duke!

The majestic Ingleborough Hill is the most impressive of the Three Peaks of the Yorkshire Dales national park and which symbolises the point where these three regions meet. It is so well represented by Alan in this panoramic view of where the Bowland Forest Meets the Yorkshire Dales intersected by the Craven Fault. Ingleborough with her two sisters Wernside (to the left) and Pen-Y-Ghent (to the right) are internationally known to the runners and followers of the annual 'Three Peaks Race' which is held in the village of Horton-in-Ribblesdale.