Heavy traffic in the Dales

Weekend walkers heading for the Yorkshire Dales can leave their cars at home following the introduction of new bus services into and around the national park.

Buses run from major towns in West Yorkshire, one of the main sources of traffic for Dales visitors. There are also services linking popular walking destinations within the area.

The new bus services also open up the Dales for those without cars, many of whom would previously have been prevented from walking the fells away from the main rail lines.

The Dales And Bowland Community Interest Company, a social enterprise set up to support access to and the protection of the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland, is managing the bus services, including the Ingleborough Pony, linking Settle, Clapham, Ingleton, Ribblehead and Austwick.

The Malham Tarn Shuttle service links Ilkley and Skipton then on to Settle and Malham. Other services start in Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield.

Malcolm Petyt, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s member champion for recreation management, said: “The national park authority is committed to working with others to improve access to the national park for all.

“These summer services are vital for people who don’t have access to car to reach the national park and to enjoy what makes it so special.

“In the current financial climate they are even more important for the businesses in the Dales as each bus will bring visitors who will be spending money in local shops and cafés which helps support the national park’s economy.”

The park authority has contributed £15,000 to the project.

The buses will run on Sundays and bank holidays until autumn, with extra services on some Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The summer services are supported by the YDNPA, West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority and North Yorkshire County Council as well as the National Trust, Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Natural England, the Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the Yorkshire Dales Society and the Yorkshire Dales Public Transport Users Group.

Details of the services are on the Dalesbus website or can be obtained by phoning 0113 245 7676.