Yelpir

I am planning on travelling up to the Dales/Moors area in the 3rd week of September 2014. My plan is to travel up from London by train to either York or Leeds on Monday, September 15th and hire a car there to explore the area and then return to London on Friday, 19th September.
My main interest is in scenic and nature photography. I would like to spend my time in the most photogenic places the area has to offer, away from crowds if at all possible
From reading these forums (thanks to all the good people providing information and advice) I have settled on Grassington for my base in the Dales.
My question is: Can I really do both the dales and the moors in 3 days or should I focus on just the dales? Would a day spent driving between the dales and the moors be rewarded with good pictures on the moors and on the journey?
While it would be nice to put down roots in one place for 4 nights, might I see a lot more if I keep on the move, spending one night each in 4 different places?
All help greatly appreciated

sofarsogood

I think first you need to be clear on what is meant by Dales/Moors and dales/moors. The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors (note the use of capitals) are two separate national parks, each with their own dales and moors.

Grassington would be an excellent choice to spend four nights in the Yorkshire Dales. Within an hour (with a car) you'll reach most everywhere within the national park so there's no need to keep changing accommodation each night. If, after a couple of nights, you want to drive to the North York Moors for a day then that would be possible too.

If the weather is in your favour you'll have no problem driving and taking photographs. Though to get the feel of places it's best to put on your boots and go walking.

http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/

http://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/

Morgana

Completely agree with post above. Of course you can't 'do' the area in such a short time but you can get a good flavour. And I'd find a base and stay there.
I'm travelling at the moment but once home I will post again with some more detailed advice about what to see near grassington.

Yelpir

Thanks for your replies, sofarsogood and Morgana
I don't know that area at all so thanks for clearing up Dales/Moors and dales/moors for me .

I assume that the most beautiful scenery would be found in the national parks but that roads would be few and far between, making hiking rather essential. I am 73 but in good health and reasonably fit. I can tackle a fairly arduous walk of a few kilometres (even up steep hills) but I'm not in the long range hiking league (I guess I could do 10klm if the terrain wasn't too rough but that would be about my limit). I wear trainers rather than boots and would not like to do any 'bog bashing'. On the other hand, if I have to walk 15 klms to get a 'to die for' shot, I might be tempted into it .

It would be nice to get a flavour of the whole region but I would also be happy with just, say, six very photogenic locations. If I find a good subject (like a mysterious castle silhouetted against a moody sky), I tend to spend a good amount of time making sure that I get good shots of it.

I am happy with your advice to spend 4 nights in one spot (Grassington) and explore locally. I visit the UK annually and can always 'do' the Moors/moors another time.
Will it be necessary to book accommodation in advance at that time of year or can I afford to take 'pot luck'?

Morgana

Roads aren't few and far between and you'll not have to hike far to get great shots. I'll suggest some locations when I reply in more detail. I know the area very well although I live in another part of the Dales. Might even let you in to some local secrets when it comes to great places.
As far as the best scenery goes, Nidderdale is outwith the Park boundary and is merely classed as an AONB and yet it is stunning.
I'd definitely book in advance. Grassington is popular although staying mid week in Sept means you'll miss the crowds.

bilboburgler

Yes book, yes "do" one. Don't worry about the National Park specifically just the general location. For instance you might like Bolton Abbey, at the weekend it will be crowded but midweek at 10am there will only be sheep in Sept. http://www.boltonabbey.com/

anicecupoftea

You'll have no need to get out of your car at all to see beautiful scenery. Drive over Buttertubs Pass; take the road from Dent to Ingleton; from Buckden to Hawes; from Kettlewell to Carlton; from Settle to Malham; from Reeth to Tan Hill... and so many more. We generally visit in April or September, and you'll scarcely pass another soul once you're out of the villages. Walk 2 minutes from the car, sit on a rock, and the only thing you'll hear is birdsong.

Morgana

I assume you have researched the major Dales sites such as Bolton Abbey and Malham Cove (both very photogenic!).
A few places nearer to where you plan to stay.

1) Coldstone Cut, Nidderdale (car park at base, short but uphill walk to the top of the cut)
http://thecoldstonescut.org/index.php?p=nidderdale

2) Scarhouse Reservoir (a google will bring up lots of info). At the end of the Water Board road is a car park, and a short walk from here will bring you to the dam. Stunning place in bleak but beautiful countryside. There are information boards here too. Can be chilly here even in the middle of summer. You can also walk around the reservoir

3) Stump Cross Caverns (if the weather is unkind)

4) Exploring the old lead mines from Hebden just outside Grassington

A little further afield (Wensleydale) you will find Jervaulx Abbey. No high tech visitor centres here - just old abbey ruins gradually crumbling away. Car park across the road, and about half a mile walk through level parkland to the Abbey. You'll probably have it to yourself mid week in September.

http://www.jervaulxabbey.com/

Yelpir

Wow! Great responses. Thanks everyone
I am now going to copy all these responses into a guide sheet that I will use for my planning and that I can carry with me.
I googled Yorkshire Dales pictures and saw some very nice waterfalls. Now all I have to do is to track them down

Another question: Should I take the train from London to York or from London to Leeds? Would the fact that Leeds is closer to Grassington be outweighed by the additional traffic and complexity in finding my way out? Is there a nice scenic route from either city to Grassington?

bilboburgler

I'd go to Leeds partially because I know it better and while it is a complicated city at least you don't have walls in the way etc. York is smaller so you will be out in the country sooner but the roads are slow and York is built on a big flood plain so not that much to see for a bit. Leeds is in a valley bottom and you get into the hills quicker.

In both cases avoid the commuter rush hours. You might also look at catching the train to Skipton or Ilkley and hiring a car from there. (Not sure there is a car hire in Ilkley) but there is in Skipton.

Yelpir

Thanks for that, bilboburgler. I did not realise that there were options other than Leeds and York. I will check for services to Skipton and Ilkley and also for car hire in both places. The longer I can let someone else do the driving, the better

Morgana

Waterfalls -
Aysgarth - very pretty, although I have seen them in the winter after a long period of rain and they were spectacular! Car park close by, short walk to the different falls

Hardraw - a few minutes walk to this fall which is a long drop

http://www.walkingenglishman.com/dal...lls/master.htm

Rubicund

Skipton is much nearer to Grassington than Leeds and you can catch a train from Leeds to get there. Grassington is a very small place and hotels, B&B's are in limited supply, so do book ahead.

As Morgana says, the road system through both areas is well developed and easily accessible, so no worries there. In the third week of September, the weather will be uncertain, so be prepared with waterproofs, good walking boots and take "layers" so that warm rain won't be a problem. However, you could get cold rain too!

Yelpir

Morgana: Thanks very much for the link to the walkingenglishman website. So many lovely waterfalls; I'm spoiled for choice
Rubicund: Thanks for the feedback. I will definitely book ahead and bring a variety of clothing