Fabulous fells

Fresh air, great scenery and fabulous food... unbeatable! Amy Watkins goes walking in Yorkshire

LACE UP THOSE walking boots  and take a hike! Yorkshire is a beautiful destination for serious walkers and newbie ramblers alike with rugged moors and breathtaking views across the famous Dales.

In every room at Feversham Arms Hotel  there's a copy of the Pathfinder Guide to walks on the North Yorkshire Moors, so all you need to bring are your hiking boots and and weatherproofs. Enjoy the great outdoors and then retreat from the elements to a luxurious bed, or soak in the Verbena Spa's wonderful outdoor heated pool and hot tub after a day's walking the moors.

Guests can enjoy walks that begin directly from the coaching inn and join the famous Cleveland Way at Helmsley, which is part of the National Trail. It’s well signposted, making it a good option for beginners. Historical highlights include the stunning ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and Helmsley castle.

Eighteenth-century Austwick Hall, overlooking the village of Austwick, is also ideal for those looking to stride out in the Dales.

Hiking routes begin from the boutique B&B's grounds and there are miniature walks on the doorstep along the winter snowdrop and summer sculpture trails that meander through the gardens. Take a picnic to explore the caves of Ingleborough or (if you’re a more intrepid hiker), try the Three Peaks challenge, scaling Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Come back inside to a roaring log fire in the drawing room and a warming whisky, or enjoy a double soak in one of Austwick Hall's deep rolltop baths.

Soak in the Wuthering Heights romance of converted school-house hotel Yorebridge House near the village of Bainbridge in Bronte country. Many of the rooms have private outdoor hot tubs (what better way to soak away those aches and pains!) and nearby are the stunning triple flight of tree-lined Aysgarth Falls on the River Ure and the Wensleydale Creamery; home of Wallace & Gromit’s favourite cheese.

Yorkshire combines the great outdoors with the equally great indoors. There are plenty of glam and boutique boltholes awaiting those who relish all that rugged scenery... so get walking!