All the rest

Everyone deserves a little pampering and this spa break in North Berwick could be closer than you think.

Returning from abroad recently it struck me that while I’m lucky enough to have a day job globetrotting to far-flung corners of the world, I’m also fortunate to spend so much down time in one of the most scenic destinations on earth – the Yorkshire Dales.

My husband hails from what is proudly referred to as “God’s Own Country”, and I can’t argue with that.

After all, Yorkshire folk aren’t normally associated with over-boastful claims – their dry humour and down-toearth attitude definitely mean a spade’s a spade round these parts. Indeed, I’ve often heard a Yorkshireman described as a Scotsman with the generosity knocked out of him, although I couldn’t possibly comment…

What I can say is that this rural idyll is just over a four-hour drive or train journey south from Perthshire, just beyond the Lake District, and the rolling, pastoral landscape of hills and dales patch-worked by drystone walls and weathered barns is serenely beautiful.

There are still enough steep climbs to give the cyclists in the annual Tour de Yorkshire (begun when the county hosted the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2014) a run for their prize money. The drawback to this sporting success is that there are now just about as many men dressed in tight-fitting Lycra as there are sheep – at least in summertime.

Right now though, the bleating around here is purely from the lambs. It’s no surprise that our nearest “metropolis” Skipton, the “Gateway to the Dales” with its ancient castle, canals and busy street market, was formerly known as Sheep’s Town.

You can walk for miles on waymarked trails, whether enjoying the challenge of long-distance routes such as the Dales Way or Coast to Coast, or simply strolling – as we do with our little dog Minnie – to one of the many atmospheric pubs, where we’re sure of good food, a warm welcome, a bit of banter and a decent pint. Almost all inns, cafes, shops, B&Bs and even our local fine dining boutique hotel – Grassington House – are dog-friendly.

Grassington is a quaint village with a cobbled main square, in the heart of the National Park above the banks of the River Wharfe.

A honeypot of villages clustered round – Hebden, Burnsall, Linton and Threshfield – all have thriving cafes and inns, many with beer gardens, for when the weather warms up.

Meanwhile, children can enjoy simple pleasures – stepping stones, petting farms, horse trekking, riverside picnics and paddling in the shallows.

The fantastical Hidden Corner near Leyburn is a hit with most ages, (prebooking is required); welly walks at Bolton Abbey Estate are popular; there are steam train rides, canal cruises on colourful narrow boats, underground caves to explore and even walks with llamas; while Fountains Abbey, near Ripon, is one of the most visited National Trust properties.

Yet quiet as it is, don’t get the impression that we’re completely out in the sticks. There is always something happening in the home of the Calendar Girls, such as 1940s’ themed weekends and the Dickensian Markets at Christmas. And the biggest event of the year, Grassington Festival – 15 days of music and arts over June and July – is like a miniature Edinburgh Fringe, with plays, gigs, comedy, talks, cooking demonstrations, outdoor entertainment and craft classes for all ages.

We’ve got our tickets for marquee concerts by Jools Holland and the recently reformed Bananarama all lined up. Maybe we’ll see you there.

For more information go to www. visityorkshire.com

This rural idyll is just over a four-hour drive or train journey south from Perthshire, just beyond the Lake District