The Yorkshire Dales National Park lies on West Yorkshire’s doorstep. Some of the most wonderful countryside in England awaits you. Beautiful riverbanks, woodlands, meadows rich in wildflowers, heather moorland, winding stone walls, farmhouses, waterfalls, delightful villages with welcoming cafes, pubs, shops and visitor centres - all waiting to be discovered.
National Parks are for everyone to enjoy. Seventy years ago, in 1949, the government passed an Act of Parliament to establish national parks to preserve and enhance their natural beauty and provide recreational opportunities for the public. To celebrate this anniversary, a new bus service – DalesBus 74 – has been launched, running from Wakefield, Tong, Bradford City Centre, Manningham, Shipley, Guiseley, Menston and Ilkley into the National Park every Saturday throughout the summer.
DalesBus 74 runs to Ilkley, Bolton Abbey, Strid Woods, Burnsall and the busy tourist village of Grassington with its National Park Centre. There’s a wide choice of easy strolls or more challenging riverside, moorland and woodland walks in the area. The bus route parallels the River Wharfe and the popular Dales Way footpath between Ilkley and Grassington, providing the opportunity to split the walk into easy sections.
Everyone is welcome, there’s no need to book - just make your way to the bus stop and pay the driver by cash or contactless payment.
Return bus fares from Bradford to Grassington are only £9 for adults, and young people under 19 travel for just £1 each way, Under 5’s and elderly/disabled bus pass holders travel free.
There are free guided walks from the bus on some days throughout the season.
The service has been made possible for 2019 by generous support from the Board of Representatives of Bradford Gurdwaras, through Bradford Rotary, in order to encourage all communities to enjoy the Yorkshire Dales. Support has also been provided by the Dales & Bowland CIC (who manage the service) and Friends of DalesBus.