It’s no wonder North Yorkshire and in particular the Yorkshire Dales was recently named “Most Beautiful County in England” in a national poll storming ahead with more than 25% of the votes. The countryside with its dramatic hills and scenery, patchwork dry-stone walls and river valleys is simply breathtaking. There are castles, ruined abbeys, stately homes and historic houses. There are picturesque villages with narrow streets, antiques and artisan shops and there are two World Heritage sites - the National Trust property of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens and the industrial village of Saltaire with Salts Mill and the David Hockney art gallery. (actually in West Yorkshire but still closeby!) The only problem, as a first time visitor to this wonderful region, is where to start. Perhaps you will need to stay longer...