National Park

The Craven and Murgatroyd Limeworks, better known locally as the Hoffmann Lime Kiln, is just north of Langcliffe between the Settle-Carlisle railway and Stainforth Scar. It is a disused Victorian industrial complex that includes the remains of two separate but adjacent limeworks - the Murgatroyd and the Craven Lime Company works. The remains of the huge Hoffmann kiln (it had 22 chambers) are astonishing – it’s like being inside a cathedral, but without the religion. The Craven Lime works lasted until 1931, though were used again briefly during WW2 before being abandoned and left to decay. The nearby quarry was used as a refuse tip by the local authority between 1967 and 1990, but the whole site has now been preserved. Plans to open it as a major tourist attraction were shelved; there is now a self-guided walk with information boards, some of which incorporate recorded commentary. In addition to the Hoffmann kiln, there are the remains of other types of kiln, ancillary buildings, an inclined plane, railway tracks etc. Once so busy and noisy, parts of the surviving complex now attract wildlife and it's a peaceful spot.

From the B6479 between Langcliffe and Stainforth, take a minor road east under a low railway arch and follow it to a small car park.

Dinas Mawr promontory fort is reckoned to date from the Iron Age and was probably the stronghold of a clan leader.  It is situated on the west of the Pencaer Peninsula, generally known as Strumble Head, jutting out into the Irish Sea.  The location is stunning, but not for those of a nervous disposition, especially in bad weather.  Dinas Mawr is accessible along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path or via a footpath off a minor road.  However, laymen will need to look for evidence of the fort.  A ditch is clearly visible on the headland between what were stone ramparts and traces of at least one hut circle can be made out just inside the ramparts.  Most of Dinas Mawr comprises a towering lump of rock, however, with severely restricted space for settlement to the east and the south of the crag; the top, surely, would have been too inhospitable.  Immediately beyond Dinas Mawr is the islet of Ynys y Ddinas.  Though a good defensive position, there is no fresh water and it is speculated whether the fort had some ceremonial or ritual purpose, for it cannot have been of much long-term use, or in the event of a prolonged siege.

Exmoor National Park is in the north of Somerset and Devon and covers an area of 268 square miles (694 sq kilometres).  The Park was established in 1954 and the highest point is Dunkery Beacon at 1702 feet (519 metres).  It is a varied area of moorland, farmland, deep valleys, ancient woodland and high sea cliffs, tumbling into the Bristol Channel.  Kites and kestrels wheel overhead, otters can be found in the gushing streams, while red deer and ponies roam wild.  Man has left traces from prehistoric times and in the middle ages it was a royal hunting forest.  Today, picturesque villages and hamlets nestle comfortably in its folds.

It is also famous for the fictional Lorna Doone, and the Beast of Exmoor – an elusive creature which, if it exists, may be some form of large wild cat, like a cougar, released or escaped from captivity.

Principal settlements in Exmoor include Lynton and Lynmouth, Dunster, Porlock and Dulverton.

The multivallate Iron Age hillfort of Garn Fawr on the Pencaer/Strumble Head peninsula dominates the surrounding landscape, which is peppered with prehistoric remains.  At 699 feet (213m), Garn Fawr is the highest point on the peninsula and there are spectacular views from the top.  The craggy terrain was formed more than 440 million years ago by intrusive vulcanicity, giving Garn Fawr a tor-like appearance. Drystone walls link rocky outcrops to form boundaries and ramparts.  There is also a WW1 lookout post on the summit, from which the nearby smaller fort of Garn Fechan to the east is easily visible.  There is an easy walk to the fort from a car park and a shortish circular route takes you around the landscape, past another feature, Ysgubor Caer, and an abandoned cottage that once belonged to the artist John Piper.  Extend your walk to the promontory fort of Dinas Mawr.

Post code is for guidance only. Take a minor road north from Harmony to the car park.

At 3,117 feet (950 metres), Helvellyn is England’s and the Lake District’s third highest peak, easy to get to, provides interesting and varied scenery, exhilarating views, has the added magnetism of the infamous Striding Edge…and is not to be trifled with.  The most popular routes are from Patterdale via Grisedale, or from the more touristy Glenridding on the shores of Ullswater. The first part of the climb is more like a relentless slog; thereafter it is at times a very testing scramble. The summit of Helvellyn is flat - an aeroplane once landed on it.