Get away from it all in Rosedale

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The North York Moors National Park covers an area of about 600 square miles; but it has a population of fewer than 25,000 people.

And that lack of population is one reason we love it so much - the "getting away from it all factor" - that goes with the peace and quiet to be found in this region.

The high Moors are a crucial component of the distinctive experience of the National Park - making up a third of the area of region.

The North York Moors provide the largest area of unbroken heather Moorland in England; and it is a hugely important habitat for breeding birds and other rare flora and fauna.

Rosedale Orchid

A Beautiful Rare Orchid in Rosedale.

For my money, there's nothing to beat the ever-changing view from Blakey Ridge that seperates Farndale from Rosedale, and Danbydale from Westerndale.

The sparking green scenary on offer down in the valley's or sunlight breaking through the clouds onto the high Moor is just breath-taking.

It's great to just stop the car and take in the view; let time stand still for a moment, and feel like the only folks on Planet Earth in such splendid isolation!

We’re fortunate in another way as well; for besides the uniqueness of the high moors, we also have the Yorkshire Heritage Coastline right on hand with its dramatic cliffs, lovely beaches and beutiful little fishing villages.

The North York Moors National Park is also the most wooded of England’s national parks and having the most ancient and veteran trees in northern England, some over 500 years old.

North Yorkshire Oak Tree

How's this for Magnificant Ancient Oak Tree?

Away from the isolation on offer on the high moors, and the lovely scenary, however, there is plenty to do when exploring the castles, stately homes, villages and towns that make up the North York Moors experience.

Helmsley castle

Helmsley and its Castle and Lovely Walled Garden are Close-by Rosedale Abbey.

Helmsley, Malton, Whitby and Pickering are all beautiful Georgian-era market towns with heaps of independent shops, craft outlets, galleries, tearooms and fine dining options.

And villages such as Rosedale Abbey, Castleton, Danby, Lealholme and Egton are all unique and offer something lovely for every visitor.

If you've only got a weekend in the North York Moors,  the top of my "to do" list would have include a visit to the runied and majestic Rievaulx Abbey.

Rievaulx Abbey - Tracey Phillips

Rievaulx Abbey is Simply Magnificent.

Rievaulx is beautifully sited in a tranquil valley just outside Helmsley, and only about 20-minutes drive from Rosella Cottage here in Rosedale Abbey.

And it confirms the evidence that people have found this corner of the North York Moors to be a very special place to visit for centuries.

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