These are the rules about visiting the Yorkshire Dales National Park for the rest of 2020

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has released new guidance for visitors now that the area is in Tier 2.
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The National Park Centres at Aysgarth Falls, Grassington, Hawes and Malham will re-open at weekends - in line with their normal winter hours - and the Dales Countryside Museum at Hawes will also re-open.

However, visitors living in Tier 3 areas - which include the nearby cities of Leeds and Bradford - should not travel into the Dales according to government guidelines.

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Chief executive David Butterworth said: “We would encourage anyone planning a visit to the National Park between now and Christmas to check how the Tier 2 local restrictions affect them, especially for anyone living in Tier 3, where travel outside their area should be avoided.

Winter conditions in the DalesWinter conditions in the Dales
Winter conditions in the Dales

“Our website has been updated to reflect the new guidelines, and there’s lots of additional information for new and seasoned visitors on staying safe in the National Park during the winter months.

“Finally, the safety of visitors and communities throughout the National Park remains our number one priority, so we would ask everyone to stick to the social distancing rules and to wear a face covering in local shops”.

Mountain rescue teams covering the Dales have raised concerns about the number of inexperienced 'lockdown walkers' attempting routes without sufficient warm clothing and in poor weather. Visitors are reminded that winter conditions in the hills are very different to summer conditions, and snow is far more likely on high ground than it is in urban areas. On routes such as the Three Peaks Challenge, high winds and rain can make progress and navigation difficult, while other walkers overestimate the amount of daylight they have to complete a trip. Only walk on high ground if you have experience of the terrain and suitable winter equipment and clothing.

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