There is little crime in the Dales except for petty theft from cars so leave valuables hidden. Take precautions against the weather if going out walking etc.
wensleydale
Largest of the Dales, certainly the widest and less steep-sided than most. From Hardrow Force waterfall} above Hawes, through that very pleasant town to Askrigg (noted for the TV series, 'All Creatures Great and Small,' and on to Aysgarth (major waterfalls, to Wensley and Leyburn. From here the dale's river, the Ure, flows on to York. Still in Wensleydale, the ruins of Jervaulx Abbey provide a very peaceful setting.
swaledale
A beautiful east-west dale north of Wensleydale and connected with it by some scenically fine unclassified roads, including the 'Buttertubs Pass,' named after the shape of impressive potholes beside the road. Keld, Thwaite, Gunnerside and Reeth are the main villages with the market town of Richmond and easby Abey at the lower end of the dale.
wharfedale
This is many people's favourite dale and would be the longest, if the top part were not called Lansstrothdale. It contains the fine villages ordered up the river of Bolton Abbey, Burnsall, Grassington, Conistone, Kettlewell, Starbotton and Buckden. As well as the old Bolton Priory, the nave of which survived the dissolution of the monasteries because it served as the parish church, there is Clifford's Tower and the Cavendish memorial. The Strid, a very narrow and potentially dangerous stretch of the Wharfe, lies a short way above Bolton Priory.
ribblesdale
Mainly a north-south dale, Ribblesdale runs through fine limestone scenery with plentiful caves in the near vicinity, including the extensive Alum's Pot system. The area immediately around Horton in Ribblesdale is much marred by quarrying but beauty is restored at Stainforth and Settle.
fees/permits
There are no fees to pay except the usual entry fee to attractions and campsite fees etc. Permits are required as in the rest of the UK for fishing/hunting etc. Fishing licenses are available at Post Offices.
langstrothdale
The name given to the Wharfe above Buckden. Hubberholme with its delightful church is the only place of note but the riverbed makes for an easily accessed Paradise for children with polished smooth limestone on each side. By following the road beyond Langstrothdale, Wensleydale can be reached near Hawes after a very scenic drive.