Series of river valleys in northern England, running east from the Pennines in West Yorkshire; a National Park was established in 1954. The principal valleys are Airedale, Nidderdale, Swaledale, Teesdale, Wensleydale, and Wharfedale. The three main peaks are Ingleborough, Whernside, and Pen-y-Ghent.
Dairy farming is the main agricultural activity, Wensleydale cheese being the most notable product. Tourism is also important; the Dales offer magnificent scenery, and walking and potholing are popular activities. Dry-stone walls and barns are regular features of the landscape.
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