New Yorkshire Dales walking holidays venture to show secret trails in staycation boom

Now a new venture in Yorkshire Dales is drawing visitors from the beaten path, in the hope of supporting the wider community by gifting a unique glimpse into its hidden treasures.

There is no better window to the world, said Muddy Boots co-founder Helen Coppin, and so much to discover within this rural landscapes' rolling hills.

With the region so heavily reliant on tourism, she added, it is hoped the self-guided walking tours can share a boost across communities from small hotels to local cafes and suppliers.

"The Yorkshire Dales is such a combination of special places," said Mrs Coppin, who runs Muddy Boots with husband Matt.

"There are the classic rolling scenes, with dry-stone walls and beautiful old barns, but there's a rugged element here as well, with the moors which can feel quite isolated.

"It's just a beautiful place to be, and with people having been cooped up for so long, they are craving the outdoors and that sense of nature.

"It's really important as a community that we pull together and help each other out," she added.

"The last few months have been devastating for so many people, and everything affects each other. Supporting each other at a time like this is more important than ever."

Off the beaten track

Muddy Boots was born from a long-held dream of the Coppin family, who met as corporate lawyers in London but abandoned the city lifestyle for a future in West Burton in 2013.

It was a "leap of faith", said Mrs Coppin, to move to the remote Lower Wensleydale village in search of a slower pace of life and in launching a self-drive holiday company.

Under recent months the family have walked daily with their young sons Edward, three, and Thomas, one, and are now using their local knowledge to share a rare glimpse into the area's lesser known paths and trails.

"We are based here, we do all the walks ourselves, we know the area," said Mrs Coppin, 37. "This isn't the beaten track - it's our routes. It's the less trodden path, and exploring places where you often don't see anybody else for hours."

As remote Dales businesses were shuttered under lockdown at the start of the traditional tourism season, a lack of visitors was acutely felt in the area, said Mrs Coppin.

As restrictions eased, she added, there has been a marked increase in the number of people seeking solitude in these more remote landscapes.

"We definitely see lots of people in the Dales who have never been before, I think people are venturing further to find quieter places," she said.

"Everybody is conscious of making the right choices. As long as people are travelling responsibly, now is the time to do it.

"It's nice to be able to show people that there is so much more to the Yorkshire Dales, and that here you really can get away from a crowd."

Supporting local businesses

Many people have reevaluated their lifestyles over recent months, Mrs Coppin believes, and there are opportunities in some of Yorkshire's traditional tourist areas to adapt.

"A lot of people are feeling as if they want to try new experiences," she added. "They realise that life isn't to be taken for granted and it's a good time to explore different landscapes.

"We've all had to slow down. Hopefully, that is something we can carry on."

The initial Muddy Boots itineraries focus on Wensleydale and its tributaries, Swaledale and Arkengarthdale and the southern Dales around Malham and Burnsall, building in visits to well known sights such as Malham Cove, Jervaulx Abbey, and Wensleydale Creamery.

With the self-guided walking tours come stays in local pubs and hotels, and recommendations on where to eat, with 'survival packs' showcasing the best of the region from trail mix to bath salts and more.

There is Yockenthwaite Granola, made in Upper Wharfedale, Yorkshire Flapjack from Nidderdale and Fizz bath salts made in West Witton, Wensleydale, and over time it will change to showcase local independent retailers and support small businesses.

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