The beautiful Yorkshire countryside is home to some of England's greatest abbeys, and along The Abbey Trail you have the opportunity to visit no less than seven of these historic buildings. Included are Kirkstall, Fountains, Byland, Rievaulx, Lastingham, Rosedale and Whitby. Although The Abbey Trail is 116 miles long and can be completed as a long-distance walk, it is also divided into eight one-day sections. Clear directions mean that readers can choose to select many shorter alternatives. There are also six one-day circular walks outlined, but whichever walk you choose, you will find relevant detailed maps provided throughout. The author provides a brief history about each of the seven abbeys, linking this with information on the beautiful surrounding countryside. The Abbey Trail also takes the walker past a variety of other places of historic interest such as Otley (the birth of Chippendale), Ripon with its wonderful cathedral built in 1220, and Whitby with its historic harbour and old town. The Yorkshire countryside, with its gently sloping hills and valleys and amazing scenic views, is perfectly suited to walkers of all ages and abilities.