An examination of every aspect of the landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, from rocks, rivers, glaciers to market towns, industrial sites and farms and the Dales folk themselves. Muir explains how the area has evolved, how communities have lived, where place names have come from, why certain breeds of cattle and sheep are seen in the fields, what kind of wildlife to expect and how the landscape is likely to continue changing. Finally, there are chapters giving expert introductions to the special features and history of each individual Dale.