GOD'S green and pleasant land is expanding - and that's official.

Yorkshire Day commemorated a very special and appropriate occasion - the expansion of the beautiful and rambling Yorkshire Dales landscape many of us Tykes take for granted.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park will grow by nearly a quarter with an extra 161 square miles as the new boundary covers new areas in Cumbria and into Lancashire.

And with the warmer summer months beckoning us to explore the great outdoors, there has never been a better time to do just that.

We're all familiar with the Tour de Yorkshire - the prestigious race bringing the sport's cycling elite to the county and placing it firmly on the global map - but what about the 'Floor de Yorkshire?'

Sampling the sights a pied is one of the best ways to savour the breathtaking views and panoramic landscape Yorkshire has to offer.

But instead of pulling on your boots and going it alone, Mark Killala, Yorkshire walks guider and Mountain Leader with Northern Guiding, is offering his knowledge and expertise to ensure you get the best out of your stroll as you explore the limestone pavements of the 'Floor de Yorkshire.'

As well as seeing the sights, participants can learn about and see for themselves the impact of glacial movement as well as meet the habitat, the wonderful wildlife which has made its home within this breathtaking countryside along with the colourful flora.

Whether scaling the heights of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks, Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-Ghent and savouring the vantage they have to offer, taking in tumbling waterfalls and Heather-topped hills or traversing the Coast to Coast, the 'Floor de Yorkshire' has something for everyone.

All you need is a pair of walking boots and the enthusiasm to explore this stunning landscape. Private guided walks are provided as well as one-day or weekend open walks catering for everyone.

For those wishing to explore the 'Floor de Yorkshire' for longer, multi-day walking breaks are also available and those attempting charity climbs can train for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge with Mark and his fully-qualified and accredited Northern Guiding team.

Of course, the Yorkshire landscape is just as spectacular at night - exciting Yorkshire Night Hikes are perfect for adventure seekers eager to explore the great Yorkshire outdoors.

'Floor de Yorkshire' is also a perfect way to get up close and personal to the wildlife inhabitants, the iconic red squirrel, roe deer, common blue and brown argus butterflies and water crickets.

The walks also provide the opportunity to spot peregrine falcons, green woodpecker, snipe, curlew, golden plover, ring ouzel, red and black grouse, short-eared owls or a 'charm' of goldfinches.

For those with archaeological interest, the 'Floor de Yorkshire' enables walkers to spot signs of glacial retreat and see visual 'shakeholes.' Locations where coal seams and lead were mined centuries ago can also be viewed along with horizontal lines between beds of limestone created at different geological times.

Tumbling waterfalls flowing through ghylls are another spectacular sight. In Muker, visitors are close to England's fastest flowing river, (the Swale) and close to Pen-y-Ghent is the largest natural hole in England (Hull Pot). At Tan Hill you can pop into the highest pub in England (1732 feet/528m) above sea level and, at Rogan's seat you can see for yourself whether the fell deserves the title of the 'most boring hill in England!'

There is so much to explore and experience. Fans of 'All Creatures Great and Small' can take in the Herriot Way as well as Langthwaite, near Tan Hill - featured in the opening of the series. Other landmark locations from the series include Askrigg in Wensleydale home to Skeldale House (the vets practice) and the fictional Drovers' Inn (the King's Arms).

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For more information visit northernguiding.co.uk