Walking is the main reason people visit the Yorkshire Dales National Park, according to a survey.

But the majority get there by car rather than public transport.

The survey of 513 people, commissioned by the National Park, showed that the majority – 59 per cent – were on a day visit compared with a quarter who were on a short break of four nights.

Sixteen per cent were on a longer holiday for more than four nights and 60 per cent had been before.

Wilf Fenten, of the Park, said: “While the National Park has been doing excellent work, we are still not achieving a high enough number of people who leave their car behind.”

The countryside and the scenery were the main features that made the National Park a special place for most visitors, while others said it was the fact it was peaceful, tranquil or unpopulated.