AN author has devised a new walking challenge – and published an accompanying book.

Jonathan Smith, of Long Preston, has published 'Dales 30' with the support of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA).

Five per cent of any book sales will go to the Three Peaks Project, which supports footpath and access work on Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

The concept is similar to that of the ‘Wainwrights’ in the Lake District and the ‘Munros’ in Scotland. It is hoped that the walks will encourage frequent visits to the Dales, as people ‘bag’ or tick-off each fell.

The project received a grant of £7,000 from the YDNPA’s Sustainable Development Fund.

“The Dales 30 is an achievable challenge, but one that would involve people coming to the National Park many times to complete,” said YDNPA chairman, Carl Lis.

“If it takes off – and I hope it does – then it has the potential to bring in more visitors, with a knock on benefit to local businesses. There is a high demand for walking information, and there are already some good books out there. But I think Jonathan has created the Dales’ first so-called ‘peak-bagging’ challenge.”

Jonathan Smith said the grant was needed to pay for compiling information, consultancy on legalities and distribution, design, production, printing, copyright and launch events.

“The main reason I wanted to write this book was because I like the Dales mountains. They are full of interest. Each has its own personality. As well as a good challenge, the Dales 30 also provide an excellent reason to visit many of the less popular or well-known parts of the National Park.”

The highest fell in the National Park is Whernside at 2,415 feet, followed by Ingleborough, then Great Shunner Fell.

Several of the Dales 30 are in the new area of the Park, such as Wild Boar Fell, which comes in at number five on the list at 2,323 feet. Calf Top, south of Sedbergh, is at number 30, being exactly 2,000 feet high (610 metres). It was classed as a mountain only last year.

For more information about the book, please see http://where2walk.co.uk/walking_blog/the-dales-30-now-a-book/

To enquire about the Sustainable Development Fund call 01969 652337, email SDF@yorkshiredales.org.uk or visit http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/living-and-working/sdf