January is the perfect time to start putting your New Year’s resolutions into action. A short walk in the beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Dales can lift your spirits and set you on the path to better fitness. While we can’t guarantee crisp and clear days, coming prepared is key. As Alfred Wainwright wisely said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” If you need the right waterproofs and boots, you can find outdoor clothing shops in many of the larger towns and villages within the National Park.
After a refreshing walk, nothing beats warming up by a log fire in one of the numerous pubs scattered throughout the Dales. Many serve delicious food and local brews, offering the perfect end to your day—just be mindful of overindulging in pudding!
Wildlife and Nature in Winter
Winter in the Yorkshire Dales may bring short days and long nights, but it’s still a fantastic time for nature spotting. The bare trees make birds easier to see, and fresh snowfall can reveal the activity of wildlife when we’re tucked away indoors.
Birdwatching: Look out for Mistle Thrushes singing from treetops, even in stormy light. Mixed flocks of blue tits, long-tailed tits, great tits, chaffinches, and occasionally nuthatches or tree creepers can be seen darting through hedges and trees. Winter visitors like fieldfares and waxwings may also appear, feasting on hedgerow berries.
Early Blooms: Snowdrops often peek through the frost along village walls and woodland edges. Gardens like Oxenber and Wharfe Woods near Austwick may even have special open days for snowdrop viewing.
Stargazing in the Dales
The Yorkshire Dales is celebrated for its unpolluted night skies, making it one of the best places in the UK for stargazing. Designated as an official Dark Skies Reserve, the area offers incredible opportunities to see celestial wonders such as the Milky Way, planets, meteors, and even the Northern Lights. January is particularly special for stargazers:
Orion Constellation: Easily recognizable by its belt of three bright stars—Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka—Orion is a highlight of winter skies. Just below the belt lies the Orion Nebula, a stunning sight through binoculars or a telescope.
Quadrantid Meteor Shower: Peaking at the start of January, this meteor shower is best viewed away from light pollution.
Mars at Opposition: On January 16, Mars will be closest to Earth, making it an excellent target for telescopes. You may even glimpse its icy polar caps and darker volcanic regions.
Elephant’s Trunk Nebula: For advanced stargazers, this emission nebula is 2,400 light years away and offers a breathtaking view through powerful telescopes.
Tips for Stargazing
Allow 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark.
Avoid bright lights, including mobile phones. If using a star app, switch to red night vision mode.
Bring a telescope or binoculars for enhanced viewing of deep-space objects.
The Yorkshire Dales’ Dark Skies Festival, hosted in Febuary, offers events and activities to celebrate this unique feature. Ashes Farm, a Dark Skies Friendly Business, proudly participates in the festival. Be sure to check the Yorkshire Dales website for a schedule of events.
Whether it’s enjoying a brisk walk, marveling at winter wildlife, or gazing at the stars, January in the Yorkshire Dales promises a magical start to the year.
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