I have lived all my life in Todmorden in Calderdale, 9 miles west of Halifax.

I am now 53 years old and I grew up on the family farm. As such, we never had family holidays. What we did have every year though was one glorious sunny day in the Yorkshire Dales by the river up near Buckden.

I have always loved the Dales and have taken many holidays, day trips and walks in this beautiful area.

Back in 1986, I completed the Coast to Coast which was my first long distance walk. Since then I have completed the Cotswold Way, Calderdale Way, Dales Way, Three Peaks and Herriot Way. Although I enjoyed all of these, I do think it is more fun devising your own routes and exploring new areas. It also helps reduce erosion which is so prevalent on popular routes.

If you are doing the Yoredale 100 in May, good luck and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire Dales.

All the best
John