The beautiful Yorkshire countryside is home to some of England`s greatest abbeys, & along The Abbey Trail you have the opportunity to visit no less than seven of these historic buildings. Included are Kirkstall, Fountains, Byl&, Rievaulx, Lastingham, Rosedale & Whitby. Although The Abbey Trail is 116 miles long & can be completed as a long-distance walk, it is also divided into eight one-day sections. Clear directions mean that readers can choose to select many shorter alternatives. There are also six one-day circular walks outlined, but whichever walk you choose, you will find relevant detailed maps provided throughout. The author provides a brief history about each of the seven abbeys, linking this with information on the beautiful surrounding countryside. The Abbey Trail also takes the walker past a variety of other places of historic interest such as Otley (the birth of Chippendale), Ripon with its wonderful cathedral built in 1220, & Whitby with its historic harbour & old town. The Yorkshire countryside, with its gently sloping hills & valleys & amazing scenic views, is perfectly suited to walkers of all ages & abilities.