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The Richmondshire area

Richmondshire is an historic county centred on the valleys of Swaledale and Wensleydale in the north-western corner of Yorkshire. There are many wonderful things to see and do across Richmondshire with its breath-taking landscapes, fascinating history and excellent local food and drink.

Richmondshire is the most ethnically diverse and sparsely populated district of North Yorkshire, the local communities we serve are diverse and reflect many places and interests across the area. The military population in Catterick Garrison accounts for one fifth of the total population. The upper dales of the district are sparsely populated sheep-rearing country, but, as they open eastward, livestock-farming opportunities become greater. Swaledale gives its name to a well-known breed of hardy sheep, and Wensleydale is famous for its cheese, now factory-processed at Hawes.

The stone farmhouses and small towns, which include former lead-mining centres such as Hawes and Askrigg, and Reeth situated among the stunning vistas of Swaledale are frequented by tourists. Yorkshire Dales National Park covers a large part of the district. Richmond is the main tourist and service centre, and Leyburn, in Wensleydale, has the largest livestock market.

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