CHEESE lovers are in for a treat at a Dales festival next month which will boast an array of cheesy-themed events.

Visitors can expect new cheeses to taste during the Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival which takes place from September 15.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park has finalised the week-long programme which includes a celebration of the county’s fine local food.

Several new cheeses are expected to be launched including Stonebeck farmhouse cheese that visitors can try for the first time during the open weekend at Low Riggs Farm in Nidderdale.

Visitors can go on a veritable cheese pilgrimage during the week, starting with the two-day mini Festival at the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes and then dropping in at various venues across both the Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale.

New events and venues include a beer and cheese tasting evening at St Marks Stays in Cautley, a chance to learn from cheese and wine experts at Campbells of Leyburn and a celebration of game with chef Guy Fairhurst at Bolton Castle near Leyburn.

Those wanting to work up an appetite first can choose from a six-mile cheesey trail run at Askrigg, a two-day bike ride through the heart of cheese-making territory in Wensleydale and Swaledale, or guided walks where visitors can enjoy a scenic stroll in the company of volunteers full-to-brim with local dairying knowledge.

While many of the events are family-friendly, two new events are aimed particularly at youngsters – a cheese-themed Forest School for kids at Aysgarth on September 20 and the Cheesy 2 Dales off-road children’s bike ride starting off from Hawes on September 22.

Meanwhile history buffs and those interested in the art of cheese making are well-catered for with days devoted to the region’s rich dairying heritage.

For instance on September 18 visitors can while away time learning more about the fascinating history being uncovered by the Dairy Days project at Askrigg Village Hall while on September 23 expert Andy Swinscoe will be talking about his research into 1930s cheese-making and how it’s leading to a revival of farmhouse cheeses.

The event then begins winding down in spectacular style with the North of England’s first Beer and Beef Festival on 22 September featuring rare breed Dexter beef reared on the host venue, Springhill Farm at Jervaulx.

Helen Dalton, destination co-ordinator for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said: “It’s great to see so many new venues participating in the Festival and flying the flag for our fantastic cheeses and other local produce that are such an important part of the experience for people when they visit our protected landscapes.”

More information including the booking details for individual events on www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/cheese-festival.