A WEBSITE promoting car-free breaks in the Yorkshire Dales has been launched.

Holiday company Special Places Tours and the Yorkshire Dales National Park authority have developed the site to promote the exploration of the Dales on foot and by bicycle, bus and rail.

Project co-ordinator Iain Mann, from the authority, said: "Reducing the number of motorised journeys in the area is key to preserving its beauty and character of the area for future generations.

"With good bus and rail links to places like Hawes, Settle and Grassington, now is a great time to visit the Dales for a short break.

"Travelling by public transport allows you to leave the car at home, enjoy a relaxing journey and admire the stunning scenery, instead of just catching glimpses over high dry-stone walls."

Visitors can use the site to book car-free breaks in the Settle, Grassington and Wensleydale areas.

Judith Bowles, of Special Places Tours, said: "We wish to encourage tourism that maximises economic potential at the lowest overall environmental cost.

"We also wish to promote the use of local produce and services and assist the development of sustainable tourism in the Yorkshire Dales."

The website is at www.specialplacestours. co.uk