The varied landscape of the AONB provides opportunities for recreation for visitors and local people.  Each year, thousands of people come to the AONB and enjoy the extensive public rights of way network, vast areas of open access land high up on the moorlands, climbing on the gritstone outcrops, canoeing and fishing on the reservoirs and bird watching all over the AONB. 

As well as informal recreation and outdoor pursuits, the AONB is a popular destination for followers of country sports.  It has some of the most famous grouse shoots in the country, extensive opportunities for game fishing in reservoirs and rivers and numerous commercial pheasant shoots.

Such varied activities being undertaken in a small area leads to conflict between recreational users in the AONB.  This in particular arises from the use of unsufaced tracks by vehicles for recreational purposes. This is causing damage to footpaths and bridleways and to fragile moorland environments.

The Nidderdale AONB is working to improve the management of recreation through a varied programme of work.

To download AONB walk leaflets, information about visitor attractions and other recreational opportunities go to the AONB Visitor Website.