Book excerpt: Designated a national park in 1952, the North York Moors include the largest area of heather upland in England, rising from the Vale of York and continuing to the North Sea coast where dramatic cliffs expose the geology that shaped this unique environment. This guide features 40 coast and country walks that take in the very best the moors have to offer - tranquil dales, stunning coastline, ancient woodlands, charming moorland villages and spectacular ruined castles and monasteries - as well as one of the UK's best heritage railways.