VISITORS to the Yorkshire Dales can download their own personal tour guide thanks to computer technology.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority teamed up with Drystone Radio and the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line to launch an audio trail around one of the area's best known landmarks - the Ribblehead viaduct.

A guided tour can be downloaded free onto an iPod or MP3 player from websites at www.outofoblivion.org.uk or www.settle-carlisle.com/ ribbleheadtour

Karen Griffiths, the authority's interpretation officer, said: "The authority decided earlier this year to try to reduce the number of new interpretation panels - boards placed on site explaining the immediate surroundings - in the national park because of the visual impact they have on the environment.

"Instead, we were looking at other ways of helping visitors understand what they see around them and we decided to try virtual interpretation.

"At the same time we are reducing the amount of paper we use because we don't need to produce leaflets to accompany the trail. Visitors wanting to use it just print off what they need at home. It's like having an expert walking alongside you explaining the history of the area."

It is hoped that more audio trails will be created in the national park in the future.