David Hockney in the Yorkshire Wolds

David Hockney has moved on from painting iconic Californian swimming pools and has returned to his native Yorkshire, to gather inspiration from the Yorkshire Wolds countryside.

This is one of the lesser known parts of Yorkshire and is distinct from other parts of the county due to its underlying geology.

The gently folding chalk landscape offers a secret world of hidden dry valleys and ,by contrast, sweeping views that seem to go on forever.

The area is rich in wildlife and there is something about the light that makes the area special.

David Hockney captures this so well in his paintings.

Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail

If you have visited David's exhibition or have been inspired by the recent TV coverage of his work, you would probably like to visit the area yourself.

The best way to immerse yourself in the landscape is to do it on foot, so what better way than to follow a section of the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail.

You don't have to do all 79 miles, you can do a short section and there are even short circular walks.

Visit the Yorkshire Wolds Way section of the National Trails website, where you will find plenty of ideas for accommodation, buy the Official Guide Book published by Aurum Press and off you go.