Walkers and climbers looking to pack up their outdoor equipment for a trip to the Yorkshire Dales could be in for a treat, as rumours grow over the presence of falcon chicks at Malham Cove.

A pair of the majestic birds of prey have been spotted acting unusually, as the RSPB and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) begin to work together to run a free peregrine watch viewpoint.

Ian Court, the YDNPA's Wildlife Conservation Officer, claimed that the female bird has been taking food into the nest, which is a clear indication that she is harbouring chicks.

However he added: "Unfortunately the birds are nesting out of sight so we do not know how many young there are.

"We will be waiting for the chicks to become large enough that they start to venture away from the nest ... allowing us to see them."

While Malham Cove is a popular spot for rock climbers, the British Mountaineering Council has agreed to impose temporary restrictions to prevent the Falcons from being disturbed.

The watch site attracted 16,500 visitors last year and will be open until July 31st.