Picturesque views near one of the Yorkshire Dales' most famous peaks could soon look a powerful sight better.

More than 5.2km of overhead power lines at the foot of Whernside, near Ingleton, are being replaced with underground cables which don't spoil the landscape.

The scheme – in Kingsdale – is part of a pioneering £5m partnership between the North West's regional power distribution company Electricity North West, United Utilities and organisations like the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

The programme uses an allowance from electricity regulator Ofgem, which is set aside specifically to remove overhead wires in areas of high landscape value like national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty in the north west.

In Kingsdale, some 61 separate spans of overhead line and 60 wooden poles will be removed between Twisleton (correct) Hall and Kingsdale Head. It is the biggest scheme of its kind being undertaken by United Utilties.

United Utilities electricity engineer Eamon Robinson, who is managing the work, said as well as being beautiful, Kingsdale was also of great wildlife and archaeological value.

"The work is taking place at the foot of Whernside which is the highest of the Yorkshire Dales’ famous Three Peaks. It is inside the Whernside Site of Special Scientific Interest and the area is also known for its archaeological significance. We are being extremely careful," he said.

Archaeologists will keep a watching brief throughout the work, which started in July and is expected to take six months. Although the bulk of the work takes place in grassland, the new cable will need to cross Kingsdale Beck and Thornton Lane.

"These power lines have provided a vital service for isolated communities in Kingsdale for many years. The new cables will do the same job, but the landscape will look like the power lines had never been there," added Eamon.

The Kingsdale wires were selected for removal in consultation with experts from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

The Authority’s Landscape Conservation Officer, Janet Swailes, said: “We're delighted that this will be the second major undergrounding scheme to be completed by United Utilities in the Dales – the first was in upper Wensleydale, by the Moorcock Inn.

“Undergrounding of lines in upland landscapes where they are so visible crossing open countryside is particularly beneficial, enhancing the scenic qualities.”