The 13th Walking East Yorkshire Festival is set to take place this September, with towns across our region hosting events.
In Hornsea, a history walk will go from the seafront to Hornsea Museum, while Withernsea will have a walk setting off from the Lighthouse with a private viewing on the return.
This year marks the Year of the Coast and, to celebrate, there will be a two-day 24-mile coastal walk along a new section of the King Charles III England Coast Path between Bridlington and Filey. The walk will afford spectacular coastal views along the heritage coastline.
There will also be a chance to enjoy outdoor yoga, or a fossil walk facilitated by East Riding Council’s Active Coast team.
Alternatively, people can head down to Spurn Point for a guided walk, check out the annual Migfest organised by Spurn Observatory, or join RSPB Bempton cliffs for a dusk walk.
The council’s Countryside Access team has come together with Experience Community to facilitate disabled rambles along the Yorkshire Wolds Way, suitable for mountain trikes and assisted wheelchairs. The festival’s first-ever ebikes event will be a mainly off-road ride along the Hornsea Rail Trail to Burton Constable Hall.
For those who prefer a countryside walk, the festival will include the North Wolds Walk, a 20-mile circuit in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds which takes in some breathtaking scenery across hidden valleys, pastures and plantations.
For a slightly less ambitious walk, local walking groups such as the Ramblers and Windmill Walkers offer some “have a go” sessions along shorter routes.
Wassand Hall, near Hornsea, will be providing a tour of the regency house, finishing off with a walk exploring the woodlands and arboretum, with views across Hornsea Mere. Secrets of Sewerby Hall and Gardens offers a rich history tour of the hall and grounds.
Pocklington Canal will once again be hosting two trips aboard the New Horizons narrowboat with a chance to spot wildlife along the waterway. Alternatively, the festival will be taking its first charter on the Sun barge leaving from Beverley Beck up the river Hull.
New events to the festival this year include an open weekend at Frith Farm in Beverley, a chance to get involved with this local producer, while people can explore Hull’s maritime history with a guided tour of the city centre exploring its past and present. Beverley Minster is treating visitors to hidden spaces and secret places tours of the church, including a roof tour, a visit to the west tower and a look around the secret garden – not usually open to visitors.
Other festival highlights include the popular Boots and Beer Walk visiting Wold Top Brewery, Wild Food Foraging and Nordic Walking. Geo-Park walks will head out from Warter or Flamborough Head where walkers will be treated to facts about local geology and the archaeology of these landscapes.
Councillor Nick Coultish, portfolio holder for culture, leisure, and tourism, said: “The Walking East Yorkshire Festival offers an unrivalled programme right across the county, for people of all ages and abilities. What a great chance to get out and about and explore the East Riding this September and learn and have fun at the same time.”
The Walking East Yorkshire Festival programme is available to download at walkingeastyorkshirefestival.co.uk.
For any further information, including event bookings, contact Beverley Tourist Information Centre on 01482 391672 or email [email protected].
