Natural England

An ex-bobby was back on an old beat today (Tuesday, 2 October) to mark the silver jubilee of one of England’s most unsung long distance trails.

The 79-mile Yorkshire Wolds Way, one of 13 National Trails overseen by Natural England, is celebrating its 25th birthday, having earned a place in the hearts of walkers who prefer the tranquility of its secluded chalk valleys and airy field tops to the hurley burley of some other, better known trails.

Ramblers, land owners, farmers and local authority officials gathered in Fridaythorpe to cut a birthday cake in its honour and toast the future with a glass of Wolds Way Ale, brewed specially for the occasion. A musical serenade was provided by the Yorkshire Wolds Versatile Brass Band, whose members live along the trail’s route and who have performed a series of anniversary concerts this summer.

Today’s milestone is a poignant moment for 82 year-old Allan Neasham, a former North Yorkshire policeman, now living in Osmotherley. He retired from the force in the 1970s, but landed on his feet by becoming a Rights of Way Officer. Soon after he was given the job of creating the Wolds route on the ground, working with his East Riding counterpart, the late Dennis Beal, also an ex-PC.

Rather than laying down the law, they trod a diplomatic path, negotiating with land owners, while trying to meet the aspirations of walkers, seeking greater access to the countryside. Partly thanks to their efforts, over the past 25 years thousands of people have enjoyed exploring the once hidden gems of this timeless landscape. Amongst the most unconventional is Alan Bailey, 54, from Boroughbridge. He vowed to show that disabled people can also enjoy the countryside by completing much of the trail in his mobility scooter two years ago. He joined in today’s celebrations by completing a 1.6 mile loop along the trail with other walkers.

Linking Hessle on the Humber Estuary with Filey Brigg, the Yorkshire Wold Way was first proposed by the East Yorkshire and Derwent branch of the Ramblers Association in 1967. It was approved in principle within a year, but it took until 1982 to be officially established.

Peter Nottage, Regional Director for Natural England, said:

“This is a great day for everyone connected with one of Britain’s most magical National Trails. Its creation owed a lot to the vision of the Ramblers Association who first suggested the route, but also to the many land owners, local communities and other people who made a dream into a reality. They can be justly proud of their achievement.”

Originally called The Wolds Way, the route was the 10th National Trail to be created, following in the wake of paths like the Pennine Way (1965) and Cleveland Way (1969). An estimated 800 people hike the full length each year, although many thousands more enjoy shorter sections.

The Yorkshire Wolds Way remains the least visited of England’s National Trails. But for many, that’s a blessing. Amongst its highlights are Wharram Percy, the nation’s finest deserted medieval village, and the Humber Bridge, the most spectacular modern man-made structure on any National Trail.

NOTES TO EDITOR

Maintaining the Yorkshire Wolds Way is the responsibility of a partnership of agencies, including Natural England, local authorities, voluntary bodies, landowners and tenants and local communities.

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the well being and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings. We increase opportunities to make the natural environment an enriching part of people’s everyday lives, and improve its long term security by contributing to the sustainable management of our natural resources. To find out more visit www.naturalengland.org.uk

Issued on behalf of Natural England by Richard Darn, Government News Network, Yorkshire and the Humber. Tel: 0113 341 3176