Natural England

Big skies, a deserted medieval village and the pub where Dick Turpin enjoyed his final night of freedom!

They are just some of the spectacular charms awaiting walkers on the 79 mile Yorkshire Wolds Way, according to a stunning free booklet published today by Natural England.

Called Top Trails in Yorkshire, the publication aims to encourage more folks to stay healthy by exploring the scenic route from Hessle to Filey Brigg, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. Other articles are devoted to the region’s three other National Trails: the Pennine Way, Pennine Bridleway and the Cleveland Way.

The free booklet is available from Tourist Information Centres and many other outlets as part of a major push to get more folks to hit the trail – on foot and in the saddle. Malcolm Hodgson, National Trails Officer for the Yorkshire Wolds Way, explained:
"Nowhere enjoys such a feast of outdoor possibilities for walkers, bikers and horse riders than Yorkshire. But you don’t have to walk all of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, or trek for three weeks along the Pennine Way. You can dip in and out of the trails to your heart’s content. And this booklet is a great starting point for anyone contemplating a visit. It’s packed with articles on wildlife viewing, route suggestions, romantic ruins encountered along the way and practical help, such as bike hire outlets and advice on nutrition."

Malcolm is in a pretty good position to give advice. Every year the 42 year-old dons his walking boots and treks the entire length of the Yorkshire Wolds route and the Cleveland Way, which both meet at Filey Brigg. He notes their condition and works with national park rangers and local authority highways departments to keep them in good condition.

Highlights of the Yorkshire Wolds Way include the village of Welton, where 18th century highwayman Dick Turpin was captured in the Green Dragon pub, and the haunting ruins of Wharram Percy, the nation’s best preserved deserted medieval settlement.

Funded by Natural England, the National Trails network is a major post-war success story. The first route - the Pennine Way - was opened in 1965 and now an estimated 12 million people use the 14 trails in England and Wales each year.

Writers penning their own impressions of the Yorkshire trails in the new publication include Sheffield-based David Else, editor of the Lonely Planet’s “Walking in Britain” guide and Paddy Dillon, who has over 40 guidebooks to his name. Adding his own take on the unique landscape is top Yorkshire photographer, Joe Cornish.

Peter Nottage, Regional Director for Natural England, said:>br> "The National Trails provide a fantastic opportunity to explore and leave the car behind. They comprise a host of tracks and pathways linked together to make them as varied and attractive as possible. Some parts may be centuries old, others are new rights of way. Our new Top Trails booklet has all the information you need. It’s an open invitation to indulge your senses in Yorkshire’s exhilarating landscape and give yourself a lift in mind, body and spirit."

The booklet can also be ordered from North York Moors National Park, The Old Vicarage, Bondgate, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5BP. Tel: 01439 770657

For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk