Natural England

Natural England is urging people to walk, bike and ride to the hills to discover some of Yorkshire’s most ravishing scenery!

A stunning free booklet is published today extolling the charms of the 270 mile Pennine Way and the rapidly expanding Pennine Bridleway - the first purpose-built trail of its kind for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers.

Called Top Trails in Yorkshire, the publication aims to encourage more folks to stay healthy by exploring the routes, which run along the spine of northern England. Other articles are devoted to Yorkshire’s two other National Trails: the 110 mile Cleveland Way and the 79 mile Yorkshire Wolds 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, explained:
"Nowhere enjoys such a feast of outdoor possibilities for walkers, bikers and horse riders than Yorkshire. But you don’t have to trek for 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."

The booklet eulogises about the 10 mile Settle Loop off the Pennine Bridleway, perfect for bikers who like their scenery on an epic scale. Sheffield-based David Else, editor of the Lonely Planet’s “Walking in Britain” guide, also pens his own reflections on a journey along the Pennine Way, which was the nation’s first National Trail when it opened in 1965. Since then the National Trails network, funded by Natural England, has become a major post-war success story. An estimated 12 million people use the 14 routes in England and Wales each year.

Peter Nottage, Regional Director for Natural England, said:
"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