From unlocking secret art to ‘boots and beer’ treks and a “Hockney Country’ ramble, plus the chance to walk two long-distance routes over new daily stages, the ninth Yorkshire Wolds Walking and Outdoors Festival looks set to be the biggest yet.
This September one of Britain’s top walking spots aims to showcase plenty more besides during the nine-day annual festival featuring everything from nature safaris, strolls around historic stately homes and vineyard walks to fungi forays, ghost walks and bike rides.
Celebrating the picturesque landscape and rich heritage of the Yorkshire Wolds, this East Yorkshire Festival (7-15 September 2019) aims to offer something for serious walkers and bikers as well as those looking for a leisurely ambles or even have a go at something new, from sailing to horse riding.
Join Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for a walk along Yorkshire’s very own ‘Land’s End’, Spurn Point; stroll through history in the Minster town of Beverley; have a go at horse riding with a one hour countryside trek, or new for 2019, join the crew of early 20th century trading vessels the Humber Keel ‘Comrade’ or the Humber Sloop ‘Amy Howson’ for a sailing on the River Humber.
Whether you are a serious cyclist or prefer a leisurely ride, the Festival features a host of opportunities to make the most of the rolling Yorkshire Wolds countryside and coast using two wheels, including ‘Big Skies Bike Rides’, a selection of circular day rides (17 to 24 miles) across the Yorkshire Wolds on quiet country lanes and cycle paths, and the 146 mile Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route, taking in a variety of scenery from the dramatic cliffs of Flamborough Head to medieval Beverley.
Alternatively, try Whitby and the North York Moors for a wild walking experience.
Unlock Secret Art along the Yorkshire Wolds Way and discover poetry and paintings in the landscape, thanks to an inspirational project using an app to reveal the hidden art of the Yorkshire Wolds.
Discover a little bit of ‘Hockney Country’ on an eight-mile walk around the village of Warter, which also features a subject of a famous painting by David Hockney – ‘Bigger Trees’ near Dalton Gate Cottage. The Yorkshire Wolds provided the inspiration for a series of paintings that span 50 years of Hockney’s fascination with the area.
For those who like a tipple with their strolling, there’s ‘Walking and Wine at Little Wold Vineyard’, home to over 2000 vines, where you can join the owner for a tour of the vineyard, while the ever-popular ‘Boots and Beer Walk’ returns, with the chance to sample award winning beers at Wold Top Brewery.
Read all about Beverley in Mark Bibby Jackson’s: Beverley Minster and a Tale of Two Markets.
And for some serious walking, the Festival provides an opportunity to tackle long distance routes in daily stages, led by expert guides and with coach transport to and from the start and finish of daily walks. The Minster Way – a 50-mile route that links the two medieval Minsters of York and Beverley – can be walked over five days (6-10 September). Or there is the chance to walk the Headland Way, a 20-mile route runs from Filey to Bridlington, over two consecutive days. Booking is essential for both, and there will be a charge to cover coach transport.
For the full Festival programme, costs and all booking details, as well as more details about things to do and where to stay, visit www.theyorkshirewolds.com.
