WALKING EAST YORKSHIRE FESTIVAL

This September, the Yorkshire Wolds once again plays host to the 11th Walking East Yorkshire Festival brought together by tourism partners and volunteers across East Yorkshire.

Between Saturday 11 to Sunday 19 September, the festival will showcase over 100 outdoor activities, including specialist guided walks, boating, horse riding and cycling.

The focal point of the Festival this year is a trek along the Centenary Way footpath. Starting in Filey, the 83 mile route sweeps through the chalk hills of the Yorkshire Wolds, passing the WANDER project Enclosure Rites artwork at Wintringham and Wharram Percy medieval village, before finishing in the City of York. The walk will take place over seven days of the Festival, covering approximately twelve miles per day.

For those who enjoy a slightly less ambitions trek, the ramblers invite us to some taster sessions, including a coastal walk from Danes Dyke to the Flamborough Head Peninsula taking in spectacular views of the Heritage Coast Line.

Guided walks around our historic stately homes are always popular, so these have been extended to include the palladian mansion of Everingham Hall near Pocklington. Part of the Historic Houses network, we are invited to take a tour of the principal reception rooms and nearby Chapel of Saint Mary and Everilda. Sledmere House will once again be opening their doors with an informative tour of the house focusing on the history of the Sykes family. Tickets allow you access to the grounds for the entire day, which will allow you to explore the walled garden, parkland and indulge in a spot of shopping at The Woodyard, home, gift and garden store. Join one of Burton Constable’s guides on a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the Hall in rooms not usually open to the public. You can also spend the rest of the day exploring the many trails around the estate at your leisure. Wassand Hall are once again joining us to providing a tour of their 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.

Driffield Navigation Trust invite us aboard the ‘Lady Jayne’ on the Driffield Canal. The cruise takes you from Frodingham Landing southwards towards Bethells Bridge at Hempholme. Pocklington Canal Amenity Society will once again be hosting two trips aboard the ‘New Horizons’ narrowboat where you can spot wildlife along the way.

Walking the Town Beverley will be hosting their usual comprehensive list of guided history walks including Larkin about Beverley which tells the story of Philip Larkin, who was a frequent visitor to Beverley for over 30 years.

A Walk of Small Things brings to life small details that you may walk past every day and not have seen or Over 500 years of history in less than 500 steps takes you on a short history walk with masses of information about the town’s past. Those interested in the painters Fred and Mary Elwell can enjoy a walk and talk looking at the places linked to the Elwell family in Beverley and finishing off at the garden of Bar House - Fred’s home for 44 years!

Pocklington will once again be walking in the footsteps of the Pilgrimage of Grace uprising on one of its main routes, from the Wolds Heritage Centre in Warter and taking in some breath taking scenery on a route back to Pocklington.

New events to the Festival this year include an Outdoor YOGA and a soundbath experience which will be held at the Grand Lodge of Oaklands, a magical wedding venue set amongst 20 acres of beautiful woodland along the River Hull.

If it’s an evening stroll you are interested in, join the team at RSPB Bempton for a dusk walk along the white cliffs where you will be able to spot local seabirds, catch a glimpse of porpoises and spot the UK’s smallest bats with the reserve’s new bat detector!

Other Festival highlights include the popular Boots and Beer Walk along a section of the Yorkshire Wolds Way and finishing off with a buffet at Wold Top Brewery.

For those with an interest in fine wine, join the National Trails Ranger for a circular walk around South Cave finishing off at Little Wold Vineyard where you will have the opportunity to learn about the vines and indulge in a spot of wine tasting.

For ladies looking to get back in the saddle and make new friends join the Breeze Cycling Ladies on a number of taster events, taking in some pretty country roads across the East Riding and finishing off with a well-deserved refreshment break.

Other walking delights include a Wander of Wolds Wonders, The Chalk Land around Warter and the Geo park around Thixendale where you will receive an insight into the archaeology and geology of the Yorkshire Wolds.

Visit Driffield and take in a circular trod along a section of the new hugely successful Wold Ranger Way – a new 43 mile circular challenge around Driffield and the surrounding countryside, which pays homage to a nomadic tribe of farm hands living off the land on the Yorkshire Wolds.

For families, a trip to Bridlington Kite Festival is a must with vibrant kites soaring high over Sewerby Fields. You may also enjoy a guided walk through the Humber Bridge Country Park with a visit the newly opened Hessle Whiting Mill on the foreshore of the River Humber, or a children’s quiz along Beckside in Beverley created by the Beverley Ramblers.

Enjoy a do-it-yourself walk with the ‘What was here?’ App. Accessed on your smartphones, the app can be used at various locations across the East Riding to uncover past surroundings from where you are standing. This includes photography and historic maps.

From long walks to short walks and experiences not usually open to the public, immerse yourself in the Walking East Yorkshire Festival programme. Download your guide here.