Scarves, skies and clifftop strolls - go wild this winter in the Yorkshire Nature Triangle

Three handy new outdoor guides have been launched to help people make the most of a wild day, weekend or week out in East Yorkshire this winter.

Guides for visiting the coast, Wolds and Humber are packed with fun, low cost suggestions. They include walks on the Yorkshire Wolds Way to watch red kites, seal and short eared owl spotting from coastal footpaths on Flamborough Headland as well as wildlife watching from cosy, heated hides.

The Yorkshire Nature Triangle is one of the UK’s best places to watch wildlife and has a stunning coastline which runs from Filey to Spurn point, via Flamborough’s dramatic Headland. It’s an established hotspot for bird watchers to enjoy seasonal bird migrations and nationally important nature reserves can be found along the Humber and across to the Lower Derwent Valley. The Yorkshire Wolds Way is one of the UK’s 16 National Trails and walkers can enjoy historic and scenic landscapes, with stunning views across the Vale of York. 

Helen Jones, Nature Tourism Manager at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust said;

“East Yorkshire is still one of the UK’s best kept wildlife secrets. With dramatic coastline, rolling hills and a mighty estuary, it features a vast array of amazing places to watch wildlife or take a stroll all year round. We’ve created these concise and colourful guides so people can easily discover more places and be inspired to stay longer in the area or return to experience the wonders of another season – there’s something for all ages and ability. It might be cold outside but winter is still a wonderful time to enjoy the very best of East Yorkshire’s wildlife and wild places.”

Best places to watch wildlife:-

Yorkshire Water’s Tophill Low reserve is open all year for people to enjoy over 50 different species from a cosy hide complete with log burner and hot drinks counter. It’s one of East Yorkshire’s only places to watch spectacular starling murmurations.
Look out for barn owls, short eared owls, stoats and weasels hunting in daylight on Flamborough and Bempton Cliffs.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s North Cave Wetlands is a former quarry and winter wildfowl wonder – all viewable from several accessible hides and platforms.

Best beaches for winter sea-air:-

Bracing Bridlington – Enjoy a peaceful promenade stroll or venture onto the beach in search of fossils.
Enjoy long shoreline walks on the five miles of golden sands at Filey Bay – The Times Beach of the Year 2018 - or nearby Hunmanby Gap.
Hornsea has a long golden beach and pretty town centre – it marks the eastern end of the Trans Pennine Trail.

Best views:-

Blow away winter cobwebs with a clifftop stroll of Flamborough Cliffs.  Look out for bobbing seals and harbour porpoises causing a splash. 
Cosy up in Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s new Discovery Centre at Spurn for stunning views from picture windows across the point and Humber Estuary. Wrap up and venture to the newly renovated lighthouse – the tallest in Northern England – for 360 degree views throughout the year.
Dark skies - on a clear night, wrap up warm and head outside to enjoy some dark sky gazing in the peace and tranquillity of the Wolds.

Best walks:-

The Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail has several circular try a trial options and there are walks for all abilities including woodland at Welton as well as in Settrington, Market Weighton and Thixendale.
Looking for a local walk? The Walking the Riding website has a huge selection including walks along Pocklington Canal, around Beverley and villages across east Yorkshire.  
Wrap up warm and fill your lungs with fresh air on the seven mile walk at Spurn Point or board a Spurn Safari event, which run throughout the holidays.

The guides have been published by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust-led Nature Triangle project to encourage more visitors to the area throughout the year.