Walking East Yorkshire Festival 9 – 22 September, 2023

This September, the Yorkshire Wolds will play host to the 13th Walking East Yorkshire Festival, brought together by tourism partners and volunteers across East Yorkshire.

2023 marks the ‘Year of the Coast’ and to celebrate there will be a two-day 24-mile coastal walk along a new section of the ‘King Charles III England Coast Path’ between Bridlington and Filey. The walk will afford spectacular coastal views along the heritage coastline.

There will also be a chance to enjoy outdoor Yoga or a Fossil walk facilitated by the council’s Active Coast team. Alternatively head down to Spurn Point for a guided walk along this stunning peninsula, check out the annual Migfest organised by Spurn Observatory, or join RSPB Bempton cliffs for a dusk walk.

For those who prefer a countryside walk, the Festival will include the North Wolds Walk, a 20-mile circuit in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds which takes in some breathtaking scenery across hidden valleys, pastures and plantations.

For a slightly less ambitions walk, local walking groups such as the Ramblers and Windmill Walkers offer some ‘have a go’ sessions along shorter routes.

The Vale of Snaith action group have put together a comprehensive walking programme for this year’s festival, to celebrate the 800th anniversary of being granted its Market Charter. Join them for a Heritage celebration walk or a Boots and Breweries walk, finishing off with a delicious savoury buffet.

Guided walks around historic stately homes in the area are always popular. A short walk from Snaith will take participants to Carlton Towers where they will be greeted with tea and cakes in the banqueting hall, followed by an informative tour. Wassand Hall will be 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.

Pocklington Canal will once again be hosting two trips aboard the New Horizons narrowboat with a chance to spot wildlife along this scenic waterway. Alternatively, the Festival will be taking its first charter on the Sun Barge leaving from Beverley Beck up the river Hull.

Walking the Town Beverley guided history walks include When Beverley made a big splash – a walk and talk on the history of shipbuilding along the river Hull. Beverley has talent! will inform participants of those residents who have made their mark on Beverley or there will be the Quiet Gardens of Beverley - 10 different gardens dotted around the town centre, each with its own history.

Pocklington & District local history group will be kicking off the 2023 festival on Friday, 8 September with a circular town stroll pointing out sites, stories and characters of the town’s pubs and breweries, past and present. The Hornsea history walk will go from the seafront to Hornsea Museum, whilst Driffield are hosting their Horsehair Jack Trod, a hugely successful walk around a section of the Wolds Rangers way. Withernsea have a walk setting off from the Lighthouse with a private viewing on the return. Those who enjoy a tale or two should book on to the Market Weighton storytelling walk.

Heritage Open Days have once again teamed up with the Walking Festival to offer walks in Goole, focusing on the Victorian and Edwardian era and Goole’s cinemas, theatres and clubs.

Two award-winning vineries also have events planned - Laurel Vines are putting on a vineyard tour, wine tasting and picnic, or there will be a chance to enjoy a walk on the Yorkshire Wolds Way from Little Wold Vineyard with wine tasting and nibbles on the return.

New events to the festival this year include an open weekend at Frith Farm in Beverley, a chance to get involved with this local producer. Stamford Bridge invites Festivalgoers to a Walk and Talk about the Battle of Stamford Bridge, including a private viewing of the 1066 tapestry. Explore Hull’s maritime history with a guided tour of the city centre exploring its past and present.

Beverley Minster is treating visitors to hidden spaces and secret places tours of the church, including a roof tour, a visit to the west tower and a peep around the secret garden – not usually open to visitors. The council’s Countryside Access team have come together with Experience Community to facilitate disabled rambles along the Yorkshire Wolds Way, suitable for mountain trikes and assisted wheelchairs. Why not get involved in the Festival’s first ever Ebikes event and enjoy a mainly off-road ride along the Hornsea Rail Trial to Burton Constable Hall.

Other festival highlights include the popular Boots and Beer Walk visiting Wold Top Brewery, Wild Food Foraging and Nordic Walking. Geo-park walks will head out from Warter or Flamborough Head where walkers will be treated to facts about local geology and the archaeology of these landscapes. 

Ladies looking to get back in the saddle and make new friends will be able to 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.

Councillor Nick Coultish, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “The Walking East Yorkshire Festival offers an unrivalled programme right across the county, for people of all ages and abilities. What a great chance to get out and about and explore the East Riding this September, and learn and have fun at the same time!”

Including long walks, short walks and experiences not usually open to the public, get the Walking East Yorkshire Festival programme, available to download at www.walkingeastyorkshirefestival.co.uk

For any further queries, including event bookings, please contact Beverley Tourist Information Centre on 01482 391672 or email beverley.tic@eastriding.gov.uk