Step this way as the Yorkshire Wolds Way turns 40.
This year marks a major milestone for the 79- mile Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail that stretches from the Humber estuary, along wooded slopes, and tranquil valleys to Filey Brigg on the Yorkshire coast.
It opened on 2 October 1982, creating a route that winds through chalk landscapes with hidden dry valleys, offering walkers stunning field top views, big skies and an abundance of wildlife, as well as thriving market towns and ancient villages.
To mark the 40th anniversary, Visit East Yorkshire has created a special section on its website for this landmark year with details of events and activities as well as showcasing some of the most scenic routes.
And new for 2022, is the Fab at Forty brochure, compiled with the help of walkers and visitors who sent in their own suggestions for their Yorkshire Wolds favourites to help celebrate the Trail turning 40.
Of course, the guide features great walks, but it also highlights everything from favourite tearooms and best places to visit on, or near, the trail, to some of the great experiences on offer.
It can be accessed online and as a printed brochure available at Beverley and Bridlington TICs and other outlets on the route in North and East Yorkshire.
Details of events and activities around the 40th anniversary, as well as the downloadable Fab at Forty brochure, can be found on Visit East Yorkshire’s National Trail anniversary website at .
But here’s just a taster of some of the top tips and suggestions, as well as the spectacular views, picked out in the guide to highlight how the Yorkshire Wolds Way is simply Fab at Forty.
Celebrating a Fabulous Forty…
The Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail was conceived by the Ramblers Association and boasts some of the most tranquil and gentle countryside in England.
Span-tastic…
The iconic Humber Bridge provides a stunning backdrop to the start of the Trail, near Hull. Once the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world, it remains the longest in the world that can be crossed on foot or by cycle.
Inspirational landscapes…
Stunning dry chalk valleys are the star of the Yorkshire Wolds Way. Discover these natural wonders on circular walks from the Trail, such as Fridaythorpe and Thixendale – made famous by former East Yorkshire resident, David Hockney, and his Three Trees Near Thixendale, painted to represent the changing seasons. Photo: Alastair Graham
Soaring delight…
In 1999, after an absence of around 150 years, Red Kites were reintroduced to the Yorkshire Wolds, and now they can be seen anywhere on the Trail, but especially between Londesborough and Thixendale.
Inspiring benches…
The six poetry benches of the Yorkshire Wolds Way are the perfect places to rest, relax and watch the world go by. Located at South Cave, Goodmanham, Huggate, Millington, West Helserton and Flixton Wold, each oak-steamed bench bears the dreamy, location-specific poetry of John Wedgwood Clarke.
Guardian warriors…
The steepest hill on the Yorkshire Wolds Way climbs from Wintringham up to Knapton Brow, but as well as spectacular views from the top, it is also home to the Enclosure Rites artwork, part of the WANDER project. Taking inspiration from ancient archaeological remains, artist Jony Easterby has carved the oak ‘guardian warriors’.
Interactive Nature…
Have fun and learn about nature in the interactive gardens at Woldies Lavender and Nature Farm set in acres of accessible Lavender fields. The Lavender is harvested and distilled here, and the oil used for Wolds Way Lavender products, including a Lavender scone!
Acorn markers…
The five-mile oak acorn way markers along the Trail remain a favourite of long-distance walkers who follow the route each year.
