Get outdoors and have fun this summer, from discovering your beautiful local nature reserves, to exploring the breath-taking Yorkshire Wolds.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s countryside access team has come up with these ideas to help you make the most of the county’s great outdoors:
Local nature reserves, rail trails and picnic areas – Free
These are great places for all countryside explorers, ideal for relaxing with family and friends or as a starting point for a bigger adventure. Discover 11 local nature reserves, four rail trails, four rural picnic areas as well as open access land and other green space too. Find your nearest and get information about facilities, downloadable trails, reserve guides & maps at: eastridingcoastandcountryside.co.uk
Countryside events
Enjoy an outdoor event with the countryside access team this summer. Go pond dipping, bug hunting and butterfly watching on a Kids Go Wild event. This year more self-guided trails and art activities will allow families to spend time together while keeping a safe distance from others. Join Rusticus performers at their Magical Kingdom at the Humber Bridge Country Park in August. Each Kids Go Wild event costs £2.50 for children, with accompanying adults free. Event details and booking info at: eastridingcoastandcountryside.co.uk/whats-on/
Walking the Riding – Free
Do you want a quieter outdoor experience? Take a stroll from your doorstep or wander the Yorkshire Wolds further afield. Visit the Walking the Riding web page for one of the tried and tested routes (300+), or use the interactive map to plan your own. Download a map and route description at walkingtheriding.co.uk
Explore the Yorkshire Wolds Way – Free
Fancy a stroll along the Yorkshire Wolds Way? Why not try it this year with the top 10 fantastic days out: www.top10trails.com
Treasure Trails – From £9.99
Treasure Trails are a brilliant way to explore and learn more about the place you live. There are trails around the Humber Bridge Country Park and Danes Dyke. Or try the trails at Flamborough, Bridlington, Driffield, Hornsea, Pocklington, Market Weighton, Warter, Beverley, Brough, Elloughton, Howden, Stamford Bridge and Holme on Spalding Moor. Visit www.treasuretrails.co.uk/ for more information and to find trails near you.
Geocaching – Free
Geocaching is a free, fun way to explore new places or to take a different look at places you already know. It’s a bit like a high-tech treasure hunt that anyone can join. Looking for geocaches takes you on a journey of discovery, often to places you didn’t know existed. All you need is a smart phone or a handheld GPS device. There are caches all over the world. How many can you find in the Yorkshire Wolds? To find out more and have a go, just get the free app: geocaching.com/play/mobile
What Was Here? – Free
Download the free What Was Here? app and discover the past of the East Yorkshire region with historical photos and maps. Use the base map to find historical photos that were taken near your location and compare the past with the present using your phone or tablet. Visit whatwashere.org/ for more information.
School’s Out
Parents and carers looking for fun and active ways of keeping their children entertained during the summer holidays should look no further than the Active East Riding #SchoolsOut website. This year’s School’s Out programme can be found online at www.activeeastriding.co.uk. Click on #SchoolsOut to find a whole host of exciting and entertaining activities for children of all ages and abilities.
Bev Hylton, senior countryside access officer at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This summer is the perfect time to explore these local nature reserves, rail trails and the Yorkshire Wolds Way. Grab a picnic and have a wonderful time outdoors. It doesn’t have to cost the earth!”
