The beauty of Yorkshire (from moors to valleys)
Yorkshire is one of England’s largest counties, spanning east to west and north! It’s home to two National Parks (plus part of another one), a stunning coast and several historic cities. Plus forms one of the two counties on Wainwright’s coast-to-coast walk (the other one is Cumbria).
Cold and windy, what this county lacks in sunshine is made up with wonderful wildness – from heather moorlands and stunning cliffs, to birds of prey and hardy wildlife! The people are pretty tough too!
This county has a rich history of writing and art. It’s where former poet Laureate Ted Hughes is from, as is the present one Simon Armitage. It’s obviously all those stunning nature walks through the Dales to little seaside villages, which makes for romantic inspiration!
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and toxic plants/trees). And on leads during nesting season (and near animals).
If you find a sheep on its back it must be helped immediately. Gently roll it away from you to right it back up. Then stay with the sheep until it recovers and rain has drained off wool.
At the coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park
This features spectacular valleys, hills, stone walls and old traditional villages – the scenery shaped by rivers and limestone to produce dramatic rocky formations, caves and waterfalls.
A haven for walkers, especially Malham Cove and Aysgarth Falls.
The North York Moors National Park
This is known for its wide open rolling hills, combining peaceful countryside with a dramatic coastline. It’s particularly beautiful in late summer, when the purple heather is in full bloom.
The River Wharfe
The river Wharfe winds for 65 miles through the heart of Yorkshire, beginning in the village of Buckden, then flowing through beautiful countryside, before joining the River Ouse. It’s home to otters, kingfishers and herons, plus rare wildflowers and mosses that thrive on the limestone edges.
Avoid The Strid, a dangerous gorge where freezing water can rise 5 feet in minutes (underwater caverns have a 100% mortality rate).
Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast Walk
This begins in the Cumbrian seaside village of St Bees and goes through Cumbria and Yorkshire until you paddle your toes in the sea, when you reach the East Yorkshire village of Robin Hood’s Bay.
It’s one of England’s most popular long-distance walks, and will take you a couple of weeks, stopping off at pubs or bed-and-breakfasts along the way.
The Humber Bridge (connects to Lincolnshire)
This is a well-known suspension bridge that only opened in 1981, and connects East Yorkshire to North Lincolnshire, carrying thousands of vehicles across the estuary each day.
Now a popular landmark due to its size and impressive views over the surrounding countryside and water – visitors can also walk or cycle along the bridge, to take in scenery from Humber Bridge Country Park.
