Yorkshire’s sea and landscapes get into your heart and soul and there are few better ways to enjoy them then by walking.
Marsden-born Simon Armitage walked “wrong way round” the 256-mile long Pennine Way. He also completed it alone and without money, relying instead on poetry readings given en route to supply him with some cash and bed and board.
His experiences formed his book Walking Home.
The landscape inspires him. “Occasionally you go to find yourself and you get lost. You go there for comfort sometimes and you get challenged.
“Sometimes you find solace and contemplation,” said Armitage, now Poet Laureate.
The late Ted Hughes was born in Mytholmroyd and, as well as being Poet Laureate, found inspiration in the county’s landscape. The collection Remains of Elmet is about the ancient landscape of rural Yorkshire.
We take a look at countryside and coast walks.
1. Coastal Walk - Flamborough Head
The coastline with its white, rugged cliffs provides great hiking opportunities, looping around windswept paths which prove to be a great spot for bird watching. Photo: James Hardisty
2. Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay
This linear walk along the coast displays incredible views of the bay and the sea.
The beauty of this walk is that you can join and finish wherever you like. Photo: James Hardisty
3. North Bay to South Bay, Scarborough
You can start anywhere on the north side including Scalby Mills and the Sea Life Centre and walk across the sands or promenade, around the Marine Drive and to South Bay and Scarborough Spa and Holbeck rocks - or vice versa. Starting at Scalby Mills and ending at the Spa is four miles.
Stop and take a breather at Freddie Gilroy and the Belsen Stragglers – a statue by sculptor Ray Lonsdale which overlooks North Bay. Many people stop for a selfie. Photo: Gerard Binks
4. Waterside Walks - Ardsley Reservoir
A four-mile loop trail located near Wakefield that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels.
The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. Photo: James Hardisty
5. Bingley Five Rise Locks
From Crossflatts to Bingley along the canal towpath, this family and pram friendly walk is ideal to discover the Five and Three Rise Locks of Bingley.
Finish with a nice stroll into town.
Beckfoot and back by the River Aire in Bingley Beckfoot Packhorse Bridge is a special place along the River Aire. This easy short walk will show you most of the features along the river. Look out for wildlife and fish. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
6. Walks in Stages - View of Staithes from the Cleveland Way
The Cleveland Way National Trail is a 109 mile walking route starting from the market town of Helmsley, across the moorland of the North York Moors National Park,
before reaching the coast at Saltburn-by-the-Sea. From here it’s a visual feast along the North Yorkshire coastline to Filey, passing old fishing villages and lively coastal
towns.
It runs through the smuggler’s village of Robin Hood’s Bay and the resorts Scarborough and Whitby. Photo: Tony Johnson