It’s the time of year when, across many countries, we celebrate International Trails Day. Here in England and Wales this year, we’re celebrating with a Trail Tribute to thank everyone involved in looking after the trails. We want people to share photos, memories, stories and thank yous to all the people who help make the trails what they are.
On our four National Trails which run through Yorkshire, we have many people to thank for all their efforts.
The Cleveland Way would not be the high-quality path it is without our volunteers, who tirelessly give up their time to join us on the path and get stuck into its maintenance. Building steps, setting back fences due to coastal erosion, cutting back scrub, installing signs and gates – the list of activities is endless and the enthusiasm they bring gives us all a real lift. On the Yorkshire Wolds Way, teams from the Ramblers Association love to get stuck in and make the trail the lovely experience it is.
Photo Gallery
Volunteers also play a vital role in the maintenance of the Pennine Way and Pennine Bridleway. They regularly get involved in all sorts of work, from controlling vegetation and installing way marking to drainage and surfacing works and fencing and repairing gates. The time they give and experience they bring are invaluable in helping maintain the trails at their high standard and ensuring everyone using the trails has the best experience possible.
We also have businesses who donate funds to help to make our trails so special. Of course, beer and walking have long been a happy partnership and so it’s no surprise that we have official beers to support our trails. Have you tried any? On the Cleveland Way, it’s “Striding the Riding” from Helmsley Brewery; on the Yorkshire Wolds Way, seek out “Wolds Way” from Wold Top Brewery; finally, on the Pennine Way, look for “Pennine Ambler” from Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery. It was thanks to a donation from Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery, along with volunteers helping to carry out the work, that a section of the Pennine Way could be repaired at Hardraw in the Yorkshire Dales last year.
There’s also the wonderful support we get from running events. In particular, we have Hardmoors, run by Jon and Shirley Steele, to thank for their help on the Cleveland Way and Yorkshire Wolds Way, With a £1 donation from every entry to Hardmoors events, we were able to buy a vehicle for the Cleveland Way Maintenance Ranger.
We are extremely grateful for all the donations we receive from all the events on the Pennine Way and Pennine Bridleway too. These generous donations from participants and organisers go towards the many maintenance projects that are identified on each trail each year and all help towards ensuring the trails are kept in the best possible condition for everyone to enjoy.
Why not share your thoughts on why you’re grateful for our Yorkshire National Trails?
