Yorkshire's ten best spring walks

Well before the weather turned spring-like butterflies were already on the wing in the Yorkshire Wolds, the first bluebell shoots pushed through woodland floors in Wharfedale and seabirds began returning from the Atlantic to nest on the vertiginous chalk cliffs at Flamborough.
Looking across to Pen-y-Ghent. Picture: Bruce RollinsonLooking across to Pen-y-Ghent. Picture: Bruce Rollinson
Looking across to Pen-y-Ghent. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

But it’s only when blustery days give way to gentle sunshine that many of us start catching up with what nature has known for weeks: that winter has ended and the cycle of renewal is underway.

So here are ten great walks to witness this 
annual miracle. They offer heart-gladdening opportunities to see the biggest display of wild daffodils in the North, a colony of red squirrels in a remote Yorkshire Dale, the sight of great crested grebes performing their elaborate courtship display, grass snakes sunning themselves on one of the north’s last lowland heaths... and much, much more.

Most walks are accessible by public transport. For times visit www.traveline.info or call 0871 2002233.