Put your best boot forward

It might be the season of goodwill to all men, sweet sherry and the inevitable Downton Christmas special, but according to the Ramblers, December is also the perfect month to make the most of some of Yorkshire’s most dramatic and picturesque scenery.

From today until the end of the first week in January, the organisation is offering an open invite for non-members to join its Festival of Winter Walks. Volunteers across the county are hoping to share their own love of the great outdoors and there are already dozens of events planned from Richmond in the north to Wentworth in the south.

“With hundreds of walks led by experienced volunteers the Christmas holidays are a great time to explore the best scenery this country has to offer,” says Simon Barnett, director of walking programmes and promotions at the Ramblers. “All walks are free and there’ll be something to suit everyone, whether that be a short jaunt round a picturesque village, a gentle ramble perfect for children or a more strenuous hillside trek. There is so much on offer, that there is really no excuse to stay indoors.”

A Solstice Saunter

Date and time: Today, 10.30am

Distance: Five miles

Meeting point: Junction of Back Station Road/Station Road, Mirfield, WF14 8NF.
(grid reference: SE 203 194)

With yesterday marking the winter solstice, make the most of the December daylight with this moderate amble around Mirfield. The walk will take in a saunter along the canal and past various churches and if it does prove too strenuous, there will be the opportunity at the end to raise a lunchtime glass of festival cheer at the Navigation Inn. 07790 480058.

Saddleworth Edges

Date and time: December 23, 10am.

Distance: 13 miles

Meeting point: Dovestone Reservoir (grid reference SE 013 035)

Be prepared, this will get your muscles working, but on the plus side it will leave you feeling virtuous ahead of Christmas. The walk will set off towards Birchin Clough, up the side of a stream, which organisers admit can be a little tricky to negotiate, back along the edge to Chew Reservoir and around Alphin Stone and back. As a reward, there will be the chance for a pot of tea or something stronger in a reasonably priced pub.

If you intend to join the walk call 07743 947 075 or email [email protected] by 12pm today.

Christmas Day in Haworth

Date and time: December 25, 10.15am

Distance: Five miles

Meeting point: Haworth Station 
(grid reference: SE 035 373)

Perfect both for those who want to escape the festivities and those keen to work up an appetite before lunch. A free vintage bus will depart from the station to take walkers five miles along the picturesque Worth Way. What better way to celebrate Christmas 2012 than a morning in Brontë country?

Walk off the Christmas Pudding

Date and time: December 26, 9.30am

Distance: Two to three miles.

Meeting point: Holy Trinity Church, Thorpe Hesley. 
(grid reference SK 379 959)

The idea of a lie in Boxing Day sounds appealing, but those with young children know it’s unlikely. However, if you want to distract them from their new games consoles for a couple of hours, then head to Thorpe Hesley in Rotherham. The Ramblers have organised what they promise will be an easy and short Boxing Day walk, which will be perfect for young children.

Boxing Day on Roseberry Topping

Date and time: December 26, 11am.

Distance: Seven miles

Meeting point: Great Ayton (grid reference NZ 557 106)

The perfect time of year to take in the splendour of Captain Cook country. 
The walk will head out of Great Ayton towards the monument to Yorkshire’s famous explorer before sweeping 
round to approach Roseberry Topping from the north-east. Having ascended the summit, a touch over 400m, and taking in some of the sights across North Yorkshire and Cleveland, the group will descend back into Great Ayton for some well-earned refreshment. Organisers expect the walk to last three hours.

Boxing Day Walk

Date and time: December 26, 10.30am.

Distance: Nine miles

Meeting point: Gilling West, Richmondshire. (grid reference NZ 183 052)

A little bit of a lucky dip as the walk leader will decide on a route dependent on the weather. What he will say is that the 
route will be a maximum of nine miles and while there might be an odd steep ascent it will be generally moderate.

To check details nearer the time call 01833 630640.

Fountains Abbey

Date and time: December 27, 10am.

Distance: Seven miles

Meeting point: West car park of Fountains Abbey 
(grid reference SE 271 685)

This moderate walk will begin in the shadow of Britain’s largest monastic ruin and most complete Cistercian abbey before taking a well-marked path across the nearby fields. The destination is Markenfield Hall, one of the finest surviving early 14th-century English country houses. For more details call 01845 523613.

Walk in the Yorkshire Wolds

Date: December 30, 10am.

Distance: Eight miles.

Meeting point: Warter car park, Beverley (grid reference SE 842 611)

A moderate eight mile walk across the Yorkshire Wolds. From the historic market town of Beverley, the route will head out across the gently rolling hills and into the heart of David Hockney country.

Glaisdale to Whitby

Date and time: December 30, 10.30am.

Distance: 12 miles

Meeting point: Bank Hill Farm Hostel, Glaisdale (grid reference NZ 767 037)

It might be long, but organisers promise it won’t be too strenuous. From Glaisdale the route will pick up the Esk Valley Walk to Whitby. The group hope to stop at one of Whitby’s many watering holes for a swift sherry before taking a taxi back to the hostel. If you want to join the walk call 0775 1335 426 so the organisers can arrange return transport in advance.


Chatsworth Ramble

Date and time: January 6, 9am.

Distance: To be confirmed

Meeting point: Farm Foods car park, Memorial Avenue, Worksop.

The walk will take in the grounds of Chatsworth, the impressive stately home and seat of the Duke of Devonshire, before heading on to Baslow, Yeld Moor, Gardoms Edge, Chatsworth Woods and Moor. For more details email [email protected] or [email protected]

Galloping Gut Royd

Date: December 30, 10am.

Distance: 11 miles.

Starting point: Withens Clough Reservoir car park, one mile west of 
Cragg Vale, HX7 5TD. 
(grid reference SD 987 233)

There’s no getting away from it, this looks set to be one of the more strenuous walks in this year’s festival programmes, with even the organisers admitting it might be a “little rough going”. However, it will take in some spectacular scenery and it shouldn’t trouble seasoned walkers too much, just bring waterproofs and a picnic.

New Year’s Day Hangover Walk

Date and time: January 1, 10.30am

Distance: Five miles

Meeting point: Main car park, Wentworth village, near Rotherham 
(grid reference SK 387 981)

This promises to be a gentle 
introduction to 2013, at least for those can make it to the meeting point in time. An easy, short walk around the village which despite being on the doorstep of industrial South Yorkshire has escaped major development and remains a welcome rural retreat.

A Walk from Aberford

Date and time: January 2, 10am.

Distance: 10 miles.

Meeting point: Arabian Horse, Aberford Main Street. 
(grid reference SE 434 374)

While just a short drive from the Leeds, Aberford feels a world away from the 
heart of the city and open countryside is a short stroll away. Organisers promise a moderate route and dogs are welcome provided they are kept on a lead at all times.

A Silsden Saunter

Date and time: January 6, 10.30am.

Distance: Five miles.

Meeting point: Belton Road, Silsden (grid reference SE 041 457)

Billed as an ideal winter walk, it will follow a circular route of the town on the northern slope of the Aire Valley between Keighley and Skipton. Organisers say the walk is suitable for young children, but please wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and bring something tasty for the break. Well-behaved dogs are permitted on this walk

For more details of all the walks available during the festival go to www.ramblers.org.uk/winterwalks