East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Countryside Access Team has launched its Countryside Events 2018 programme.  From rambles and themed walks (including photography, navigation, bushcraft, geocaching and orienteering) to wildlife watching events; from Kids Go Wild events to workshops, conservation days and natural craft workshops – the programme includes something for everybody with an interest in the outdoors.

The programme also links to the council’s Active Coast initiative this year. The programme, sponsored by NHS Healthcheck, runs throughout the year.  Many events are free; others have nominal charges.

The Countryside Events programme contributes to the new campaign to Enjoy Spring in the Yorkshire Wolds, promoted by the Yorkshire Wolds Tourism Network to encourage visits to the area at a quieter time of the year. The programme runs alongside the council’s Walking for Health programme, a series of free guided walks for all ages and abilities, organised by the council’s sports, play and arts service, aimed at anyone who is interested in walking or wants to introduce exercise into their daily routine as part of rehabilitation from illness or injury, or to get fit.

The range of walks on offer range from 30 minutes to two hours, and operate from East Riding Leisure Beverley and Bridlington; Brough Methodist Church; Cottingham Sports Centre; East Riding Leisure Driffield, Goole, Haltemprice and Hornsea; Hessle Community Centre; Shire Hall, Howden; Skidby Mill; Leven Sports and Social Club; Paull St Andrew Church; Market Weighton Methodist Church; Preston Community Hall; East Riding Leisure Francis Scaife in Pocklington; Sewerby Hall and Gardens; East Riding Leisure South Cave and Withernsea; and from Welwick Village Hall.

The programme is available online at the website or a hard copy brochure is available from tourist information centres, the council’s leisure centres, libraries and customer service centres.

•As part of the Active Coast 2018 programme, a new feature this year will be Cover the Coast – ten circular walks exploring the full East Yorkshire coast in manageable sections.The walks will include the area’s key coastal villages, towns, beaches, and countryside, and a range of spectacular locations, and will range from five to 12 miles in length. The programme of walks will take place on Fridays. Booking is essential, although the walks are free of charge, and can be done online at Active Coast  or by calling (01482) 395320.