Column: Get out and walk to boost well-being

Anyone got the sense of deja vu?

Here we go again with another lockdown and, might I add, a necessary one as the preservation of lives and control of coronavirus has to be our collective number one aim.

As health, well-being and mindfulness are at the forefront of everyone’s minds at the moment, it’s been great to see a real positive in the amazing response and reaction to Walkshire, a concept conceived pre-lockdown 2021.

Welcome to Yorkshire’s new ground-breaking #Walkshire campaign launched on New Year’s Day, which aims to promote Yorkshire as the walking capital of the world, including accessible for all routes, as part of a year-long project. Featuring 365 walks, it covers each corner of the county to showcase the very best of the region across the globe.

However, while tough lockdown restrictions are currently in place and before any influx of international travellers arrive, excited to explore our picturesque paths, we’re encouraging everyone to get out there and walk locally (taking into account Government guidelines of course).

Over the coming weeks Welcome to Yorkshire’s #Walkshire campaign can be enjoyed but close to home: Our ‘Walk of the day’ feature is devised to demonstrate that Yorkshire has hundreds if not thousands of accessible walks on our doorsteps. However, for the foreseeable future we urge people to adhere to the latest national lockdown rules to protect the NHS and save lives.

In line with the new restrictions, people are still permitted to leave the house to exercise locally (on their own, with another person or within their bubble). Walking and other forms of exercise can play a crucial role in maintaining mental and physical health.

Welcome to Yorkshire will continue to share our #Walkshire routes for people to enjoy if they live locally and to inspire those who don’t to enjoy them at a later date.

If you are going out for a walk please dress appropriately and respect the people, communities and environments you may be passing through. If busier than normal, perhaps choose an alternative route or another day.

Don’t forget to take hand sanitiser with you (especially if opening gates etc), socially distance yourself from other walkers and where appropriate please wear a face covering.

Head out in Harrogate and step into some of the most impressive and inspirational walks in the world. From the tree-lined Stray to picturesque parks, wonderful woodlands and RHS Garden Harlow Carr (grab a bite to eat at Bettys). Plus just a short drive away (when restrictions allow) there are the gorgeous grounds and gardens (designed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown) at Harewood House or take time to spot the stags on a walk at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden - a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Through vast open sprawling green spaces and inspiring town treks, walking is fantastic fun for fitness, families, friends, for yourself and your four-legged friends.

Inspirationally demonstrating Yorkshire’s rich diversity of landscapes, people, architecture, heritage, history, economies, attractions and of course food and drink all through the medium of walking with a strong emphasis on inclusion and accessibility, Walkshire offers a wealth of walks for all abilities and is a great opportunity for businesses to get onboard through spectacular sponsorship opportunities and is a perfect PR opportunity for the county and its visitor economy.

A whole host of happy hikers, celebrated celebrity walkers and social media influencers are sharing their favourite walks with daily details and GPX maps for all to see at walkshire.com.

Welcome to Yorkshire have partnered with Harrogate-based Yorkshire Cancer Research as the official charity partner for the Walkshire campaign with plenty of fundraising opportunities planned throughout the year.

So for happy Harrogate hikers or Stray strollers, enjoy what’s on your doorstep for now - and explore what’s across the county, as and when Government guidelines allow. Stay safe and put your best foot forward - keep walking!