Ryedale District Council has teamed up with digital walking guide business, iFootpath, to devise and map four walks from each of Ryedale’s market towns – 20 walks in total. The routes are described, photographed and mapped in detail and to make it even easier, they can be downloaded and followed using an app on smart phones, or printed out.
“The project aims to help our visitors to discover the beautiful countryside around the five Ryedale market towns, whilst also encouraging stops at attractions, cafes, pubs and shops along the way.” said Cllr Linda Cowling. “Encouraging visitors to stay in the area for a longer time, spend more and to enjoy each of the towns are key parts of the Ryedale Market Towns Promotion Project.”
Each walk begins in one of the market towns – Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside, Pickering, Malton and Norton-on- Derwent – and there are routes to suit all abilities, from shorter discovery trails to longer countryside rambles. The walks are mapped via GPS meaning it is easier than ever to avoid wrong turns. Walkers can download and print the PDF guide for free or download the iFootpath App, which gives a smarter walking experience with live GPS-powered maps that show your progress as you walk. The App is for Apple and Android devices and costs a one-off price of £1.49, giving access to hundreds of walking guides in the UK.
“Local people suggested their favourite walks for us to choose from," said Richard Jemmett of iFootpath, “We spent three weeks in Ryedale whilst researching the walks and discovering the area, finding great scenery and views, friendly cafes and pubs and history and heritage around every turn. Our dog, Bobbie, joined us as well to test out the walks from her point of view!”
The walks, each with a map and full turn-by- turn directions, are also available from the www.VisitRyedale.co.uk website and will be available free of charge at the Visitor Information Points in Helmsley, Pickering and Malton and the library in Kirkbymoorside and Norton on Derwent.