Getting out and about in the fresh air is good for the soul, not to mention your physical and mental health. Try these walks to enjoy the best of what the area has to offer.
The Humber Estuary played an important part in Hull’s history, and this walk takes you right over it! So, for the more adventurous amongst you, why not take a walk on the wild side and walk what used to be the world’s longest suspension bridge!
Starting from the Humber Bridge Country Park on the north side of the estuary, you can access the Humber Bridge on foot and walk the two miles to Barton upon Humber in Northern Lincolnshire. With beautiful views over the surrounding land- and waterscape, it’s a wonderful opportunity to see the surrounding area from a different perspective.
Even on calmer days, it can be windy up on the bridge, so ensure you take along warm or windproof clothing and perhaps your camera.
The Black Mill that sits in the middle of Beverley Westwood is an iconic landmark that appears on artworks, greetings cards and tea towels alike, but to be standing next to it on a beautiful sunny day is an unrivalled pleasure.
As the name suggests, the pasture sits west of Beverley and has a long and fascinating history. Overseen and managed by the local Pasture Master, the area is grazed by cattle during the summer months, so if you’re taking a picnic, make sure they don’t get too close! There are plenty of pathways mown through the long grass across the area, but Beverley Westwood also functions as a Golf Course, so listen out for calls of “Fore!”.
There is limited parking at the edge of the pasture down Newbald Road, but the Westwood is within walking distance of many car parks in Beverley. Although there’s a short tarmac path nearer the town, the pasture is grass and may not be suitable for those who use standard wheelchairs.
https://www.visiteastyorkshire.co.uk/things-to-do/beverley-westwood-p1303001
Popular amongst fishing fans and dog walkers alike, Beverley beck is a shorter stroll for those who need a flat or paved surface to make walking comfortable. Lined with lily pads, the beck’s duck and moorhen residents will keep you entertained, and, if you’re lucky, you may spot the kingfisher that has made the river its home.
At the far end of the beck, the water joins the River Hull, where you can carry on your walk along the banks of the River Hull or wander into Figham Common. Here, there is a lock bridge over the beck, but this is narrow with a steep step or two.
You can start the walk at the Foresters Arms. Starting here means you’ll also pass the Syntan, a retired barge lovingly maintained by the Beverley Barge Preservation Society.
If you like a cup of tea and a piece of cake at the end of your walk, why not try those that start and finish at Folly Lake Café? Although the lakes are reserved for fishing, there are two walks to the north and south of the café that traverse the open countryside, cross arable farmland, and skirt the edge of woodland.
According to the café website, each walk is approximately 2.5 miles long, but you could walk them consecutively, making for one long walk. Information boards on each walk provide more insight at specific points of interest.
The walks are on grassy pathways and gravelled tracks and are unsuitable for those who may have mobility difficulties or rely on a wheelchair. There is ample parking next to the café and toilet facilities available for walkers.
Folly Lake Café and the Risby Round Walks
The Humber Bridge Country Park is our final suggestion for outdoor walks in the Hull and East Riding area. Located right next to the Humber Bridge, the park (also known as Little Switzerland) has a lot to offer. Several themed trails around the park take you through woodland and open meadow areas; there’s also a sculpture trail, ponds, and plenty of places for a picnic or barbecue!
If you have time, why not stop and take a look at the Black Mill on Hessle Foreshore and find out about the quarry to country park project and the area’s geological importance? The country park is open to everyone with wide pathways and accessible picnic areas.
Whether you take a picnic for the whole family or want a longer walk to exercise your legs and enjoy the scenery, we hope you’ve found a walk that takes your fancy! Here at Home Instead, quality of life is a priority, whatever that means for yourself and your elderly loved ones.