Walkshire Walking Campaign Launched
A walk for ‘every day of the year’ is Welcome to Yorkshire’s new campaign for 2021 to underpin Yorkshire as the walking capital of the world. ‘Walkshire’ contains 365 walks covering all corners of Yorkshire to showcase the very best of the region across the globe.
Bronte Adventures welcomes this initiative and is to use the hashtag #Walkshire for its guided walks over Haworth Moor and help promote the wider campaign. It’s a great idea says Bronte Adventures boss, David Robertson. “Fears of the pandemic will be with us for some time to come yet and people are desperate for the great outdoors again. And let’s face it, it’s one of the few activities people can do themselves to exercise, clear some cobwebs and get the wind in their hair, so important for a happy, healthy lifestyle”.
Walkshire compliments the ‘Escape To The Moor’ guided walk, run by Bronte Adventures as well as ‘Escape The Everyday’, a major marketing campaign launched by Visit England encouraging individuals and families to go beyond their usual daily life. Walkshire demonstrates Yorkshire’s rich diversity of place, landscapes, people, architecture, heritage, history, economies, attractions and of course food and drink through the medium of walking.
Escape To The Moor is a 5 mile guided walk over Haworth Moor and goes off the beaten track to all key landmarks and beauty spots such as Bronte Waterfall, Top Withens, Alcomden Stones and Ponden Kirk. Private bookings can be made for any day or time to suit or walkers can book online to a weekly Saturday guided walk with prices from as little as £12 for a 3.5 hour walk. Small groups, businesses and schools are invited to book as early as possible to secure a date, as bookings are expected to be brisk once government restrictions are eased.
James Mason, Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive behind the Walkshire initiative, said: “2020 has been a tricky year for all and certainly a time to reflect on the importance of health and well-being, so what better way to start the new year and continue through 2021, than promoting walking in Yorkshire to the world and welcoming visitors to the most diverse of counties, offering outdoor enjoyment in stunning surroundings.”
“Walkshire is the most inclusive of campaigns and we really hope visitors in and out of county will understand the rich depth and layers of this campaign. Everyone and everything will be included. Walking during the various lockdowns has provided many with a daily or weekly sanctuary combined with a new appreciation of what is on our doorsteps. Walkshire will not only show the county as the perfect place to step out in, or into, but will also promote tourism businesses and the need for them to be supported and cherished.“
Yorkshire is the largest county in England has a wealth of wonderful walks, from short strolls to hilly hikes, some challenging, others more accessible to all and with three national parks, a breath-taking coastline, vibrant cities, stunning countryside, rich in heritage, delicious dining, perfectly placed pubs and amazing arts. The top trails will take people on a voyage of discovery through vast open gorgeous green spaces and inspiring inner city strolls.
Walkshire aims to highlight world-class walks and wildlife watching, as well as businesses and tourist attractions, welcoming walkers to all parts of the county, while also considering current Government coronavirus guidelines.
As well as a daily walk, there will be four big seasonal walks with some ‘very special plans’ for Yorkshire Day on August 1 as well as a ‘very special Tour de Walkshire’ to replace the postponed Tour de Yorkshire cycle race, which would have taken place in the spring and is now due to take place in 2022. A whole host of happy hikers, celebrated celebrity walkers and social media influencers will be sharing their favourite walks with daily details and GPX maps for all to see at walkshire website.
To join the campaign, use the hashtag: #Walkshire on social media when walking to your favourite destination on Haworth Moor or visit walkshire.com.
