Now, more than ever people are seeking out place to venture out and enjoy the fresh air, and East Yorkshire a place that is purely countryside and home to the Yorkshire Wolds has this in spades. We’ve found the best East Yorkshire nature walks for you to enjoy to keep you sane during the winter months.
The biggest draw of East Yorkshire as well as the Yorkshire Wolds, the gently undulating chalk hills that encompass Beverley, Pocklington, Driffield as well as idyllic villages is its beautiful coastline. From the towering white cliffs of Flamborough Head to the majestic Spurn Point the thrusts itself into the sea. Sit back with a brew and get inspired by the God’s Own Country.
East Yorkshire is the lesser known area of Yorkshire that people tend to just relate with the beach resorts like Hornsea, Filey and Bridlington. But, there is fantastic history and countryside to be enjoyed as well as fantastic walks with unmatched scenery.
1. Spurn Point Nature Reserve
Spurn Point is Yorkshire’s own Land’s End, the located of the East Coast it reaches 3-miles into the River Humber estuary and is almost 49-metres wide. It has beautiful sea views all year round and is the perfect place for a reviving walk. Its iconic lighthouse, when open, gives some awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Yorkshire coast. No day is ever the same here, which gives you a great excuse to visit more than once.
You can follow the walk all the along past the lighthouse to the beach that looks out over the Humber Estuary where there are a range of interesting fossils to be found. It is visited by a vast range of wildlife throughout the year and wildflowers over the spring and summer months, so make sure you don’t miss out this one. Spurn Head, south of Kilnsea, Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU12 0UH
2. Millington Wood – East Yorkshire Nature Walks
A walk that all levels of rambler can enjoy, Millington Wood offers evergreen beauty, with tons of woodland and pastures to uncover. Stick to low ground and got lost in the abyss of stunning woodland, or challenge yourself to explore further up the many winding staircases and pathways that take visitors higher up into the trees.
It’s the perfect destination for dog walks, and is often fairly quiet with no other humans around. Millington Wood can be found as part of the Yorkshire Wolds, between Huggate and Pocklington.
3. Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve
Flamborough Head is situated along the coastline of Yorkshire just a stone’s throw from the fantastic seaside town of Bridlington on the outskirts of the village of Flamborough. The cliffs resemble England’s south coast, and in the summer the grassland is carpeted in rich flowers that attract beautiful butterflies.
At certain times of year, seal colonies can be seen on the beaches in the Drinking Dinosaur cove and visitors can watch from a distance. It’s a stunning area looking out to the North Sea with so many different areas to visit such as North Landing and Thornwick Bay as well. Flamborough Cliffs, North Marine Road, Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO15 1BJ
4. North Cave Wetlands – East Yorkshire Nature Walks
North Cave Wetlands is a former sand and gravel quarry that is now a nature reserve run by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. There are six lakes that make up the reserve with a 2km path that circles the perimeter. It is a great place to spot wildlife all year round and has five hides if you are wanting to do some birdwatching. It’s a really great place to visit and one of East Yorkshire nature walks.
You can walk around the path taking in the natural beauty of the area, which changes through the seasons meaning you’ll have the perfect excuse to come back again and again. It’s a stone’s throw from the market town of Market Weighton where you can head for refreshments after enjoying a nice walk. Dryham Lane, Market Weighton, East Riding of Yorkshire, HU15 2LY
5. RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Bempton Cliffs near Bridlington is the home to one of the most amazing spectacles the UK’s natural wildlife has to offer. Every year around half a million seabirds gather in the chalk cliffs to raise a family. There are six viewpoints along the cliffs where you can take in the most breath-taking awesome sight along the Yorkshire coast. It’s the UK’s largest sea bird colony, and you can see a huge array of a bird soaring along the towering white cliffs. Cliff Ln, Bempton, Bridlington YO15 1JF
6. Humber Bridge Country Park
If you’re looking for variety, the Humber Bridge Country Park has it all. You can enjoy a walk through woods, meadows, ponds and cliffs all in the same place. The huge 21-hectare reserve was declared a place of significant interest and named a reserve back in 2002.
This 13th-century area was quarried for chalk, and the old quarry cliff terraces now form the edges of the reserve. It’s the perfect place for a family walk or a nice walk out with the pet – there is plenty of wildlife to take in as well. Once you’ve explored the wonderful park, you can take in the stunning views of the Humber Bridge one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Ferriby Rd, Hessle HU13 0HB
7. Allerthorpe Common – East Yorkshire Nature Walks
Visited by roe deer, this 6-hectare reserve is beautiful all year round. It has wildlife in abundance from buzzing bees to woodpeckers. It has some beautiful plant life to experience as well as some spectacular ponds. It’s a nice little walk to take with family, but be aware dogs aren’t allowed on this site. Off Common Lane, Allerthorpe, East Riding of yorkshire YO42 4RU
8. Danes Dyke Local Nature Reserve
Danes Dyke is one of the best nature walks in East Yorkshire. It is a beautiful piece of the east coast, near Bridlington – once on the beach, you can enjoy beautiful views of the white chalk cliffs. It’s a big hit with dog walkers but be warned it’s a steep walk down to the beach. The area is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is great all year round. From the car park, you can take several walks, through either the woodland or along the beach. Danes Dyke, Flamborough, Bridlington, YO15 1AA
Read More: 5 Of The Best Coastal Walks In Yorkshire To Try This Autumn
