There’s not a great deal we can do in lockdown, but we can go for a walk.
Under the rules, you are allowed out to exercise once a day, on your own, with the people you live with, or with your support bubble – and you should not travel outside your local area.
Fortunately there are lots of spots local to York which provide awesome walking opportunities. And with the weather slowing improving, it’s a great opportunity to head out and explore somewhere a little different.
Here’s a few suggestions…
Clifton Backies Local Nature Reserve
If you’re local to Clifton or close to the town centre, why not check out Clifton Backies Local Nature Reserve.
The trail consists of excellent woodlands, diverse wildlife and it’s full of lots of notable history. The reserve also features the site of old aerodrome buildings. This is a great place to visit for exercise if you’re after a short walk.
Clifton Backies is also a terrific hotspot to visit if you have children, check out their official website.
Rawcliffe Park
If you’re a keen biker or love a quiet walk by the river, Rawcliffe Park is an underrated place to visit. The park includes a famous pump bike track, which covers a series of thrilling jumps, banks and turns. This track is fun for all abilities and features two circular tracks: a 70-metre inner track and a 140-metre outer track.
If you’re looking for something to entertain the children, the park was rated by York Mumbler as one of the best places to take children, as it includes a large play area and a three-metre-high climbing boulder for both adults and children to tackle.
York Racecourse
When the course isn’t occupied for a race day, York Racecourse is a flat, open area, great for dog walkers and runners. The track has no restrictions and it’s easily accessible from all sides. There is plenty of free, on-street parking nearby, and of course, it’s close to many cafés for a takeaway hot refreshment.
Why not choose to support a local business and head to Robinsons Café? Open from 8:30am to 3pm during the week, the café is only a brisk 20 minute walk from the racecourse.
Rowntree’s Park
Not only is Rowntree’s Park a scenic location to explore, but the grounds are also close by to many riverside walks – including the Millennium Bridge.
You can walk for miles besides the famous River Ouse, visiting the tennis courts, basketball courts and skate parks. Close to the centre of York, there are many places to stop for a beverage.
Rowntree’s Park owns its own café, so you don’t have to head out far for a drink. The café is operating take-away only during the restrictions, from 9am to 4pm.
Askham Bog
Located just off the A1036, Askham Bog is a 750m circuit which is great for a short walk. However, you can head even further off the beaten tracks if you have more time on your hands. There’s plenty of free car-parking, and it’s just a five-minute drive outside the town centre.
Askham Bog is home to the most marvellous wildlife. It’s also an exceptional survivor of the ancient fenlands of Yorkshire. If you’re looking for a picturesque hotspot, the site has a beautiful lake that’s full of history. Famous for its name, wellies may be needed if it’s boggy!