The views are often spectacular and have seen visitors travel from across the world to witness the stunning locations that North Yorkshire has to offer.

From ancient coastlines to picturesque market towns, villages and hamlets, the county’s scenery is both diverse and awe-inspiring in equal measure.

Arguably, the best way to see all that North Yorkshire has to offer is on foot, taking in the often deeply rural locations that are among Britain’s most alluring countryside destinations.

Ramblers groups are now becomingly increasingly popular, with members joining like-minded walkers to reap the physical and mental health benefits of being in the great outdoors.

In 2022, Ramblers Wellbeing Walks was launched nationally by the Ramblers, Britain’s largest walking community.

North Yorkshire Sport (NYS) worked with Ramblers and our stronger communities team to bring together several existing walking for health groups, as well as developing new groups.

So far, we have provided £16,000 for the scheme which supports free, short, and easy group walks led by trained volunteer leaders.

Ramblers Wellbeing Walks include North Craven Strollers, South Craven Strollers, Hambleton Strollers, Skipton Walkers, and Richmondshire Wellbeing Walkers.

North Craven Strollers was established in 2008 with a handful of members. With support from the Ramblers and government grants, it has grown to 15 people.

The group meets once a week. They walk a route in the local area one week and organise a car share to travel out of the area for a walk the following week.

The walks take up to an hour and a half covering up to three miles. The group offers shorter walks of 30 minutes for those with limited mobility.

Founder Jeff Ferris said: “I love being part of the Strollers. It is great to get into the fresh air for exercise, taking in the area’s beautiful scenery and getting close to nature.

“Before taking on the walk, trained walk leaders will assess the route to see if it is safe and identify any potential hazards.

“It is also important for the social element. Many members live on their own, may have health issues and don’t get out very often.

“We keep to a pace to cater for all ages and abilities. We always end up in a café to chat and get to know each other. I have made many friends from being part of the group.”

The Covid-19 pandemic had a huge impact on social interaction, no more so than the older generation in rural communities who may be living alone.

With that in mind, North Yorkshire Sport has helped to establish two new groups - Masham Strollers and Stepping Out in Scarborough.

Masham Strollers was set up two years ago to combat loneliness and bring the community together. The group meets every Friday for a slower walk around the town which is accessible for all. Recently it started a monthly longer walk for those wanting more of a challenge.

There is a group of regular members, many of whom travel to Masham to take part. Among them is Robert Ilke, who gets a lift from Grewelthorpe. After his wife passed away, he has found the weekly walk invaluable for improving his wellbeing and meeting new people.

Hazel Wade is a walk leader, responsible for ensuring the routes are safe. The leaders are busy mapping new walks and completing risk assessments of the existing ones.

She said: “The walks have been great in getting older people out of the house and in the fresh air on a regular basis. We are out every week, no matter the weather.

“It helps to tackle isolation, resulting in improved mental and physical wellbeing. Visitors to the town have been known to join after seeing posters in the market place. We are welcoming to all, have a chat on the route and enjoy coffee and biscuits afterwards in the town hall.”

The visitor economy generated by walkers is vital for many businesses, such as High Paradise Farm, located on the Cleveland Way. However, it has a quirk – you can only access the tearoom by foot, bike, or horse.

High Paradise is a 16th century farmhouse between Boltby Forest and the North York Moors. In 2014, the family made an addition to the farm with a tearoom, holiday accommodation, campsite, and events venue, to keep it viable.

Ginny Skilbeck is described as “the dreamer behind the business”, having grown up on the farm.

She said: “It is a special place and the most perfect stop-off while out in the countryside.

“The tearoom is set up so that you can’t access it by car, which makes it a rather unique business model. We mainly rely on regular customers who visit every couple of weeks and we are set up for the tourism industry as its directly on the route of the famous Cleveland Way walk.”

At this time of year, routes such as the Cleveland Way experience their highest footfall, so walkers are being reminded to follow the countryside code. It warns against blocking driveways or gateways when parking, taking litter home and planning visits in advance.

Outside of the county’s two National Parks, the council has the largest network of public rights of way (PROW) in the country with more than 6,100 kilometres of footpaths, bridleways, restricted byways, and byways open to all traffic.

The maintenance of paths is looked after by a team of dedicated officers and about 100 volunteers. Their duties can include clearing vegetation, installing signs, and improving signage.

Walkers are warned to be careful around livestock, especially when walking dogs. Livestock worrying can result in stress, injury, abortion, and death. Dogs are allowed on public rights of way but are advised to remain on leads when walking through fields of livestock.

Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “You will struggle to find a form of exercise more accessible than walking. We know how important these groups are as they offer an opportunity to socialise and get people out into the fresh air.

“We also appreciate how important trade from walkers is for businesses across the county, whether that be on official walking routes or in towns and villages where many of the groups operate.

“In the summer months, there’s no better time to explore the walking opportunities in your local area and catch onto the growing trend.”

See information on walking, cycling and horse riding routes.