Ben OsborneOne of North Yorkshire’s most historic and beautiful villages, Rosedale Abbey, is celebrating after becoming the first village in the North York Moors National Park to gain Walkers are Welcome status.
It’s the latest of over 80 towns and villages nationwide to join the innovative community-led scheme, which aims to highlight areas which have demonstrated real commitment to making visits from walkers as enjoyable as possible.
Rosedale Abbey, located roughly midway between Pickering and Castleton, is famous for its spectacular views and wild walks, some of which are already highlighted on the village’s website here.
As part of the Walkers are Welcome initiative, locals are also being asked to identify their own favourite walks in the area for upload to the site.
To gain the status, village representatives had to undertake a challenging application process to prove their commitment, including measures taken to maintain existing walks in good condition, and facilities available to visitors.
The village is aiming to promote the scheme with a special stand at the annual Rosedale Show in August, which regularly attracts over 6,000 visitors, and a walking festival later in the year.
Catriona McLees, the North York Moors National Park Authority’s Head of Promotion and Tourism, said: “Visitor surveys show that walking is by far the most popular activity in the North York Moors, be it a short stroll or a longer hike up hill and down dale. Rosedale has plenty to offer all abilities and I’m sure this award will encourage many more to discover the wonderful walks that start from the village.”
Maisie Storey, of Rosedale Parish Council, said: “We want to share the secret of Rosedale Abbey. We’re surrounded by spectacular countryside and a huge variety of landscapes from moors to woodlands to deep rich farming valleys, with walks to suit all ages and experience, with many still undiscovered and unspoiled areas.
“Rosedale also has much historical interest as well as its rich industrial heritage: many of the trod and pannier ways are still evident and available to walk.”
