Map Reading

The relevant Ordnance Survey Explorer map is the best for showing details of the landscape features of your walk. The maps on this website show only the area covered by the route. At a scale of 1:25,000 or 2½ inches to a mile, the Explorer map will show features such as field boundaries, buildings and woodlands. It will also help you to identify distant features, adding to the interest of the walk. These maps, in their orange covers, can be bought from outdoor shops and most good bookshops. They are also available from East Riding Libraries. Some may be available to borrow, while some branches allow maps to be viewed in the library only.

Visit the Ordnance Survey website.

Finding Your Way

Some people take to map and compass reading naturally whereas others find it a difficult process. There are many good books in the shops but the subject is too wide-ranging to be set out here. The following notes are a simple guide which an inexperienced walker may find useful.

You will not need a compass to use any of the routes found in the walking the riding directory, so the subject is not included in detail. As it takes time to master, the best way to learn is by joining a walking group and learning from experts over a period of time.

Basic map reading tips

• Read the main symbols in the Explorer map legend.
• Slopes are shown by contour lines – the closer together the lines, the steeper the hill.
• Before you start a walk make sure that you fully understand where on the map you mean to start. Identify features on the map and match them to the actual features on the ground.
• There is no true "right way up" on a map; many walkers feel more comfortable if they turn it around (orientate it) to suit the way they are headed. Re-check the map at regular intervals to make sure that you always know where you are, both on the ground and on the map. By doing this you become less likely to wander off your route.
• Above all, obey the Countryside Code.

Choosing a Walking the Riding self-led route

We believe that you are best placed to assess your own fitness and capabilities when choosing a walk. However, below is some information to help you to choose a suitable route on the Walking the Riding directory.

Walkers come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us have mobility problems that make climbing stiles or steps difficult. Others have difficulty getting pushchairs over narrow bridges and stiles. Sometimes we will walk with others who aren't as agile as us. Whatever your situation, the walks on this website come with three key pieces of information:-

• Grade
• Length
• Duration
• Grade of the walk

There is no nationally accepted grade for walks in England and we have therefore devised our own based on our experience of running our guided walks within the Countryside Events programme.

If you are an experienced walker perhaps used to walking in the Lake District, Pennines or Yorkshire Moors, none of the routes will be particularly difficult.

If you have only ever walked in East Yorkshire then only parts of the Wolds will be challenging.

The boot symbol on the maps shows the grade of each route:-

• One boot - Easy - likely to be on level path over surfaces that are easy to use and with no stiles or steps.
• Two boots - Moderate - likely to be on average quality paths with a few gradients and the possibility of the odd stile.
• Three boots - Challenging - likely to be hilly or across rough ground, perhaps with some poor surfaces and structures such as steps and stiles.

The length of the route

This is obviously not open to any interpretation. You can search for:-

• Short walks: 0-4 miles
• Medium walks: 5-10 miles
• Long walks: over 10 miles

Time the walk will take

Please note these are based on averages, and you should be prepared to make adjustments to these times if you walk at a different pace. The choice of pace is yours. Some people are comfortable striding ahead whilst others prefer to saunter and enjoy the wildlife and natural surroundings. The timings are based on a walker covering two miles an hour.

There are three main types of walks on this site:-

• Challenge walks that are primarily long and strenuous
• Recommended walks of varying lengths and accessibility
• Healthy walks that are very short and easy to access, often running from leisure centres in urban areas

All of the walks on this website come with a grade, a distance and an estimated duration.

We have described the barriers, hazards and gradients found along each of the routes. Look at the 'accessibility information' box of each walk record to see if your chosen route contains the likes of stiles, busy roads and steep slopes.

You can use some routes in a motorised wheelchair. The ‘tramper’ mobility scooter can cope with almost all routes in the East Riding, apart from those with steps. Of course, your type of disability and your willingness to test out the capabilities of your machine will have an impact on how far you can actually go.

Over time more of our countryside paths will become accessible to more people as stiles are replaced with kissing gates. For certain identified routes larger mobility scooter gates will be installed to enable everyone to enjoy walks in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

If you plan to take one of these walks and require further information about path surfaces, structures and accessibility please contact the relevant Public Rights of Way officer for your area.

Note: You can generally assume that as routes get longer they become more difficult. Short walks are generally the most accessible.

Health and Safety

Weather

The weather in East Yorkshire can change rapidly – it can even differ from one side of the Wolds to the other. Conditions in the Vale of York may be dry and bright, whilst the coast is shrouded in mist and several degrees cooler. If it snows heavily, some isolated Wolds areas may be cut off from the road network. Don’t forget to allow enough time to complete your walk before dusk, especially in winter.

Before you leave home remember to check the weather forecast for the day. Watch out for changing conditions and turn back if the weather is against you. It may be disappointing, but you can always complete your walk another day. Don’t forget the wind chill factor which can lower the temperature in exposed locations. Even in summer the weather can catch you out so prepare for anything.

Clothing and Equipment

There is an abundance of shops and suppliers of outdoor equipment – but you don’t need to buy it all. Here are some tips:

Boots

If you want to walk only our shorter routes, then a pair of comfortable trainers will be perfectly adequate (remember that they will not be waterproof).

For longer, more challenging routes you will need a pair of strong but comfortable boots. A good, deep tread is essential for grip and support. If you buy leather boots make sure you ‘break them in’ before going for a long walk. There are some very good lightweight boots on sale these days, which are great for leisure walks and don’t take long to settle in.

Socks

Some people prefer to wear two pairs of socks for a more cushioned feel, but modern walking socks are ideal and often come as a double layer of thin material. There are even waterproof socks on the market.

Warm clothes

Wear several layers to allow you to remove or add to your clothing depending on the temperature and conditions, and the amount of heat you are generating. Carry an extra jumper or fleece top in your rucksack.

Waterproof

Rain and wind can cause hypothermia in lower temperatures. Make sure that you have a water and windproof cagoule and overtrousers. Goretex fabric is best as it keeps out the rain whilst letting out condensation.

Hats and gloves

You won’t need them all the time but keep them handy.

Rucksack

The size of your rucksack is important. It should be roomy enough to carry all of your kit and refreshments without being packed too tightly.

Map

To enjoy one of the shorter walks carry a printed copy of the map from this website. For the longer routes, we suggest that you carry a good map of the surrounding area in addition to a printed map from this website. We recommend the Ordnance Survey Explorer Map series.

Compass

It is unlikely that you will become so lost in the East Riding as to need a compass. However, the compass can be a lifesaver if visibility fails in more remote countryside.

Whistle and torch

These can both be useful in case of emergency (six blasts of the whistle/flashes of torch, repeated at one minute intervals). A mobile phone can be useful, but there are some reception black spots.

Simple first aid kit

This should contain plasters, blister pads, bandages and lint, and salt tablets in warm weather.

Food and water

Walking on the Wolds can be strenuous, so it is essential that you carry sufficient food and liquid, including extra rations for emergencies (not to be opened until you’ve finished your walk if you have no emergencies!).

Safety

You need to be prepared before heading out into the countryside. This will help you to avoid most accidents.

The golden rules

• Check the weather forecast before setting out.
• Check tide times if you intend to walk along the coast.
• Make sure that someone at home knows your route and when you expect to return, especially if you are walking alone.
• Wear suitable clothing for the time of year.
• Take essential gear, including a first aid kit.
• Carry a map, making sure that you know how to read a map.
• Take a supply of emergency food and drink.
• Walk at the pace of the slowest member of your party.
• Keep children under control and away from dangerous situations.
• Consider alternative routes if conditions deteriorate.
• If possible, carry a mobile phone for use in emergencies (be aware that there are reception black spots in East Yorkshire).
• Pack some emergency food, even if it’s only a chocolate bar.

During an emergency

Make the injured or exhausted person as comfortable and warm as possible.

Don’t panic.

• Give basic first aid: stop any bleeding and keep airways clear. Don’t move the casualty if there is a risk of spinal injury.
• Use the distress signal - six blasts on your whistle/six flashes of your torch, repeated at one-minute intervals.
• Use a mobile phone if possible (there are some reception black spots). If you are in a ‘black spot’ and have no signal showing on your mobile phone, try dialling 112, as this number is said to work in all locations.
• Send one person, or two if available, to contact the emergency services, but never leave the casualty alone.

Dial 999 and give the time and location of the incident, the number of casualties and the nature of the injuries/illness. Give an Ordnance Survey grid reference if you can.