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Year of Walking – put your best foot forward and explore the beauty of the great outdoors

Leisure
08:20, Friday, 29th December 2023

Start an unforgettable journey this 2024 and discover a new world of stunning, unspoiled landscapes within North Lincolnshire.

With large open spaces, nature reserves, heritage trails, woodlands and parks, North Lincolnshire is the perfect walking destination.

Whether it’s part of the Walking North Lincolnshire walking groups, that deliver more than 650 organised walks every year, walking on your own, with friends and family or taking part in community activities such as Parkrun/Walk, walking is a simple way to escape the everyday world and it is free.

Throughout 2024, North Lincolnshire Council will be working with local communities, groups, and residents to develop and improve the walking offer that is currently available whilst promoting the endless benefits that walkers can experience, to both their physical and mental health. The development plans include new maps and routes, a possible walking festival and the launch of NL Explore – an app aimed at families, within urban areas, to explore the green spaces on their doorstep.

Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for adults and health said: “We have acres of glorious green spaces, parks, and playgrounds available right here in North Lincolnshire.

“You don’t have to travel far, there are hidden gems of mysterious and breath-taking locations everywhere, you just need to know where to look.

“From the beautiful landscapes of the Isle Greenway, Viking Way and the green spaces cutting through Scunthorpe along the Ridgeway to the picturesque grounds of Normanby Hall, Elsham Hall and Thornton Abbey.

“Our parks are an absolute pleasure to explore all year round, with six of them currently awarded with Green Flag status.

“There are also 63 playgrounds to choose from, most within walking distance for residents, that provide endless opportunities for fun, imaginative play, social interaction, and challenging play equipment.

“Take some time to enjoy the beauty of North Lincolnshire and explore throughout 2024.”

North Lincolnshire has more than 140 mapped walking routes, that range in both distance and ability for all ages and are available for people to view and download on the Visit North Lincolnshire website.

One walking group participant said: “It is a pleasure to be walking again with a pleasant group of people who all have something in common – the pleasure of walking!”

A second participant said: “I have made hundreds of new friends since I joined the walks, and I didn’t know any of these people before.”

To find out more about local walking opportunities and to be the first to receive news about walking updates, sign up to receive a regular e-newsletter, Walking North Lincolnshire.