A SURPRISE AROUND EVERY CORNER
The Yorkshire Wolds Way airs on BBC Two in June. Here, presenter Paul Rose reveals why he loves this particular walking route
Q: You have walked several of Britain’s long-distant paths – what makes the Yorkshire Wolds Way distinct and special?
A: I spend my life working in the world’s most remote and challenging environments. I love the truly wild places and am willing to pay the physical and emotional cost of those huge journeys. Typically when I am home in England I still find myself looking for physically demanding activities – big walks, runs, bike rides, canoeing and climbing. But when I walked the Wolds Way I instantly loved the sense of ease and peaceful beauty. There is a beautiful surprise around every corner. Nobody was more surprised than me that a walk this rewarding could be so easy. I’m hooked!
Q: What were your highlights?
A: My absolute favourite moment was riding a vintage penny farthing. I loved it so much that I bought one and I ride it every day!
It’s hard to pick just a few highlights. I rowed across the Humber in a traditional Humber gig, I re-created a David Hockney painting, learned how to fly a glider, caught moths using Victorian methods. I camped at Bempton Cliffs with a few hundred sheep and enjoyed a cuppa and cake with the locals at Thixendale… There was so much to do!
Q: Did you encounter any challenges on the walk?
A: I was gripped by riding the penny farthing. The seat is nose high, the pedals are fixed to the front axle so when I pedalled I found that I was in a wrestling match with myself as I fought the effect of pushing the pedals into the steering. Sitting so high made me feel that I would surely go over the handlebars and there are no brakes!
Q: What does country walking do for you personally?
A: Country walking offers so much reward for a small amount of physical and emotional effort that it brings me a true state of plenitude. The movement, sense of pace, sights, sounds and smells with regular stops at those terrific cafes bring my life in balance.