Putting Helmsley on the map – new app encourages people to explore on foot

iFootpath collaboration sees walks mapped out across Helmsley and the wider Ryedale region

Helmsley in Business has worked in collaboration with Ryedale District Council to get involved with the ideal app for those looking to explore the town and the surrounding countryside by foot.

Five special Helmsley walks have been developed, based on hints and tips from Helmsley in Business members, which can be downloaded from the iFootpath app. Once the walks are downloaded, the app has no requirement for mobile phone signal, meaning it can be used in very rural locations. The walking guides include maps, photos, written instructions, a suggested time requirement, details about access and a difficulty rating. The app is both Apple and Android compatible.

All the walks start and end in Helmsley, which is the current holder of the Great British High Street’s Best Market Town Award, and include the details of long stay parking for visitors.The walks are also available as free downloadable documents on the Visit Helmsley website and as print outs at the town’s Visitor Information Point at the Cut Price Book Store.

The five Helmsley walks currently mapped out are:

  • Helmsley and Beck Dale (6.5 miles)
  • Helmsley and Riccal Dale (8 miles)
  • Helmsley and Rievaulx Abbey (7 miles)
  • Helmsley and the River Rye (4 miles)
  • Helmsley Discovery Trail (1 mile)

Carolyn Frank, chairman of Helmsley in Business and owner of Libby Butler Jewellers, said:“We’re delighted that the council took up our suggestion of creating these wonderful walks, and that they are now going to be available to visitors in a variety of easy to access ways. It means that both enthusiastic or hobby walkers can come and perhaps explore a new route they’ve never tried before. We have had great feedback from Ryedale residents already, who didn’t know about these ‘hidden’ paths, and we hope that it means more people can enjoy the beautiful walks we all love in Helmsley. There are of course many more that have not yet been mapped, but these are a great start to get to know the town and its surrounding area.

“All the Helmsley walks start and end in town, which means walkers can make a day of it or even a weekend, staying at one of our many award-winning accommodation providers. We have ample long stay parking and plenty of refreshments in our independent coffee shops, pubs and restaurants - or of course, there are lots of places to pick up some local goodies for a picnic. We even have a world class spa which is perfect for tired legs! Walkers will always get a warm welcome in Helmsley – and their dogs too, so there’s no reason four legged friends can’t join in the fun.”

As well as working with iFootpath to create the five walks around Helmsley,Ryedale District Council also extended the project for the other market towns in the area, including Malton, Norton, Pickering and Kirkbymoorside.

To access the walks as PDFs or for more information about Helmsley go to

Ends

For more information, images or to speak to Emma Woods, please contact Shona Nutter on or 07714 953919.

Notes to editors:

Helmsley in Business is a group of 57 businesses working together to ensure the continuing success of the North Yorkshire town of Helmsley. Members include:Antiques and Interiors;Auntie Anne’s Bakery; Bella diNotte; Bisca; Black Swan Hotel; Bondgate Antiques; Browns of Helmsley; Castle Stores; Carters Country Wear; Celebrate Country Cake Design; Claridges; Country Dogs; Crema Coffee Shop; Cut Price Book Store; Duncombe Sawmill; Duncombe Park Gift Shop; Duncombe Park Partnership; Elijah Todd; English Heritage; Feversham Arms Hotel and Verbena Spa; Gepettos; Helmsley Art Centre; Helmsley Brewery; Helmsley Galleries; Helmsley Garden Cottage; Helmsley Natural Health Clinic; Helmsley Post Office; Helmsley Town Hall; Helmsley Traditional Sweet Shop; Helmsley Walled Garden; Helmsley Wines; Honeysuckle Cottage; Hunters of Helmsley; JEB taxis; KVA Planning; Lazenby Visuals and Framing; Libby Butler Jewellers; Look Gallery; Marleys Butchers; National Centre for Birds of Prey; No. 54 B&B; North York Moors National Park; Pennita Fashions; Porters Coffee Shop; RED taxis; Retals; Saltbox Gallery; Scotts of Helmsley Fish and Chip Shop; The Bay Clinic; The Feathers; The Stick Man; Think Fresh; Thomas of York; Thundercliffes; Tulchan; Veneto; and Viva Hair.

Helmsley is a beautiful market town in the Ryedale District of North Yorkshire, with something to offer everyone - and a great place to explore the North YorkMoors National Park. It is popular with tourists for its characterful Market Place, historic architecture, the wide range of quality independent shops, and the excellent selection of accommodation, pubs, cafes and restaurants, many of which are award-winning. There are also plenty of interesting activities and attractions available on the doorstep including The National Centre for Birds of Prey, Helmsley Castle, Rievaulx Abbey and The Walled Gardens. Helmsley also marks the start of the Cleveland Way, which is popular with walkers and loops round the National Park to end up at the coast near Filey.

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