Experience the delights of time in nature!
“I had such a lovely afternoon. I learnt, enjoyed, and met some great new folk. Sheridan is a wonderful leader.” (Anna)
Join us for an inspiring Nature experience – you’ll enjoy nature, meet new friends, and feel better after some gentle exercise in the fresh air.
What are the Nature Time Walks and Rides?
The Nature Time Walks and Rides are relaxing outdoor experiences in beautiful green routes and spaces in York. We enjoy time in a small group connecting with the natural world, and with each other.
The walks and rides are usually a short distance. We move at an easy pace, with plenty of time to notice, enjoy and talk about the natural world around us. There are benches on most walk routes, and we take breaks where desired. Please allow up to two hours in total for the experience.
Everyone is welcome!
Dates for Spring/ Summer 2022 are Wednesday 11 May (Ride/evening), Saturday 25 June (Walk/evening), Sunday 10 July (Walk/afternoon), Tuesday 9 August (Ride/evening).
Please book for Spring events (April – May) via Eventbrite by clicking on the event headings below. Details and booking for Summer events (June – August) will be published on 1 June.
Email sheridan.yorkbikebelles@gmail.com with any queries.
Nature Time Walk
Sunday 10 April – Feel the quickening of Spring on a stroll around Rowntree Park – Fully Booked!
What Spring delights will we see, hear, smell and touch as we walk around some of the wild areas around the wonderful Rowntree Park?
Will the white and pink cherry blossom be in full bloom? Will the spring chiffchaff be singing its heart out? Will the horse chestnut leaves have finally unfurled, and be soft and springy to the touch?
Come and find out!
Nature Time Ride
Wednesday 11 May – Ride the green route to the lovely garden village of New Earswick – spaces!
Join Amy and Sarah on an easy Ride to the leafy village of New Earswick – you’ll meet new friends and enjoy the freshness of Spring!
We’ll ride from the Minster to Foss Islands, round the traffic-free green route to Nestle, across Bootham Stray and into New Earswick. We’ll park up and take a short stroll around some of the lovely trees in the village, then ride back together.
Come along!
Walk and Ride Practicalities
Group sizes are kept small, currently limited to 15. You can book a place via Eventbrite by clicking on the event headings above.
Check the weather forecast beforehand and wear suitable clothing. Please do not attend if you are unwell and bring any personal medication with you. For a walk, wear walk and mud-friendly shoes. For a ride, bring a roadworthy bike, spare inner tube and working lights.
We try to make all our walks and rides accessible for people of all ages, abilities and life situations. Please get in touch before the activity if you need any additional support, and we’ll do our best to meet your needs. We ask that you self-assess your own capability to join the activity.
Finally, please travel to the start point by walking, cycling or public transport if you can. All start points are easily accessible by bus or bike.
What are the benefits of Nature Walks and Rides?
On top of the substantial health benefits of getting active outdoors and increasing social contacts on our Nature Walks and Rides, tuning in to nature has been proven to significantly improve your mental wellbeing. People who are more connected to nature are happier and more satisfied with life, with greater vitality, and they feel their lives have greater meaning and purpose. Research also shows that connection with nature can reduce anxiety and stress, improve self-esteem, improve mood and sleep quality and help you gain a sense of peace. A wonder cure indeed!
Have a listen to a recording of a Nature Time Walk, and the thoughts and feelings of some of our participants after the nature experience below:
Autumn City Gardens Walk – various voices
Spring Sensory Walk – Harry (and his guide dog, Rhea)
Summer Wildflower Walk – Anna and Danny
YBB Programme 2022
Nature Time Walks and Rides are part of our free programme of walking, cycling and nature activities, communications and volunteering for York residents, all year round. We offer support and flexibility where needed.
We hope you’ll join our activities this year. You’ll walk and cycle more, and enjoy a healthy, green and sociable lifestyle. Plus, you’ll get outdoors, feel well, meet new friends, tune into nature, be climate-friendly and enjoy life more!
Check out our other activities in 2022.
If you can’t make any of the nature activities, or they are booked up, we have created over 25 Nature Time Routes around York that you can enjoy in your own time. Have a look at our Nature Time Routes.
Thank you!
A sincere thank you to the Purey Cust Trust in York for part-funding these activities.
Can you help our Nature Time Walks and Rides grow?
YBB relies on grants, donations and sponsorship to fund our work. Your donation will enable us to offer Nature Walks, Rides and Experiences to more people in York. Please donate here.
Nature Time Walks and Rides 2022 are an original York Bike Belles’ initiative, all rights reserved.
York Bike Belles 