York Bike Belles

Experience the delights of time in nature!

“The walk was lovely – full of surprises, and laughter, and soulful moments! Thank you.” (Helen)

Join us for an inspiring Nature experience – you’ll get closer to 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 activities 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!

Book via Eventbrite by clicking on the event headings below.

Thanks to part-funding from Purey Cust Trust, there are two FREE places available on each event per person/ organisation. If you would like to commission a dedicated Walk or Ride for your organisation, cost is £240 for up to 12 participants.

Email sheridan.yorkbikebelles@gmail.com with any queries.

Nature Time Walk

Sunday 19 June – Tune into Evening Birdsong with Andy Chapman from the RSPB – Sold Out!

What birds will we hear and see as we stroll around the lovely Millennium bridge area, through Rowntree Park Wood and along the Riverside?

Guest Andy Chapman will delight us with his enthusiasm and knowledge of our bird friends. It’s your annual chance to get that question answered: “Ooo, what bird was that?!” 🙂

Join us for this special event!

Nature Time Walk

Sunday 10 July – Walk into the facinating folklore of our native wildflowers – Sold Out!

Did you know that Lady’s Bedstraw was often chosen for bedding, as it is soft and springy and has a pleasant scent? Or that Meadow Cranesbill is so-named because its seed pods look like a bird’s bill? And that one of Clover’s local names is ‘bee bread’?

We’ll stroll and explore together – across Millennium Green, and around Fulford Ings Flood Meadow. Both areas dramatically spring into wildflower life and colour during the summer months.

Come along!

Nature Time Ride

Tuesday 9 August – Ride out to explore the wildness of Askham Bog – Sold Out!

We’ll head south of York down a lovely green route, park up and have a stroll around Askham Bog together.

This wild space is a delight any time of year. In the summer, it beats to a hypnotic green drum. You’ll be surrounded by a lushness of greenery, of native trees, plants and giant ferns, an abundance of birdsong, and rare, colourful wildflowers.

Will we be lucky enough to spot an Emperor dragonfly at the Pond?

Hope you can join us!

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?

You’ll improve your health and social contacts by being active outdoors and meeting new people in a friendly group. You’ll learn more about trees, plants and wildlife in some of the delightful nature-rich green spaces around York, and take away some ideas on how to look after nature yourself.

By tuning into nature, you’ll improve your mental well-being. People who are more connected to nature are happier and more satisfied with life, with greater vitality, and feel their lives have greater meaning and purpose. Research shows that connection with nature can also reduce anxiety and stress, improve self-esteem, improve mood and sleep quality and help you gain a sense of peace. A wonder healer indeed!

Have a listen to a recording of a Nature Time Walk, and the thoughts and feelings of some of our previous participants 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 arrange support and flexibility where needed.

We hope you’ll join our activities this year. You’ll walk and cycle more, and enjoy a healthy, sociable and green 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.