Our group celebrated its second anniversary in September and has 58 members. Between 10 and 20 people normally join us on our walks. We meet at Pickering Swimming Pool and share transport to get to the start of the walks. On occasion we use local buses, the Moorsbus service or we hire a community minibus from Ryecat if we are travelling longer distances.
        In 2008, our walking group has climbed the Yorkshire 3 peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, completed the 50 mile Ripon Rowel Walk in five stages and enjoyed walking holidays at the Isle of Man Walking Festival and in the Peak District. In August the group held a successful challenge walk from Sutton Bank to Kirkbymoorside, a distance of 20 miles. Most local walks are more modest however, and we grade our walks from easy to challenging.
Several local people lead our walks and most live in Pickering. They are Alf Benton, Sam Borman, Brenda Breckon, Doug Jackson, Steve Pratt, Martin Robertson, June Sinfield, John Stewart and Pauline Wilson. The group is organised by Phil and Judy Catterall and Nigel and Alison Wildsmith.
        Next year we hope to complete the 42 mile Lyke Wake Walk in stages, take walking holidays in Scotland and the Lake District and continue to walk fortnightly at weekends and on Thursday evenings during the summer. Our programme is always listed in The Beacon and on our website at www.ryedalewalking.co.uk One benefit of joining the group is that members receive a 10% discount at our local walking shop, Ryedale Rambler.

Phil Catterall – Nigel Wildsmith.