Events and Festivals 

You'll find many fabulous walking festivals throughout the year across the county - come and enjoy one of these.

Boots and Steam Walking Festival, Pickering, 21-23 April 2012
Join Pickering's third walking festival in 2012 - full details to follow shortly.  Last year's event combined the best walking with the Steam Railway, with fourteen different walks of varying lengths over the three days, something to suit all abilities. 

ride2stride - The Settle-Carlisle Walking Festival, 1-7 May 2012
New for 2012 - ride2stride is a festival of walks, talks and music along the fabulous Settle-Carlisle railway line. It's a week long celebration of the wonderful landscape and culture of the western Dales. The festival is made up of lots of events and activities; things will be happening along the length of the line. Walks will be led from stations by experienced walk leaders while speakers will share their local knowledge and love of the area, and the pubs will be buzzing with music and song. ride2stride is for everyone who loves the Yorkshire Dales. Whether you travel to an event by train, live along the line or book your holiday to take advantage of the festival, you'll have a great time.

Otley Walking Festival, 24 June - 1 July 2012
With a choice of over 40 walks and events, there really is something for everyone. As always, there are walks for all ages and abilities, these include short town-based walks, themed walks, waterside walks, strenuous moorland hikes plus a full evening programme of events. There's even a walk for toddlers. You can be sure of a warm welcome from Walk Leaders and the chance to meet other friendly folk. 

Black Sheep Boots & Beer Walking Festival, Hawes, Aysgarth and Askrigg, 7-9 September 2012
Walking and beer seem to be natural companions and both are celebrated at the Black Sheep Boots & Beer Walking Festival. Celebrating its 11th year, over the weekend come and enjoy a choice of 14 walks ranging from easy to challenging, specially written by Mark Reid, author of 'The Inn Way' guidebooks. Walks start from Hawes, Askrigg or Aysgarth and there will be a free daytime shuttle bus linking the three registration desks. There'll also be a great line up of entertainment for Saturday night - the 2011 events included:

• A ceilidh and carvery at The Wensleydale Creamery, Hawes
• A quiz night with hog and hop sausages and mashsupper at the Wensleydale Pantry, Hawes
• 10th anniversary special Boots and Beer Evening with Alan Hinkes OBE,Britain's foremost extreme mountaineer, including a curry supper, at The Fountain Hotel
• Or a live band night at The Falls Café Bar, Aysgarth Falls.

Tickets for the weekend and evening entertainment are sold separately. All tickets are limited so you need to book early to avoid disappointment. Find out more.

South Pennines Walk & Ride Festival, 8-23 September 2012
Experience some of the amazing natural and cultural heritage of the South Pennines and around 130 events - walks of all descriptions, cycle and horse rides, evening talks and themed events, over two action packed weeks.

Pateley Bridge Walking Festival, September 2012 (dates tbc)
Back for its third year, enjoy a range of walks centred around the historic market town of Pateley Bridge, a Walkers are Welcome town, exploring Nidderdale's hidden treasures. The 2012 festival will have a choice of walks each day varying in length and difficulty. Those wanting to stretch their legs over several miles will be given the chance to walk to local landmarks. Shorter walks will include a selection of special interest options exploring Nidderdale's fascinating industrial and social heritage. All will be led by friendly, knowledgeable, local guides.

Alt-Berg Richmond Walking & Book Festival, end September-beginning October 2012
Combines walks with music, book events and guest speakers, theatre and nature watching events. Take part in over 30 guided walks through Swaledale & Wensleydale, some on land that has rarely been walked on. Complete The Wensleydale Chain - a series of six circular walks from Hawes.  Discover the historic delights of Richmond with its Norman castle, Georgian theatre, fast flowing river and spectacular setting. Savour short guided walks round the town and castle, ghost walks, woodland strolls and Turner's Richmond. Once you've worked up an appetite, you can sample local produce such as Richmond ale, Swaledale cheese and purchase a pair of Alt-Berg Boots.

National Trust Walking Festival, 27 October - 4 November 2012, various locations
Celebrate the Autumn season with the National Trust at its second National Festival of Walking. The festival makes the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and have fun, from leaf kicking to finding conkers and wrapping up warm, there is something simply delicious about an autumn walk. Find a walk close to you here.

Walking and Outdoors Weekend, various locations across East Yorkshire, October 2012 (tbc)
After their first Walking and Outdoors Weekend in 2011, the Yorkshire Wolds is looking to host a similar event in 2012. The Yorkshire Wolds could have been made for walking, cycling and horse riding - peaceful roads and countless paths meander through gentle and unspoiled countryside. There'll be lots of different events, from gentle walks, to high tech treasure hunts, cycle rides, funghi forays and much more.

Find other walking events by selecting the Finding Events tab. There's also lots of Guided Walks organised throughout the year, find out more here.

Calderdale Hike, Sowerby, West Yorkshire, 14 April 2012
Organised by the 24th (St Pauls) Scout Group, this is a challenge event open to both walkers and runners, with two routes of 26 miles and 37 miles. In 2012, the 37 mile route will be the first 2012 Medium Race in the UK Ultra-running Championships. Full details and entry forms can be found here or email info@calderdalehike.org.uk. As well as organising this event, the 24th (St Pauls) Scout Group also run the Calderdale Mountain Bike Marathon each October.

Malhamdale Meander, Malham, North Yorkshire, 12 May 2012
This annual 23 mile circular route from Kirkby Malham Parish Hall, takes in Malham Tarn, Gordale Scar, Parsons Pulpit and splendid views of Malhamdale. Alternatively you can try the Mini Meander at 9.5 miles.

Oxfam Trailtrekker, Yorkshire Dales, 26-27 May 2012
Oxfam's Trailtrekker is a truly exceptional team challenge set right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. An epic 100km overnight trek starting and finishing in Skipton, it attracts 300 teams from across the UK and beyond, every year. And it's a journey with a real purpose - to raise money for Oxfam and help lift people out of poverty. From sunset to sunrise, teams of four trek through the night to complete the spectacular course in under 30 hours. The camaraderie and determination involved means that for many, this time spent out on the Yorkshire Dales is truly life changing.

Once again, teams will be returning to Yorkshire to take up the challenge in 2012. Choose your distance, Bronze (38.6km), Silver (64.9km) or Gold (100km). It's a tough course, but with the right training and mental attitude, any reasonably fit team should be able to complete the challenge.

To take part in this awesome adventure, enter your team online today. Sign up before 17 February 2012 and your team will only have to pay an entry fee of £150 rather than the standard £180.

Natural Perspectives deliver professional, challenging and inspiring group personal training retreats and specialise in outdoor activities to improve health, fitness, physical performance and mental wellbeing. The retreats are all-inclusive and include professional fitness training, luxury accommodation at Natural Retreats and catering. These exclusive retreats are limited to a maximum of eight clients to guarantee effective coaching and training and are suitable for all levels from beginners to regular gym-goers, and age ranges from 20 to over 50.

Dates for 2012 all-inclusive weekend retreats in the Yorkshire Dales are: 

Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th March
Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd April
Friday 27th - Sunday 29th April (Nordic Walking Weekend)
Friday 11th - Sunday 13th May
Friday 7th - Sunday 9th September
Friday 28th - Sunday 30th September (Nordic Walking Weekend)
Friday 5th - Sunday 7th October

As well as these specific all-inclusive weekend retreats, they also run retreats for groups, which can be booked anytime with a minimum of six people.

For those who like to travel fast and light, there are many fantastic fell running events across Yorkshire every year to leave you tired, muddy, but exhilarated.

3 Peaks Fell Race, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, 28 April 2012
The 58th annual 3 Peaks Race is not for the faint-hearted. Taking in the famous Yorkshire Dales mountains of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside, whether you fancy a challenge or want to support the runners, don't miss this fantastic spectacle.  This is one for experienced and fit fell runners.

The 3 Peaks Race has a great reputation as one of the oldest, most famous and best organised fell races in Britain. First run in 1954, it covers 24 miles of the most rugged and spectacular countryside in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, taking competitors to a height of 2,500 feet above sea level. The course records are held by English internationals Andy Peace in 2 hours 46 minutes 3 seconds and Sarah Rowell at 3:16:17. Details of the event and entries can be found here.

Other races
Fell races happen throughout the year and most are considerably shorter than the Three Peaks event. Find full details of races in the North York Moors, the Yorkshire Dales and the South/West Pennines, including the Moors above Howarth, home of the 'Bunny Run' series of races every Spring.

Yorkshire Terrier, Newburgh Priory, North Yorkshire, 10 March 2012
Part of the Rat Race Notorious Night Runs Series, which are all outdoor running events with darkness, challenging terrain and obstacles - this one's a reet mucky romp in't woods at night, pre-register here.

Dentdale Run, Dent, Yorkshire Dales, 10 March 2012
A 14 mile road race staged on the lanes around Dentdale, following a figure-of-eight course it winds up hill and down dale, starting and finishing at Dent Primary school.  The race is one of the most scenic road races in the area, and although only 14 miles long, it is regarded as a very tough circuit.

adidas TERREX swift, Yorkshire Dales, 2-4 June 2012
Open Adventure introduces the adidas TERREX swift, a two day expedition style event for teams of 4. This one is ideal for racers planning to make their first foray into non-stop expedition style racing or as part of your training plan for something a little longer. The area in the Yorkshire Dales is particularly suited to this style of event being challenging, yet achievable for first timers. There'll be the usual mix of trekking, mountain biking and paddling plus that little extra spice which Open Adventure is renowned for.

Warrior Dash, Camp Hill Estate, Bedale, North Yorkshire, 30 June 2012
Welcome to the world's largest running series. Warrior Dash lands in north England for the first time in 2012 where 11 obstacles from hell await you along this 3.11 mile course. Are you a Warrior? Warriors conquer mud-crawling, fire-leaping and other extreme obstacles, push their limits and celebrate with music, beer and Warrior helmets.

Ampleforth Sprint Mountain Bike Triathlon, North York Moors, 14 April 2012
500m swim (pool), 14 km MTB, 5 km cross country run
An ideal introduction to off road triathlon or a good early season warm up race for more experienced on and off road athletes. The course is completly contained within the Ampleforth estate, providing a beautiful backdrop to this challenging course.

Tri Kudu Wensleydale Triathlon, Hawes, Yorkshire Dales, 12 August 2012
1800m Open Water Swim, 42 mile hard bike, 12 mile hard fell/trail run (full cheese)
900m Open Water Swim, 18 mile bike, 6 mile fell/trail run (half cheese)
The 'Full Cheese' Triathlon is dubbed one of the hardest triathlons in Britain and attracts super-fit athletes.  It's also one of the most scenic. The swim course is the only flat section on Semer Water. The climbs of Buttertubs and the Coal Road offer excellent views of the Settle to Carlisle railway viaducts and waterfalls, while the climb up Great Shunner Fell to follow this is not for the faint hearted.

White Rose Weekend, Nr Ravenscar, North York Moors, 24-27 August 2012
The White Rose Orienteering Weekend is one of the longest established and most popular orienteering holiday breaks, , celebrating its 40th year in 2012.  With four days of varied orienteering races and related activities over excellent Yorkshire terrain in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, there are six races over four days - and plenty of other activities as well.