Paths 4 Everyone:
Ryedale's Market Town Circular

Aims - The aim is to link the market towns of Malton, Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside and Pickering, while also connecting village communities to the towns along the route.

• This circular route will provide approximately 50 miles of safer active travel, helping individuals and families move independently between Ryedale’s towns and villages.
• The project also supports the government’s target for 60% of children aged 5 to 16 to usually walk or cycle to school by 2035

Progress - Following an inception study of the whole route in 2025, we are now working on seven separate sections. Four feasibility studies are under way with NYC Highways, alongside ongoing discussions with developers, landowners, farmers and residents. This legacy project would not be possible without their support and generosity, and we are grateful for the positive support received to date. We also welcome the encouragement of North Yorkshire Council’s Area Constituency Committee, NYC Sustainable Transport, NYC Countryside Access Service, NYC Transport Planning, NYC Highways, Community First Yorkshire, Howardian Hills National Landscape, North Riding PCN, Kevin Hollinrake MP, Malton, Pickering and Helmsley Town Councils, and many parish councils, associated groups, businesses and residents.

To date, 18 miles are complete, a further 16 miles are in progress, and another 16 miles have not yet started. The objective is to complete the path by 2030. We plan to launch a website by the end of 2026, including a map showing progress and the sections that are open.

Why it matters - It is no longer as easy to walk, wheel or ride safely on Ryedale’s country roads. Surveys at the Arete Learning Trust, Malton and Slingsby Schools show clear demand from pupils and parents for safe active travel opportunities.

Key benefits for Ryedale

• Creates around 50 miles of safer active travel routes between Ryedale’s towns and villages.
• Improves access for walkers, wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, cyclists, adapted cycles, mobility scooters, horse-riders and runners.
• Helps people and families make more independent local journeys without relying as much on cars.
• Supports health and wellbeing by giving people safe space to be active outdoors.
• Connects communities more closely to nature, local services and each other.
• Encourages greener travel and helps reduce carbon footprint.
• Supports local economic activity by making it easier to move between towns and villages.

P4E will provide safe, independent active travel across Ryedale for wheelchair users, walkers, families with pushchairs, cyclists of all ages, adapted cycles, mobility scooters, horse-riders and runners. Active travel can improve health and wellbeing, support the local economy and reduce our carbon footprint by creating safer, easier and greener connections between towns and villages.

The route will connect communities to nature and to each other, supporting the health and wellbeing of children, adults and older residents. It will provide safe space to enjoy Ryedale’s clean air and beautiful countryside.

How you can get involved - P4E has volunteering opportunities in website management, communications, path keeper coordination and fundraising. If you can offer 2-3 hours a month and are interested in any of these areas, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Dan, Frank, Helen or Mike at p4eryedale@outlook.com.

As the path develops, we are working closely with NYC’s Countryside Access Service and parish residents to set up Parish Path Keepers Agreements, so local residents can help maintain the paths.

P4E - Ryedale Environment Group - Registered Charity No 1202762