In 2023, I began my exploration of the Yorkshire Wolds with my dog Bill, my sometimes crazy, one-eyed red-retriever, in a quest to improve my health, confidence and wellbeing and to find some great experiences for fellow dog walkers. Our first experiences were ones of getting lost, wet and also confused by the downloadable routes that I found were on offer - but enthused and positive about the wonderful countryside that surrounded us and the potential of doing more. As a result, 'Walking the Wolds with Bill & Mrs M' was born!
Walking the Wolds shares our adventures as well as handy hints about our dog walks throughout the beautiful, yet often overlooked, Yorkshire Wolds, including where we have come a cropper, to help everyone, no matter what their age, experience and ability, to enjoy these fabulous places. This includes detailed and free route descriptions so that people who are less confident about venturing out can have a go, and those with additional access requirements know what to expect. I provide plenty of photographs and one-minute walk-through videos of our dog-friendly walks, some interesting historic details and links to other places to see in the Yorkshire Wolds. This includes places to grab a bite to eat or drink and stay, all of which welcome dogs.
Since starting our walks we have built a community of like-minded people who join us on our inclusive walking events as well as trying walks on their own - this is our Bill and Mrs M Club. Our Members have experienced huge benefits to their health and wellbeing, as well as finding new friends and ways to enjoy the outdoors together and on their own.
Here is just some of our feedback:
"My husband and I were looking to join a group of some sorts to enjoy our beautiful countryside in Yorkshire and meet new people. I came across the "Bill and Mrs M Club" and thought this group sounded interesting and our dogs were welcome too. We joined the club and have enjoyed some wonderful guided walks with interesting historical facts provided by Sarah (Mrs M) who is a font of knowledge in the local area. Sarah provides a friendly relaxed atmosphere but of course Bill is the star attraction. He's such a friendly dog and sets a good vibe for the other dogs. We have become healthier since joining Bill and Mrs M with lots of walks to follow carefully mapped out by Sarah to explore independently. Being out and about lifts our spirits and a nice pot of tea and cake along the way with a nice friendly bunch of people is just what we needed. We look forward to more events in the future and will continue our journey to better health both physically and mentally thanks to the Bill and Mrs M Club. " - Helen, Bear and Blu (Member since November 2023)
"Being someone who loves walking, but with limited map reading and navigational skills, I decided to join Walking the Wolds. The choice of walks is phenomenal. The descriptions, one minute videos and hints where livestock could potentially be are most helpful and appreciated. I love the group walks, they are well organised and friendly, if only I had more time to get out there and do more. I didn't realise just how many walks are on my doorstep. Thank you Bill & Mrs M, for Walking the Wolds!" - Jackie and Darcie the spaniel (Member since January 2024)
"A friend suggested we joined Walking the Wolds with Bill and Mrs M . I had some reservations as my health hadn’t been good ,with deteriorating knees and back problems .I needn’t to have worried as Sarah and Bill we’re so welcoming and happy to walk to the slowest persons pace .These well thought out walks in the wonderful Wolds, with breath-taking scenery and wildlife are accompanied by a little history and interesting facts along the way. Ending with a meal at a local dog friendly, café or vineyard makes for an uplifting day out. The best thing of all we can bring our doggie mates along and they love it as well ..they get a meal and treats . For £25 a year the welcome pack for my dog the health benefits both mental and physical and the introduction to new places and businesses is worth every penny. Not forgetting Sarah’s informative blogs and Facebook pages. Sarah and Bill have set up a remarkable new venture that has given me a new lease of life. Thank you Sarah and Bill". - Glynis and Meg the Whoodle 🐶 (Members since November 2023)
After one year, we have 100 Bill and Mrs M Club members, 25 small business partners, 50 fully detailed walks on our website, 14 tried, tested, inclusive walking events, and 5,000 Facebook followers, where we do most of our promotion. Our walking and dog-friendly community is engaged and enthusiastic, but we want to do more! - as according to the 2024 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, 28% of UK adults own a dog, which is an estimated 10.6 million pet dogs in the UK - all of which need walking.
So, What Next?
We want to be able to offer 100's of additional self-guided walks, with free practical route guides and instructions, to encourage more people improve their health and wellbeing by walking in the countryside (and branch out into neighbouring counties to be on more people's doorsteps - 'Walking the Dales', 'Walking the Moors' etc); we want to provide more opportunities for people to come on our walking events, offering experiences that are accessible, inclusive, interesting and, above all, friendly; we want to give more people and their dogs the chance to socialise, in a society where isolation and poor mental and physical health is on the rise; and in doing so, we want to build our business from our small beginnings to something that makes a huge impact.
But this all takes time and energy, and at the moment there is just me (and Bill). We have done a lot, but with help to devise, lead and accompany walks (the Bill and Mrs M way) and also promote what we do on social media and on our website, we can do lots more. I would like to develop and pay for a team of like-minded individuals to help us do all of this, and create new walking and wellbeing short breaks and holidays for all, working with small business accommodation and refreshment providers operating independently across the countryside, and so provide walking experiences for individuals, that would benefit the many.
Whilst there are companies across the UK, that offer walking breaks and there are walking clubs, we feel that our ethos is a unique blend of promoting community engagement, wellbeing through walking, talking and exploring beautiful landscapes, and using the power of our dogs to bring people together and create enjoyable experiences. We would like to invest more money and effort into growing this and hopefully with your help we can!