Walking - on the web (From Gazette & Herald)

Walking - on the web

FROM Sunday strolls to serious hikes, North Yorkshire is full of locations for country walks. This week, we look at some of the websites dedicated to rambling and walking.

The Rambling Association - http://www.ramblers.org.uk Rating: 4/5

This site has a vast amount of information on all aspects of rambling, from finding accommodation for longer ventures to details on the health benefits of walking. There is information on hundreds of promoted walking routes throughout the UK with links to Ordanance survey maps. You can also find out about campaigns launched by the association, and how to join rambling groups in your area.

Walking Britain - http://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/ Rating: 4.5/5

There are a variety of walks, located throughout the UK, featured on this site. Each walk has a detailed description, with difficulty ratings, several photographs and maps as well as information on purchasing the relevant Ordanance Survey maps for the area. Amongst the other features of the site are a forum with message boards on various subjects, information on equipment, and weather reports.

Walking.org - http://www.walking.org/ Rating: 3/5

This site aims to promote the health benefits of walking. There is information on walking for weight loss, walking to combat stress and a healthy eating plan to complement the health benefits of walking.

The British Walking Federation -http://www.bwf-ivv.org.uk/ Rating: 3.5/5

This is the website of The British Walking Federation, who organise non-competitive events for walkers throughout the UK. The site design is very basic, but there is clear information about all the walks it organises, with route maps and information on distances. You will also find information on its award scheme for walkers and a registration form for those wishing to take part in walks.

Walking on the Web - http://www.walkingontheweb.co.uk/ Rating: 3.5/5

This site looks at walking throughout Europe. There is information on the different types of maps available for walkers, walking holidays in various countries throughout Europe, and detailed information on walking in each country.

You can find a selection of local walks, with maps and directions, previously published in the Gazette and Herald at http://www.thisisryedale.co.uk/ryedale/whats_on/out_about/walk/

Just for fun: http://www.flooble.com/perplexus/

This site has a large selection of logic puzzles - visitors to the site can post comments and submit solutions. Each puzzle has a difficulty rating and puzzles range from story-based logic teasers to riddles and maths and science-based problems.

Do you have your own favourite site, or is there a particular subject area you think should be covered? E-mail me at lucy.barrow@ycp.co.uk, and I will try and include it in a future column.

Updated: 12:08 Thursday, July 31, 2003