Yorkshire walking rates outpace national average despite £1.4bn active travel spend
People across Yorkshire are walking more than much of the rest of the country, according to new analysis, even as national participation levels remain below pre-pandemic trends despite £1.4 billion of government investment in walking and cycling.
Data analysed by Out & About Live using the latest Department for Transport figures shows that 76.2 per cent of people in York walk at least once a month, followed by 75 per cent in North Yorkshire, 70.1 per cent in Leeds and 69.6 per cent in Sheffield.
The national average currently stands at 69.66 per cent.
Taken together, Yorkshire’s average walking rate sits comfortably above the UK figure, reinforcing the region’s long-standing reputation for embracing the outdoors, from city centre riverside routes to the Dales, Moors and Peak District.
The findings come against a more concerning national backdrop. While walking participation had been rising steadily before the pandemic, current figures show activity levels are now almost 12 per cent below where they would be if pre-Covid trends had continued, despite £1.4 billion of government spending on active travel between 2016 and 2023.
In contrast, Yorkshire’s numbers suggest the region has retained a stronger culture of regular walking than many other parts of the country.
Sally Dodds, Head of Events at Out & About Live, said: “Yorkshire is showing the rest of the UK what an outdoor lifestyle looks like.
"While national figures show walking rates falling, people across the county are keeping active, exploring and staying connected to the outdoors.
“That passion for being outside is exactly what and our shows celebrate. So, it comes as no surprise that Yorkshire has also been one of the leaders in pushing the country in weekly walking rates.”
The strength of Yorkshire’s outdoor culture will be reflected next spring when the Yorkshire Motorhome, Campervan & Camping Show returns to the Yorkshire Events Centre in Harrogate from 20-22 March 2026.
The event brings together hundreds of motorhomes and campervans, camping equipment brands and outdoor specialists, alongside expert talks and family-friendly workshops aimed at encouraging more people to spend time outside.
Last year’s show attracted thousands of visitors and featured more than 300 vehicles and almost 200 trade stands, with organisers confirming that the 2026 event will expand its outdoor camping and accessories zones and introduce additional advice sessions for first-time buyers.
Event details
- Yorkshire Motorhome, Campervan & Camping Show 2026
- Yorkshire Events Centre, Harrogate
- 20 – 22 March 2026
- Open daily from 9:30am
- Tickets: £10 in advance / £15 on the gate (under-18s free)
- Free motorhome driving taster sessions – no pre-booking required (over 25s, full UK licence)