A group of the volunteers on the Cleveland Way

Volunteers from England and Wales’s official long-distance paths met in a national park at the weekend.

The North York Moors hosted the national trail volunteers’ weekend to celebrate their work, develop new thinking and exchange best practice.

The 35 people who attended the meeting at Larpool Hall, Whitby, were able to enjoy a choice of walks along the North Yorkshire coast using the Cleveland Way national trail. The volunteers tackled a seven-mile classic coast route from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay and a six-mile historic coast Ravenscar circuit and on to Hayburn Wyke, passing through the ‘town that never was’.

Malcolm Hodgson, national trails officer at the North York Moors national park, said: “Volunteers were able to see the path in all its conditions as the walks took us from full storms to outstanding sunshine.

“It was great to meet and share ideas with so many dedicated volunteers. Their hard work ensures our national trails are in a superb condition for the enjoyment of everyone.”

The weekend covered topics on volunteering on national trails, engaging different groups in volunteering, training and use of video demonstrations, embracing technology – apps and social media – and the importance of volunteering.

Organisers said they hoped to repeat the successful event in the future.