Walks to the Pub Avis 17

I moved to York in August of 2025. Within days of arriving, I showed up solo for one of these splendid walks, hoping they would help me to make connections. They absolutely did. That’s largely down to Matt who told us all on that first walk that the outings are "about making friends not just walking.” On subsequent walks he has urged us to change walking partners and meet someone new.

The variety of walks has something for everyone. If you want to do six miles, pick a weekend walk. If you want a shorter but very atmospheric walk? Choose one of the evening suggestions. No matter what you pick you will make new friends. That I guarantee.

I joined this group for the first time on Saturday, and I was a little apprehensive being on my own. I'm very pleased to say that everyone made me feel so welome, what a lovely afternoon!
Matt had done a fabulous job planning the route, which went along the river and through Rowntree's Park at a nice steady pace. The lunch stop off in the Knavesmire pub was very sociable.
Looking forward to the next one!

Love these walks. Mat organises everything with fantastic routes and great places to eat and drink. Everyone is always very friendly and chatty and happy !

Had such a good time, I went on my own which is quite nerve wracking, everyone was so welcoming and lovely, would definitely go again.

I have been on 4 or 5 walks with Matthew. He is a calm and friendly leader with a joke or 2 usually at his own expense. Walks are sociable, usually 5 to 6 miles with a break half way though at a cafe or pub and finish in the pub. Its a great way to have a nice walk and chat to a variety of new faces.

Joined the group because I needed to get out and meet people. A lovely well organised group very friendly and inclusive. Fresh air, exercise , chatting to people finishing with a drink, supporting local businesses BRILLIANT.

Walks to the pub is a great idea - what’s not to like? Fresh air, bit of exercise, meeting some lovely people, eating and drinking! All my favourite hobbies 🤣. Matt and his sister do a great job of organising and researching the walks and I would highly recommend anyone to give it a go. xxx

I have attended 6 of the walks and found them to be excellent. It is a great way to see parts of York that you have never been before. It is extremely friendly and a great way to walk and talk with many different people. It is extremely well organised by Matt and his sister, I would wholeheartedly recommend giving it a go, sure you will not be disappointed.

Very well organised event with a friendly host and nice group atmosphere. Saw places I had never seen before.

Really lovely group .thank Matt and Vanessa for all your organising .iv made some lovely friends on these walks and look forward to them .

Today's walk is quite amazing for me , I really enjoyed it . Both the scenery and the people are nice, I did have a very impressive experience today. Thanks so much for organizing such kind of activities. I would like to participate next time if time is available.

Very lovely group. Very friendly people. The walks are fun, happy ,informative, and not forgetting good exercise 😉

My dog and I went along on today's walk, ably led by Matt.

Despite being about 60 of us (including 4 dogs) the day waa very well organised. An area in the first pub (lunch stop) had been reserved by Matt, enabling us all to get a seat easily and we finished up in another pub's function room at the end of the walk, where many of us had delicious pizza over a few drinks. The group were super friendly and Matt was a fab leader, taking us to some secret parts of York, and wittily giving us some historical facts.

Bonus points for being dog-friendly....very important for me as I won't leave my dog alone on a weekend.

The bear and I are now crashed on the sofa reflecting on a super day.

Thanks Matt. Hopefully we will see you again soon 😊🐾

This is a social "no pressure" walking group led by the very capable and friendly Matt. As a newcomer to York, this is a relaxed way to get some exercise, learn a bit about York, and have a drink and a chat in a pub. Highly recommend you give it a try!

I needed to get out of the house and socialise more and I realised I'd have to do that on my own (married) this group is excellent for company, sharing stories and life, getting fresh air and seeing parts of york as a resident I've never been to and ultimately ending up in the pub... What more could I want

I look forward to the "Walks to the Pub " walks .Mainly In and around York .The people who take part - Male and Female young and old are very friendly .The Organiser Matt makes everyone welcome with his upbeat fun sense of humour. I have learnt more about my local surroundings. Personally for me I like the Flexability of being able to attend walks I can make not having to commit to each one.Its good to meet up with different Characters sharing chit chat .Ending with a drink or coffee in the Pub .A relaxing fun atmosphere to enjoy. I went on the Ist Walk in March 25 Can't Wait For the Ist Anniversary Celebration Walk this March

After years of very bad health leading to social isolation and loss of confidence. I stumbled on an advert for a new social focused group starting, and thought what the hell, What's the worst thing that can happen! If nothing else I get some steps in and end up in a pub 🤷🏼‍♀️🍻 I must admit that it was a nerve racking thing to actually turn up alone! But within minutes I realised most people were there in the same situation. Everyone therefore felt as vulnerable as I did, and was just as happy to chit chat, as we casually walked along the route that mat was merrily leading, with a joke or two along the way. The prize at the end was obviously reaching the pub 🥂 Again everyone was happy to chit chat away.
I've since been on lots of walks and found that the great thing is, because it's a no pressure environment, it really works. I can go when I'm up to it and no problem if I don't. I've met lots of lovely people and as a direct result of this group feel much less socially isolated. I have actually made some genuine friendships that have spread from the group into "real life" It's a great social group, & the added bonus of increasing your stepcount/mobility & maybe your friendship group. Win win! What else can you do for £1 in York!👌🏼