Many of us could argue that the likes of Canada’s Cabot Trail or New Zealand’s South Island Circuit are the ultimate road trip. But watch out for the hottest contender for the crown: Route YC. That’s the Yorkshire coast, for anyone who wasn’t sure.
There are so many reasons to try out Route YC for yourself and, until April 16th, there’s a bonus incentive for tourers to journey along the Yorkshire coast. Puffins have taken over the area, with 42 individually coloured sculptures lining the coast from Spurn Point to Bempton and even a pesky few having moved inland.
Why puffins?
Every summer, thousands of puffins migrate to nest on the British coastline. Perhaps one of the most iconic seabirds, the ‘clowns of the sea’ are known for their distinctive bright bills and striking plumage. Consequently, they’ve become somewhat of a symbol for the Yorkshire coast.
However, like many other animals, puffins are threatened and endangered by human activities and the effects of climate change. Each puffin sculpture has been designed to respond to one of three core themes:
- Endangered wildlife of the coasts and seas
- The global warming crisis and the growth of green energy
- People and stories of the East Yorkshire coast
Between April and July, the UK is home to roughly ten per cent of the world’s population of puffins and, in England, RSPB Bempton Cliffs and Flamborough Head are usually the best spots to see them. The trail begins in this area with 14 sculptures waiting to be found. Adventurers will then head through Hornsea and Withernsea before ending the journey at Spurn Point. Some of the puffins can be discovered within the city of Hull, so wherever you’re heading in the region, watch out for those brightly coloured sculptures.
If you’re planning to travel along the Puffins Galore! Trail, check out the spotter’s guide for the locations of each sculpture. It also has some great tips on how to find them all and which points of interest you should visit along the way.
What will happen when the trail ends?
The Puffins Galore! Trail has been running since July 2022 and finishes next month, so be sure to visit and see them for yourself. After the event is finished, each puffin will be auctioned with proceeds being donated to charities including Hornsea Inshore Rescue, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
So, don’t wait any longer! Take a trip along the Puffins Galore! Trail to discover all of the beautiful birds and do your part to support some fantastic charities in the process.
Photo credit: ArtHouse Studio / Pexels
