It was, by far, our most commented-on story of the week. An event that drew gasps.
Not the mayoral election, of course, but news that a naked walk is returning to the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park this summer.
British Naturism, which is organising the event, helpfully sent us PG-rated, buttock-only photos of naturists along with the request that ‘they must be used exactly as they are. No censorship — blurring, pixellation or covering with clip-art for example’.
Pic: British Naturism
The most shocking angle for me was not the nudity but the prospect of freezing to death between Ripon and Masham.
The Conservatives were stripped of their political ambitions this week when Labour’s David Skaith swept to victory in the North Yorkshire mayoral election.
Two hours later, Mr Skaith popped up on TV alongside Labour leader Keir Starmer on the pitch at Northallerton Football Club.
It was a great day for Labour and a crushing first ever electoral defeat for Tory Keane Duncan, who instead of sloping out a side door as many politicians do took it on the chin and answered every question posed by a long line of journalists.
The bathing season gets underway this month and those making a beeline for Knaresborough Lido on the River Nidd will be delighted to know they can now check almost real time data on sewage being pumped into rivers by Yorkshire Water. Perhaps naked walks are safer…
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Naked walk returns to Ripon
People are being urged to strip off their clothes this summer and stroll around gardens near Ripon.
British Naturism is organising six naked walks in Britain to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.
One of them is being held at the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, which is situated between Ripon and Masham, on Saturday, June 29.
In a press release today announcing the news, British Naturism said participants would “experience the exhilaration of being nude in the great outdoors, boost their mental and physical health, reducing their stress — and have a lot of fun”.
The walks will be clothing-optional, meaning there is no obligation to be naked. More than 80 people took part in a similar event at the same venue last year.
Andrew Welch, national spokesman for British Naturism, said:
“Taboos around nudity are eroding and the health and well-being benefits of going naked are more widely understood, with more and more people wanting to get the exhilarating feelings for themselves.
“We encourage anyone to come and give it a go — and raise much-needed funds for our charity partner, British Heart Foundation.”
Ben Bishop, fundraising manager at the foundation, said:
“There are lots of ways to support the BHF and, thanks to British Naturism, these now include taking your clothes off and enjoying the great outdoors.”
Tickets are available here.
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Cool breeze fails to deter naked walkers near Ripon
More than 80 people took part in an inaugural naked walk near Ripon on Saturday.
The two kilometre hike for over-18s took place at the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, between Ripon and Masham.
It was one of a series of fundraising Naked Heart Walks organised this summer by British Naturism, which promotes naturism.
The walks at stately homes and gardens are advertised as opportunities to let people “feel the breeze on your skin as you raise money for the British Heart Foundation”.
Saturday’s event took place shortly after the Himalayan garden closed to members of the public and despite the late hour, and cool conditions, a total of 83 people took part.
Sasha Jackson-Brown, estate and operations manager at the Himalayan garden, said it was approached this year by British Naturism about hosting an event.
Ms Jackson-Brown said the venue’s remote location made it suitable and the event attracted a good turnout even though “the weather could have been a bit warmer for them”.
She added there was a relaxed atmosphere and the Himalayan garden would be open to hosting similar events in future.
A spokesman for British Naturism said:
“The amount raised so far for the British Heart Foundation is £1,420 including donations on the day and funds raised by individuals.
“The event was so successful that we plan to repeat it next year. Every participant said that they had thoroughly enjoyed the event.”
Read more:
Naked walk to take place near Ripon
A naked walk is to be held near Ripon to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.
British Naturism, which promotes naturism, is organising fundraising walks in which people will strip off and feel the breeze on their skin at gardens, stately homes and castles across the country.
The seven venues taking part in this year’s Naked Heart Walks include the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, between Ripon and Masham.
It will host a two kilometre walk for over-18s only on July 1.
This year’s walks are clothing-optional so there is no compulsion to strip naked.
An Ipsos poll commissioned by British Naturism in 2022, revealed almost seven million Brits describe themselves as naturists or nudists.
Andrew Welch, national spokesman for British Naturism, said:
“Taboos around nudity are eroding and the health and well-being benefits of going naked are more widely understood, with more and more people wanting to get the exhilarating feelings for themselves.
“I’m delighted to see the number of our Naked Heart Walks more than double this year and would encourage anyone to come and give it a go — and raise much needed funds for our charity partner.”
Ben Bishop, fundraising manager at the British Heart Foundation, said:
“There are lots of ways you can support the BHF and this is one of the more unusual, but why not try something new?
“Whether you dare to bare or keep your clothes on you can take part knowing that you will be helping our researchers find the new treatments and cures that can keep families together longer.”
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