The Walking Cave Man - Walking East Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Wolds: wolds

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The Walking Cave Man's top ten East Riding of Yorkshire Walks

There are no routes detailed on The Walking Cave Man blog that I’ve not personally walked and hope the ones I have highlighted are of interest. I receive a number of emails and comments left on this blog expressing the walks listed have been enjoyed and I hope that many more will try some of these out.

I love to hear from fellow walkers, a number who have sent me their own walks/routes they themselves have enjoyed and will therefore be posting these on the blog very soon, however I really like to walk the routes sent to me before posting them, so now the weather seems to be improving I’ll be trying many of these out. Please keep these coming through.

I love walking the East Riding and have enjoyed all of my walks, although there are some which I believe stand out from the others. I have therefore listed below my personal favourites; exploring different parts of the county which I believe opens up the wide variety of paths available to everyone.

Please also remember to click on my interactive walking map which details all of The Walking Cave Man walks.

1) North Wold Way

My personal favourite walk in the Wolds, illustrating the Yorkshire Wolds at it’s finest utilising the rolling hills and dales, this walk visits the picturesque villages of Thixendale, Bishop Wilton, Great Givendale, Kirby Underdale and Millington. Although this is a challenging circular route of 20 miles, incorporating some steep assents, it’s well worth the effort for the more experienced walker.

Deepdale and heading towards Thixendale

2) Thixendale to Wharram Percy

Wharram Percy is a deserted medieval village located north of Thixendale – This blog details a number of walks which vary in length taking in this interesting village; however for a medium length walk I have found this route to be a most rewarding, allowing wonderful scenery via Deep Dale

Thixendale and the Yorkshire Wolds Way heading out of the village

3) Rudolf Romp

This is an East Riding LDWA challenge walk held every year in December from Brantingham (although the route can be walked at anytime) – This challenging 24 mile circuit passes through a number of south wold villages including South Cave, North Cave, Hotham and Sancton. The well attended event follows a number of well established footpaths including sections of the Yorkshire Wolds Way.

Hotham gate house and Hotham Hall

4) Capability Overview

Another of the East Riding LDWA events, this 23 mile challenge is held in conjunction with Sledmere Parish Council, usually held annually in May. Although not as well attended as the Rudolf Romp it does provide walkers with the opportunity to walk a largely off path route utilising private land opened up especially for the event and therefore not available any other time of the year.

5) Howdenshire Way

The Howdenshire Way is an enjoyable 16 mile circular walk around the Goole and Howden area, setting off from Eastrington. Although this is a flat route without the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds this walk provides pleasant countryside views, utilising well established footpaths. If a moderately easy route is required this is a recommended walk with a few interesting sites.

'Near Drain' heading out of Balkholme

6) Pocklington Canal

This walks starts from the car park close to the first of the beautifully restored locks at Canal Head just off the A1079 south of Pocklington. The full Pocklington Canal walk is 9.5 miles ending at Storwood, however this circular route takes in the villages of Sutton upon Derwent and Allerthorpe.

Pocklington canal locks

7) High Hunsley Walk

This is a medium distance walk around the south of the Yorkshire Wolds taking in the picturesque villages of Brantingham, Skidby, Walkington and South Cave. To accompany this walk there is a full walk description and GPX file on The Walking Cave Man, however is fully details on the regions OS map. I’ve classed this as a medium to hard walk, however for the experienced walker use to walking this distance the High Hunsley Circuit makes for a fantastic day’s walk.

Heading to Brantingham Church and Comber Dale, South cave

8) Walking Cave Man Way

An extension of the Hudson Way (a 10 mile linear walk/cycle route from Molescroft, Beverley to Market Weighton) making this an enjoyable 25 mile circular route. The path follows the foot bed of the old Market Weighton to Beverley railway. Upon reaching Market Weighton , the route heads back towards Beverley via Bishop Burton and Walkington eventually crossing the Beverley Westwood and the race course.

Kiplingcoates Rail Way Station and a bridge crossing the Hudson Trail

9) Millington Circular

A strenuous circular walk through some of the lovely valleys and hills of the Yorkshire Wolds, visiting beautiful villages of Great Givendale and Millington. This route can be walked in either direction; however anti clockwise is the more difficult with steep ascents out of Great Givendale and Millington to Warren Farm.

St. Ethelberga Church

10) Top Hill Low

A route from The Walking Cave Man short walk series, this 6 mile circular walk starts from Arram visiting the tranquil Top Hill Low nature reserve along the River Hull passing an old water works and water ways which head towards Nafferton. This route uses footpaths which are infrequently used and therefore makes for a quiet peaceful walk.

Nature Reserve and Reservoir

To view further Walking Cave Man walks select the below to view my interactive walks map

If anyone has an interesting walk/route/trail they feel would be of interest or wish to share, I'd be happy to include it on this Blog (please post to thewalkingcaveman@ymail.com) - full accreditation will be given to the author and website if applicable.

The Walking Cave Man's East Riding of Yorkshire walking A to Z

I thought it would be fun to complete an A to Z of walking in the East Riding of Yorkshire and therefore listed below is my effort. There were a massive number of locations and walks that I could have chosen, however a large majority of these start with the more common letters and therefore not as easy as I though it was going to be .....

It would be great to hear from anyone else who can put together their own full list - I'll be more than happy to place a link on this post to your blog/web site or post your list. My email address is thewalkingcaveman@ymail.com

A – A Sterne Encounter

The newest of the East Yorkshire Long Distance Walking Association’s challenge walks, this year being the second running of the event, is a walk round the Howardian Hills setting off from Ampleforth Village Hall on the 29^th July.

Unfortunately due to other commitments in 2012 I wasn’t able to attend last years event however will be looking forward to the walk this year and experiencing what I hope is a fantastic route around this beautiful area of East and North Yorkshire.

For further details regarding the Sterne Encounter see the EYLDWA website.

For a GPX file of the route: A Sterne Encounter

For a route description: Route Description & my blog post

B – Brantingham

This is a small pretty village which can be utilised as a superb hub covering walks connecting routes around the south wold villages of North Cave, South Cave, Welton, Skidby and Walkington.

Listed below are a few walks detailed on the Walking Cave Man that can be enjoyed from Brantingham.

Mount Airy – 3 mile walk

Brantingham to Waulby – 12.5 mile walk

C - Comber Dale

Comber Dale, located on the Yorkshire Wolds Way (YWW), stretches between Littlewold Plantation, South Cave and Drewton Dale.

This small attractive, but busy dale, is a junction to High Hunsley (continuing the YWW further into the Yorkshire Wolds), heading north towards Market Weighton or eastwards to Everthorpe and North Cave.

Comber Dale is used extensively by many established walking routes including the High Hunsley Circuit the LDWA challenge walks of ‘The Rudolf Romp’, ‘The Windmill Way’ and may small walks in the area.

Listed below are a small number of walks detailed on this site utilising the dale:

South Cave to North Cave via North Hotham and Ellerker - 15 miles

Brantingham to North Cave Circular - 15 miles

D - Deep Dale

Although totally separate, these two wonderful dales encapsulate the Yorkshire Wolds at its finest, both providing wonderful views and superb walking opportunities.

Deepdale located close to Thixendale, leads to the deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy, the church making an interesting location to visit and a brilliant place to take lunch whilst taking in the scenery.

Deepdale Bishop Wilton, is one of my favourite dales in the area. Although not providing the spectacular views of the Lake District or the Yorkshire Dales, Deepdale is a wonderful location for any walker to visit.

Two fabulous walks that take in these Dales:

Thixendale to Wharram Percy - 8.5 miles
Millington Circular - 14.5 miles

E - Eastrington

For a moderately easy walk around the Eastrington and Howden area, enjoying the flat countryside of East Yorkshire and an opportunity to visit a nature reserve and a short old railway walk the following route provides a relief from the steep dales of the Wolds (select the map for details).

F - Fridaythorpe

Fridaythorpe, located east of Driffiled is a further picturesque village on the YWW, however there are many short to medium walking routes that can be enjoyed in the area connecting many of the other East Yorkshire villages in the area. To appreciate Fridaythorpe the following 13 mile route incorporates a number of plantations, dales and the villages of Wetwang and Huggate.

Wetwang Wander - 13 miles

G - Great Givendale

Great Givendale is a small village north of Pocklington regally visited by walkers following the Minster Way. Sitting between Bishop Wilton and Millington the village is best known for the quaint church of St. Ethelberga.

An easy 10 mile walk taking in this picturesque village - Pocklington, Great Givendale Circular

H - High Hunsley

High Hunsley is an area located north of South Cave, however lends it's name to a popular 24 mile long distance anytime challenge walk, covering the East Yorkshire villages of Walkington, Skidby, Brantingham, and South Cave. For further details of this fabulous walk select the High Hunsley badge to the left.

I - Inclines

Many believe East Yorkshire is an area of flat countryside walking. Although this is mainly correct, heading into the Yorkshire Wolds offers many tough hills and dales that can be experienced. To appreciate a great example try 'Cold Wold', located close to Millington at GR: 84481 52556.

To incorporate this on a walk, try the 20 mile North Wolds Way which also includes a few further examples.

J - Just the ticket

The East Riding of Yorkshire has a number of large and small disused railway walks/trails spread over the county - A three part blog post series, dedicated to this subject, is available on The Walking Cave Man (part three has yet to be completed), however the first two can be viewed by selecting the links below:

East Yorkshire Railway walks (West) - Part 1
East Yorkshire Railway walks (Wolds) - Part 2

K - Kilpin Pike

Although Kipling Pike isn't a picturesque village, however is on the route of the Howden Twenty and a gateway to Howdenshire. Following this well trodden route, firstly along the River Ouse (part of the Trans Pennine Trail) this pleasant walk takes in flat country side with pleasant scenery and some interesting features.

L - Littlewold Plantation

Littlewold Plantation is located on the outskirts of South Cave and on the YWW providing superb short walks and be incorporated in longer distance routes. A number of walks listed on this blog takes in this wonderful plantation giving panoramic views over the River Humber. To enjoy this location try a couple of the walks are listed below.

South Cave to Everthorpe - 4.5/7.5 miles
Brantingham to North Cave Circular - 15 miles

M - Millington

The gorgeous village of Millington is a hub for a number if well established walking routes in the area including the long distance walks of the the Chalklands Way, Minster Way and the Yorkshire Wolds Way. A a number of walks incorporating Millington are detailed on this blog, however a moderate 20 mile walk (Millington Meander) can be viewed by selecting the map to the right.

N - North Newbald/Nut Wood

Nut Wood, located on the outskirts of North Newbald, leads to a wonderful dale passing 'Big Hill' where a number of different species of birds of pray can be observed - for a fantastic opportunity to view these birds in the wild, follow the featured short six mile walk - North Newbald Circuit

O - Open Access Walks

East Yorkshire has a number of walks utilising Open Access Land - To view these walks and a blog detailing the Open Access areas select the Open Access icon to the left.

P - Pocklington Canal

Pocklington Canal offers a superb walk along a restored canal - The following blog posts provides a couple of walks incorporating the canal - Pocklington Canal Circular

Q - Quality Activities

The dates for the annual Yorkshire Wolds Walking and Outdoors Festival is to be held from the 14th to the 22nd September 2013 - A large number of outdoor related activities are organised for all age groups and abilities.

The diary for this years festival has not yet been confirmed although to give a taste of what will be on offer please view my blog post relating to the 2012 events.

Keep an eye out for when the final diary is published here

R - Rudston Roam

Part 3 of four linear walks of the East Riding Heritage Way. This section starts in Driffield and finishes at Bridlington. The route following river, beckside and field paths over level to gently undulating farmland, visiting a number of villages with historical interest, including Nafferton, Burton Agnes and the Rudston monolith.

S - Sledmere

Sledmere, located north west of Driffield is dominated by the Sledmere Estate. The area offers some superb walking around a picturesque landscape taking in some wonderful architecture, including Sledmere House and Sir Tatton Sykes memorial.

For a comprehensive walk around Sledmere the following 26 mile walk will provide this although smaller length walks can be enjoyed - Sledmere Circular. Alternatively joint the LDWA on the 23 mile Capability's Overview challenge walk which is held every year.

T - Tibthorpe Wood (North Dalton)

Tibthorpe Wood can be found by taking a walk from North Dalton (half way between Driffield and Pocklington - B1264) visiting Huggate along the way. The featured route follows quiet well established paths utilised by the Minster and Chalklands Ways - Select the map left to view further details.

U - Unlock

Unlock the world of Geocaching - A great way of exploring the countryside with a difference. To understand and learn more about this activity check out my Geocaching blog post and The Walking Cave Man's own Cache locations

V - Viaduct

One of the most famous viaducts in the East Riding is located at Stamford Bridge which provide a fantastic viewing point over the surrounding area - The viaduct is easily accessible for all walking abilities and therefore fantastic for a half an hours stroll or for a longer route down the River Derwent towards Kexby - The following link provides a route (a route description is not yet available) - Stamford Bridge Stomp.

W - Wharram Percy

Wharram Percy is a deserted medieval village located close to the picturesque village of Thixendale, set in a scenic location at the northern end of Deep Dale. To visit Wharram Percy the following route provides an option for a couple of shorter routes and a full days hiking option.

Thixendale to Wharram Percy - 8.5 Miles
Wharram Percy Circular - 15 Miles

X-Factor

Walking in the East Riding of Yorkshire may not be the most renowned place to walk, however I am positive that the county has enormous potential and offers fantastic walking for all abilities. From the Yorkshire Wolds to the east coast and the lower level countryside of Howdenshire the East Riding provides beautiful picturesque villages and market towns offering landmarks that are frequently overlooked by walkers not familiar to this area - I passionately believe the East Riding has the X-Factor.

Y - Yorkshire Wolds Way

"A route from the Humber estuary to the Cleveland coast through the hills of the Yorkshire Wolds. The Trail first goes west along the River Humber and then north around the western edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, in woods and across arable land through Thixendale, and along the northern escarpment of the Wolds that rises to over 600ft. It travels on ridges and through dry valleys and sheep pasture to reach the coast at Filey and the fine headland of Filey Brigg. At Filey it meets the Cleveland Way National Trail, enabling walkers to take a longer continuous route on these two National Trails." (Yorkshire Wolds Website)

The East Riding of Yorkshire is home to many other long distance walks, all detailed on the following link: Medium to long distance walking routes

Z - Zones

The Walking Cave Man blog is split up into a number of categories and the East Yorkshire Walks page is split into zones (I've not named these zones but have grouped walks together by towns and villages), each zone having it's own distinct characteristics. For instance the west of the county (Google and Howden) is flat, compaired to the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds to the the north (Thixdendale and Millington). To this thought I've tried to colour code my Iinteractive Walking Map to reflect this.

Short Walk - South Cave to Everthorpe circular

This is a superb walk around the south wolds villages of South Cave and Everthorpe, taking in Little Wold Plantation and depending upon route, the dales of Drewton and Coomber and North Cave. The longer route totals 7.5 miles, the shorter route being 4.5 miles.

All Saints Church, South Cave

The walk follows well established footpaths and navigation is easy, therefore allows for walkers to appreciate the fantastic scenery the area has to offer including expansive views over the River Humber.

The walk can be started from various locations along the route, however there is plenty of parking in South Cave, top of Little Wold Plantation close to the chalk quarry or if choosing the longer walk in North Cave.

View of Little Wold Plantation walking from South Cave market place, following The Yorkshire Wolds Way from Brantingham and Mount Airy.

Path leading through Little Wold Plantation meeting up with the Chalk Quarry at the top of Little Wold Plantation to start the walk onto Everthorpe.

Entering Everthopre from Little Wold Plantation - Please note that this is the the alternative route back to South Cave via the South Cave golf course at GR: SE 19009 31839. To take the alternative route, walk into the village, passing the stone village sign, to GR: SE90704 31689.