The Yorkshire Wolds Way is a National Trail that winds through the tranquil and picturesque landscapes of the Yorkshire Wolds in northern England. This relatively lesser-known trail covers 79 miles (127 km), offering a peaceful walk through rolling hills, charming villages, and open countryside, with a unique blend of natural beauty and history. It is a gentle and serene walk, ideal for those looking for solitude and stunning views of rural England.
Key Facts:
- Length: 79 miles (127 km)
- Start and End Points: The trail begins at Hessle near the Humber Bridge in East Yorkshire and ends at Filey Brigg on the North Sea coast.
- Designated: The Yorkshire Wolds Way was designated as a National Trail in 1982.
Route Overview:
The Yorkshire Wolds Way meanders through the chalk hills of the Yorkshire Wolds, offering rolling countryside, gentle slopes, and panoramic views over the East Riding of Yorkshire. The trail takes walkers through quiet villages, open farmland, woodlands, and grassy hilltops, offering a peaceful and scenic experience throughout.
Key Sections of the Yorkshire Wolds Way:
1. Hessle to South Cave:
- Distance: 12 miles (19 km)
- Highlights:
- Humber Bridge: One of the longest suspension bridges in the world, offering impressive views over the Humber Estuary.
- Welton: A picturesque village with traditional stone cottages and a tranquil village green.
- South Cave: A charming small town with Georgian architecture, marking the first stop on the trail.
2. South Cave to Millington:
- Distance: 18 miles (29 km)
- Highlights:
- Houghton Woods: A peaceful wooded area that offers shade and quiet trails.
- Goodmanham: A historic village with an ancient church and connections to early English Christianity.
- Millington Pastures: Open chalk grasslands and scenic valleys, a beautiful part of the Wolds landscape.
3. Millington to Wharram Percy:
- Distance: 17 miles (27 km)
- Highlights:
- Millington Woods: A nature reserve with ancient woodlands, home to various species of wildlife.
- Warter: A small, quiet village with a peaceful atmosphere and rolling hills surrounding it.
- Wharram Percy: One of England’s most famous deserted medieval villages, with the ruins of an ancient church and remnants of the former village.
4. Wharram Percy to Wintringham:
- Distance: 12 miles (19 km)
- Highlights:
- Wharram le Street: A historic village with old stone buildings and a beautiful church.
- Settrington Beacon: A high point along the trail with sweeping views across the Wolds and beyond.
- Wintringham: A small, picturesque village set in the heart of the Wolds.
5. Wintringham to Filey Brigg:
- Distance: 20 miles (32 km)
- Highlights:
- East and West Heslerton: Traditional Wolds villages with historic cottages and quiet streets.
- Filey Brigg: A dramatic coastal headland, marking the end of the trail, with stunning views over the North Sea and access to Filey Beach.
Highlights:
- Rolling Hills and Open Countryside: The Yorkshire Wolds Way showcases the serene and undulating landscapes of the Wolds, with rolling chalk hills, wide-open fields, and gentle valleys offering a sense of space and tranquility.
- Historic Villages: Walkers pass through a series of charming and historic villages, such as Goodmanham and Wharram Percy, each with its unique character and a glimpse into rural life in East Yorkshire.
- Panoramic Views: Along the way, the trail offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the Vale of York, and eventually, the North Sea coastline.
- Wharram Percy Deserted Medieval Village: A highlight of the trail, this site offers a fascinating look at medieval life, with ruins and historical interpretation signs guiding visitors through this abandoned village.
Terrain and Difficulty:
- Moderate: The Yorkshire Wolds Way is generally regarded as a gentle and moderate walk, with rolling hills and a few steep sections, but nothing too challenging. It’s accessible for walkers of most fitness levels.
- Terrain: The trail features a variety of terrain, including grassy paths, farmland tracks, and occasional woodland trails. Some sections can be muddy after rain, particularly in winter or early spring.
Walking Duration:
- Full Route: Walking the entire Yorkshire Wolds Way typically takes about 5 to 7 days, depending on pace and stops along the way.
- Shorter Sections: Many walkers choose to break the trail into shorter sections, which are well-suited for day hikes or weekend trips.
Best Times to Visit:
- Spring and Summer: The best times to walk the Yorkshire Wolds Way are from spring to early autumn (April to September), when the weather is mild, and the countryside is lush and green. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while summer offers long daylight hours.
- Autumn: Autumn is also a lovely time to walk, with colorful foliage and cooler temperatures, offering a quieter, more reflective atmosphere.
- Winter: The trail can be walked year-round, though winter conditions may be muddy or wet, particularly on farmland sections.
Accessibility:
- Public Transport: The Yorkshire Wolds Way is accessible by public transport, with bus services connecting some of the villages along the route. The starting point at Hessle is near Hull, which has good transport links, and the trail’s end at Filey can be reached by train.
- Accommodation: There are various accommodation options along the way, including B&Bs, inns, campsites, and small hotels. Some villages have limited services, so it’s worth planning accommodation in advance.
Popular Short Walks on the Yorkshire Wolds Way:
- Wharram Percy Circular Walk: A 4-mile (6 km) circular route around the medieval village, offering an exploration of its ruins and surrounding countryside.
- Millington Woods Circular: A 5-mile (8 km) walk through the beautiful woods and pastures of Millington, perfect for a gentle day hike.
- Hessle to North Ferriby: A 7-mile (11 km) section at the start of the trail, offering stunning views of the Humber Bridge and the estuary.
Summary:
The Yorkshire Wolds Way is a tranquil and scenic National Trail that provides a peaceful escape through the rolling hills and chalk landscapes of East Yorkshire. With its gentle terrain, charming villages, and wide-open countryside, the trail offers an ideal walking experience for those looking to explore a quieter corner of England. Whether completing the full route or enjoying a shorter day walk, the Yorkshire Wolds Way delivers serene beauty, fascinating history, and a sense of calm.