Walks in Bilbrough
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Bilbrough on foot.
Walk: Acomb to Rufforth
This route passes through some very scenic, flower-filled countryside, slightly hilly and with some wonderful views. The walk links Acomb, York with Rufforth. The Route what3words for start point: ///gear.robot.feels Start Point: Acomb, York Finish Point: Rufforth Distance: 4 Miles GPX Route Map acombtorufforthgpxDownload Walk Description The walk starts on Beckfield Lane, Acomb. If taking the bus alight at Fellbrook Avenue (bus 5a) and then walk straight ahead until reaching Knapton Lane. Turn left at this point and follow the lane passing a small copse on the right. The lane becomes Ten Thorn Lane and has a surfaced footpath that leads into Knapton village. Walk through this small village and look for New Lane Covert (Private Road) on the left. Turn left here and walk straight ahead. The path leads to a short tunnel which passes under York Outer Ring Road, before turning right. The fields on the left will soon become part of a new 194 acre community woodland. Upon reaching a junction turn left into Moor Lane, a partially surface track and walk straight ahead Look out for bright red poppies in the surrounding fields. Upon reaching a junction continue to walk straight ahead. The path passes Harewood Whin on the left, a former rubbish dump now being returned to nature. The path then goes uphill leading to an area full of wild flowers and some great scenery. Look out for all kinds of gliders, microlights, gyrocopters and other flying things coming from a nearby airfield. With luck you may also see red kites and buzzards. The path turns the left and eventually leads into Rufforth Village. Refreshments can be found here and bus 412 stopping outside The Old School or the Tankard Inn can be used to return to York City Centre.
Walk: White Rose Way
From Leeds to Scarborough across the Vale of York and the more rugged North York Moors the final 2 miles of the White Rose Way was once voted the world's most romantic walk. The Route what3words for start point: ///poet.tries.jars Start Point: Black Prince Statue in Leeds City Centre Finish Point: South Bay, Scarborough Distance: 104 Miles GPX Route Map whiterosewayDownload Walk Description Take as long or as little as you want (somewhere between 4 and 10 days but 7 would be sensible) as you walk 'Across Yorkshire' from Leeds to Scarborough. The walk was created by local author Paul Brown. Starting in Leeds the route follows many existing sections of long distance footpaths and linking them with lesser known paths. It is a walk where you need to be alert to the map reading challenges of lesser used paths and the exposure of the high moors. However at the end you will have a much greater appreciation of the fine county of Yorkshire. From Leeds the route heads north to Harewood House before following the River Wharfe in to Wetherby. Continue east through attractive villages to the brewery town of Tadcaster and join the Ebor Way towards York. Passing the city to the south the walk turns north to follow the River Derwent past villages and the battleground of Stamford Bridge to the abbey ruins at Kirkham. Eden Camp and the town of Malton are next before arriving in the North York Moors at Thornton-le Dale. From here enter the spectacular Dalby Forest and continue via the pretty Moors valley of Harwood Dale to the coast at Heyburn Wyke. Follow the coast south for the last few miles to Scarborough South Bay and the finish.
Walk: Askham Bar to Askham Bog and Copmanthorpe Trail
An easy walk through woodland and meadows with a chance to see orchids, giant Royal ferns, deer and a wide variety of colourful flowers. The Route what3words for start point: ///supporter.purple.riots Start / Finish Point: Askham Bar Park & Ride, York YO24 1LW Distance: 2.5 Miles GPX Route Map askhambartoaskhambogandcopmanthorpetrailgpxDownload Walk Description Start this walk from the entrance to Askham Bar Park and Ride Site (buses 3 or 3a) The grassy verges in this area are covered in bright yellow birds-foot trefoil flowers in the summer. With the Park and Ride site entrance behind you turn right and follow a footpath shared with cyclists heading away from the city centre. If you look carefully in the grassy verges along this path you may find bee orchids, common spotted orchids or pyramidal orchids. Continue walking along this path which leads to a bridge crossing the York to London Railway Line. Walk to the end of a gravel car parking area and then turn right going through a wooden gate and following a track which skirts around the edges of Pike Hills Golf Course before leading to the entrance to Askham Bog. By following a boardwalk it is possible to see a wide variety of wetland flowers, as well as giant Royal ferns and sometimes deer. After returning to the car parking area cross the road at a pedestrian crossing and follow a surfaced footpath that leads to Copmanthorpe. After passing under a bridge look for a track on the right. Follow this track uphill to find a pond and many colourful flowers including ox-eye daisy and common knapweed. Upon reaching the end of the trail turn sharp left and follow the roadside path back to Askham Bog entrance and then return to Askham Bar. Look out for some tall fennel plants on the way.
Walk: The Ebor Way
The Ebor Way is a long-distance walking route that stretches approximately 70 miles (113 kilometers) across the scenic landscapes of Yorkshire. It connects the historic market town of Helmsley in North Yorkshire with the riverside town of Ilkley in West Yorkshire, traversing a variety of terrains and offering walkers a rich blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and charming villages. Route Start Point: what3words for start point: ///gladiator.case.flagging Distance: 70 miles Start Location Name: Helmsley Finish Location: Ilkley OS Route Map & GPX File eborwayDownload Description Starting Point: Helmsley Helmsley Castle: The route begins in the picturesque market town of Helmsley, renowned for its medieval castle. Duncombe Park: Passing through the estate of Duncombe Park, offering views of its stately home and gardens. North York Moors National Park Rievaulx Abbey: The path leads to the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery. Moorland and Woodland: Walkers traverse the North York Moors, experiencing a mix of heather-clad moorland and dense woodland. Market Towns and Villages Ampleforth: The trail passes through this village, known for Ampleforth Abbey and its apple orchards. Coxwold: Famous for its church, St. Michael's, and Shandy Hall, the home of writer Laurence Sterne. Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Kilburn White Horse: The route offers a view of this large hill figure carved into the limestone. Castle Howard: Near the trail, this magnificent stately home and its grounds provide a detour worth considering. River Derwent River Crossings: The Ebor Way crosses the River Derwent, offering serene riverside walking. York City Walls and Minster: Walkers enter the historic city of York, where the route skirts the ancient city walls and the iconic York Minster. Micklegate Bar: One of the medieval gateways into the city. Vale of York Flat Farmland: The trail crosses the Vale of York, characterized by flat, fertile farmland. Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Ripley Castle: The route goes through the grounds of Ripley Castle, a historic country house. Nidderdale Views: Walkers enjoy panoramic views of Nidderdale’s rolling hills and valleys. Wharfedale Otley Chevin: The path climbs Otley Chevin, a prominent hill offering spectacular views of Wharfedale. Riverside Walks: The trail follows sections of the River Wharfe, providing pleasant riverside scenery. Ending Point: Ilkley Ilkley Moor: The route concludes at the famous Ilkley Moor, known for its rugged beauty and the iconic Cow and Calf rocks. Ilkley Town: The walk ends in the spa town of Ilkley, a perfect place to relax and explore after completing the trail. Get on the trail The Ebor Way offers a diverse walking experience through some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful and historically rich landscapes. From the moors and woodlands to riverside paths and urban heritage sites, the route encapsulates the essence of Yorkshire's natural and cultural treasures.