Walks in Colton, North Yorkshire
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Colton, North Yorkshire on foot.
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: Naburn Locks
Explore the wonderful Naburn Locks on the River Ouse. On this short walk you can explore the interesting heritage and wildlife around the locks. The Route what3words for start point: ///tastings.kept.roaming Start / Finish Point: Naburn, York YO19 4RU Distance: 0.4 Miles GPX Route Map naburnDownload Walk Description Found just to the south of York city centre, Naburn Locks is a perfect place for a stroll. The historic locks, the first of which was built in 1757, were incredibly important for trade in and out of York. Around the locks you can see lots of interesting heritage, from the grand banqueting hall to the former navigation offices and workshops, complete with its own blacksmith’s forge. Walking around the lock island you will see wooden carvings and information boards about the site as well as a beautiful sensory garden, where you can sit and look out over the river Ouse. The island is also home to the Tansy beetle, which is only found on the banks of the river Ouse and the East Anglia fens. Crossing back over the lock and walking along the path to the north you will see the lock keeper’s cottage and can enjoy the riverside views.