Walks in Hovingham
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Hovingham on foot.
Walk: Stonegrave and the River Rye
The walk is full of variety. There is a long wide ridge to enjoy superb views, two riverside sections along the Rye and two very attractive villages to explore, Nunnington and Stonegrave. The Route what3words for start point: ///shampoos.squeezed.insulated Start Point: Car Park north of the river in Nunnington Finish Point: Nunnington Distance: 7 Miles GPX Route Map stonegraveandtheriverryeDownload Walk Description Start the walk in the village of Nunnington on the River Rye, home of a splendid country house. Leave the village and head west along a riverside path before joining a footpath climbing gently and then descending in to the village of Stonegrave. After looking around the village climb back to the broad ridge of Caukley's Bank and enjoy the views north over the Yorkshire Moors and more immediately the rolling Hambleton Hills. Drop down to the village of West Ness on the River Rye and follow the river west back in to Nunnington.
Ryedale Market Towns Trail: Part 1 Helmsley to Hovingham
Ryedale Market Towns Trail: Part 1 Helmsley to Hovingham is a 14.3 kilometer point-to-point trail located near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. The Route Start Point: Helmsley Finish Point: Hovingham Distance: 9 Miles GPX Route Map ryedalemarketDownload Walk Description IMPORTANT NOTE This is a linear walk that forms part of a long distance trail. If you intend to walk this stretch as a stand-alone route, there is no suitable public transport for the return leg, so you would need to use a taxi. A linear walk from Helmsley to Hovingham in North Yorkshire, forming the first part of the Ryedale Market Towns Trail. The route heads south along the banks of the River Rye, through pastures and crop fields, crossing the river via the footbridge alongside the fish farm and heading south to Oswaldkirk. From here the trail continues along the Ebor Way, following quiet tracks through Cawton and on to the idyllic village of Hovingham. ABOUT The Ryedale Market Towns trail is a 67 mile (108km) long-distance circular trail, created to allow walkers to enjoy the highlights of Ryedale, visiting each of the five market towns along the way. ACCESS The walk is relatively flat for the most part, with just a couple of long but steady gradients. Some of the grass paths can get muddy at times. You will need to negotiate several single bridle gates, a couple of kissing gates, some footbridges and 2 stiles. The first stile has a very generous adjacent dog gate, but the following one has tighter wooden fence surrounds (suitable for small dogs to squeeze through but larger dogs may need a lift over). You will cross many sheep pastures, one pasture with both horses and sheep, plus two cattle pastures, so take particular care with dogs. Approximate time 4.5 hours. LOGISTICS If you are completing the whole 67 mile trail, you can arrange accommodation at both ends, with plenty of choices in Helmsley and the Worsley Arms Hotel in Hovingham village. If you are walking this stretch as a stand-alone walk, you would need to catch a taxi back to Helmsley, as the bus journey would involve three changes and so is not practical. FACILITIES There are public toilets in Borogate (just south of Helmsley Market Place at the start of the walk). If you are looking for refreshments, there are lots of options in Helmsley at the start of the walk (including places to buy picnic supplies), a pub in Oswaldkirk along the way, and you will find a tea room, bakery, coffee house, pub and hotel all within Hovingham village at the end of the walk. OS Maps: Explorer OL26 North York Moors Western Area and 300 Howardian Hills and Malton. This walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private and public land. Please respect people's privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code. Access a list of all the segments that make up this walk here.
Ryedale Market Towns Trail: Part 2 Hovingham to Malton
Ryedale Market Towns Trail: Part 2 Hovingham to Malton is a 18.0 kilometer point-to-point trail located near Hovingham, North Yorkshire, England that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching. The Route what3words for start point: ///makeovers.topples.interlude Start Point: Malton Finish Point: Hovingham Distance: 11 Miles GPX Route Map ryedalemarkettownstrailpart2hovinghamtomaltonDownload Walk Description IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a linear route that forms part of a long-distance trail. If you intend to walk this stretch as a stand-alone route, there is a bus suitable for the return leg. A linear walk from Hovingham village to Malton rail station in North Yorkshire, forming the second part of the Ryedale Market Towns Trail. The route heads south to join a long woodland ridge that acts as your guide as you head east across the district. Along the way, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Howardian Hills including long stretches of pretty woodland and good views across the Castle Howard estate. ABOUT: The Ryedale Market Towns trail is a 67 mile (108km) long-distance circular trail, created to allow walkers to enjoy the highlights of Ryedale, visiting each of the five market towns along the way. It is published through a collaboration with the Ryedale District Council. ACCESS: The walk has several climbs and descents at the beginning and end, but enjoys an easy-going level stretch for the middle section. The sections of paths through woodland and pasture can be very muddy, slippery and rutted at times so good boots are a must (or wellingtons with grips in the winter months). There are no kissing gates on route, but you will need to negotiate several single bridle gates plus one stile (this has a gap alongside suitable for most dogs and the field gate alongside is usually unlocked). The vast majority of the paths are enclosed within fences or within woodland. You will cross four grass fields which may be used as pastures. Towards the end of the walk, you will need to cross a horse training gallop (by ducking under the tall barriers) so take care to ensure you look and listen carefully for horses before you cross. Allow 5.5 hours. LOGISTICS: If you are completing the whole 67 mile trail, you can arrange accommodation at both ends, with plenty of choices in Malton. If you are walking this stretch as a stand-alone 11-mile walk, you can catch a bus for the return leg. Bus Number 194 leaves from Malton Bus Station (at the end of this walk) and terminates at the Worsley Arms Hotel in Hovingham, taking 25 minutes. There are normally 5 buses per day, running every 2 hours Mon-Sat, but there is NO SERVICE on SUNDAYS. It would be advisable to begin at Malton rail station, catching the bus first and then walking back to Malton. FACILITIES: There are public toilets in Malton Market Place near the end of the walk. If you are looking for refreshments, you will find a tea room, bakery (ideal for buying picnic supplies), coffee house, pub and hotel all within Hovingham village at the start of the walk, and you will be spoilt for choice with options in Malton at the end of the walk. OS Maps: Explorer 300 Howardian Hills and Malton. This walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private and public land. Please respect people's privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code.
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.