Walks in Stutton, North Yorkshire
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Stutton, North Yorkshire on foot.
Walk: Towton Battlefield Walk
Site of one of the bloodiest battles in the War of the Roses between the houses of York and Lancashire this walk is dripping with history as well as the beautiful landscape that now surrounds the area. The Route what3words for start point: ///harsh.weeknight.manages Start Point: Towton Finish Point: Saxton Distance: 4 Miles GPX Route Map towton-battlefield-1Download Walk Description 29 March 1461 was the date of the battle of Towton one of the decisive battles in the War of the Roses one you too can walk in the footsteps of kings and imagine the historic conflict unfolding over this beautiful landscape. The victory of the Yorkists here was the turning point in the struggle and placed Edward IV on the throne. Starting from the village you can follow the route and learn about the people, the landscape and the 28,000 causalities in the battle from the excellent information boards provided. You'll learn why bloody meadow is so named!! Make sure you finish by the Towton Cross which was erected to commemorate those that fell on the field on that fateful day.
Towton Battlefield Trail
The Towton Battlefield Trail takes you through the site of what is alleged to be the largest and bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil. The Route What3Words reference: ///standing.foresight.incensed Start / Finish Point: Main St, Towton, Tadcaster LS24 9PB Distance: 4 Miles GPX Route Map towton-battlefield-trailDownload Walk Description In March 1461, Towton, near Tadcaster, was the setting for one of the most enormous (both in terms of importance and scale) battles in the Wars of the Roses. On Palm Sunday, 50,000 men are thought to have clashed. The battle between York and Lancaster men saw at least 800 men killed and the monarchy change hands from Henry VI to Edward IV. Towton was a decisive victory for the Yorkists and left the House of Lancaster in turmoil. The history of the location lends intrigue and gravity to the wonderful views of the North Yorkshire countryside. You can learn much more about the history and see artefacts at the Visitor’s Information Centre in the grounds of the Crooked Billet pub. In 1929, the Towton Cross was erected on the battlefield and you will see it on the trail. The walk is a signposted circuit of the battlefield beginning in Towton Village. Head west on Old London Road and then following the signs for the Towton Battlefield Trail. Follow the trail and you will come across information signs detailing the history of the land. It may be muddy this time of year so bring your walking boots. Although it is a much safer walk than if you were to walk it in March 1461! Guides are available twice a month from the Towton Battlefield Society in a 2-and-a-half-mile informative route from a history enthusiast.
Walk: Tadcaster Viaduct Walk
This 11 arch viaduct dominates the river Wharfe at Tadcaster and is great vantage point to see the town and river, well worth a stroll across for the pictures you'll take alone. The Route what3words for start point: ///envelope.streaks.implanted Start Point: Tadcaster Finish Point: Tadcaster Distance: 2 Miles GPX Route Map tadcaster-viaduct-walkDownload Walk Description A lovely little walk around this amazing town. Despite being known as the home of the brewing industry in the region, Tadcaster has a lot to offer in terms of architecture you'll see on this short stroll. Starting in on Bridge Street this walk follows the river to the viaduct that was originally built for the railway in the 1840's. Now open to pedestrians, the structure is a great viewing point on the River Wharfe. Whilst in the town make sure you check the 15th century building known as the Ark, a fantastic example of a period building as well as the hospitability of the brewing industry.