Walks in Tadcaster
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Tadcaster 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: 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: 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.
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.