Walks in Thorpe Willoughby
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Thorpe Willoughby on foot.
Walk: Selby Horseshoe
Starting and finishing at Selby Abbey, Selby Horseshoe heads along the Selby Canal towpath, on well-trodden paths and through Brayton Barff's ancient woodland, taking in a whole myriad of wildlife. The Route Start / Finish Point: Selby Abbey, The Crescent, Selby YO8 4PU Distance: 9 Miles GPX Route Map selbyhorseshoeDownload Walk Description This nine mile circular route, with sections along Selby Canal towpath, past Selby Dam, through spectacular ancient oak woodland in Brayton Barff, and along well-trodden tracks and footpaths, is a pleasant stroll for all seasons. It’s particularly good in spring when a variety of wildflowers and birds can be seen. If you are lucky, this walk should offer you the chance to spot a whole myriad of wildlife, especially water birds along the canal side. As the route starts and finishes at Selby Abbey, it’s the perfect opportunity for you to visit. Overflowing with heritage and culture, the great Norman Selby Abbey, founded under William the Conqueror by Royal Charter, is the jewel in Selby District’s crown. The Norman Nave and "Decorated" Chancel are considered to be among the finest examples of 12th and 14th Century architecture in England. The Abbey is reputed to be the birthplace of King Henry I of England, the son of William the Conqueror and also links to the modern-day American flag, with its Washington Window. With an international reputation as one of the most important church buildings in the world, and with many fascinating human stories linked to its 1000 year history, Selby Abbey is a delight to visit Once you’ve had chance to marvel at the magnificent Selby Abbey, follow the route, as follows: Starting from Selby Abbey head in a south easterly direction along the A1041 Bawtry Road pavement. Join the canal towpath on the north side of the road bridge, near the traffic island from which Canal Road leads off to the left. Pass under the bridge and follow the towpath south westerly for about 3 miles. Turn right (away from the canal) at Burton Bridge and follow the bridleway towards Selby Golf Club. Cross the road, go through the kissing gate and follow the public footpath off to the right, through a gorse shrubbery, turning left to follow the golf course perimeter path. Continue over the A63 (Selby Bypass) where the path heads through Brayton Barff woodland. Emerge from the woods and cross over Barff Lane to join the bridleway up to the busy A1238 and Thorpe Willoughby. Carefully cross over the road and turn left along the pavement/footway. Turn right onto a minor road - Dam Lane - and follow this road for approximately 400 metres, then turn right onto a public footpath at the signpost just beyond Thorpe Hall. Follow the farm track/path, keeping the hedge to your left, and eventually the route passes Cross Hills Farm and becomes a hard surfaced track. Soon after reaching the edge of town, at the road junction by the playground, turn right onto Flaxley Road. Continue along the pavement, then turn right into Scott Road, then left at the traffic lights to the Gowthorpe main shopping area. This leads back to the start of the walk at Selby Abbey.
Walk: Selby Trails Part 3. The Oak Trail
Discover Selby park, Selby wildlife pond, Brayton Barff Woods and Fairy Pin Well. A 3.8 mile flat route with very little incline. The Route what3words for start point: ///open.powers.hawks Start Point: Selby Park, 165 Bawtry Rd, Selby YO8 4PW Finish Point: Brayton Barff Woods, 53 Barff Ln, Brayton, Selby YO8 9ET Distance: 3.8 Miles GPX Route Map selbytrailspart3theoaktrailDownload Walk Description Discover Selby park, Selby wildlife pond, Brayton Barff Woods and Fairy Pin Well. A 3.8 mile flat route with very little incline. The Oak Trail instructions: 1. Follow Station Road and take a left onto The Crescent. Take a right next to Thomas the Bakers and take a left to follow the road down to Selby Wildlife Pond.2. Back at The Crescent take a left and join New Lane (after Edinburgh Woollen Mill).3. Continue on New Lane until a right turn to Massey Street, which will lead you to Union Lane. This will then join Doncaster Road.4. Heading down Doncaster Road, turn right just after St. Wilfrid’s Church then left across the field to Foxhills Lane, continuing across onto Moat Way.5. Follow the path and waymarks through the estate and into the field to pick up the path to Cross Gates Level Crossing.6. Continue along the A1238, Leeds Road and take a left along Fox Lane next to the Fox Pub.7. At the end of Fox Wood turn left onto Field Lane and continue until you reach Brayton Barff. Stop 1. Selby Park. Selby Park boasts five acres of ornamental plants and shaped shrubs, with a stone obelisk dedicated to those who lost their lives in the war. Play a round of mini golf or bowls and then take an hour to relax with a picnic, under the many specimen trees. Stop 2. Selby Wildlife Pond. The wildlife pond is a short walk from the town centre with lots of benches, making it the perfect spot for a picnic. Take some time to identify the many species of butterfly the pond attracts or the wide variety of bird life, including moorhens and other wildfowl. Stop 3. Brayton Barff Woods. Take a stroll through this ancient planted woodland, where pathways are lined with towering oaks, sycamores, Scots Pines and Norway Spruce. If your visiting in Spring, why not bring a camera to photograph the carpet of bluebells that start to emerge in April? Stop 4. Fairy Pin Well. Brayton Barff Woods was once the sight of ‘Our Lady’s Well’ until it was filled and covered when the reservoir was extended in the 1960s. However, the magic surrounding the well still exists today. According to local folklore, Brayton Barff was home to ‘Faerie folk’ who would unsuccessfully hunt with bows and arrows made from the pointed spikes of the Hawthorn Tree. However, the faeries noticed women passing through the woods carrying fashionable metal pins in their hair and clothes, that would be perfect for hunting. The faeries came up with a cunning plan to acquire these metal pins and began to offer the women a trade. For every woman who dropped their metal pin into the well, in return the faeries would reveal the identity of their true love or future husband, with his face reflected in the waters of the fairy well.
Walk: Selby Canal
Follow the Selby Canal towpath and travel from the town out into the surrounding villages and countryside. The Route What3Words reference point: ///warthog.subplot.download Start Point: Selby Lock, YO8 8FD Finish Point: Tankard’s Bridge, YO8 8QF Distance: 5.5 Miles GPX Route Map selbycanalDownload Walk Description The Selby Canal, a historic waterway, gracefully connects the River Ouse at Selby to the River Aire in Chapel Haddlesey. Opened in 1778, this canal was a linchpin in local economic growth. Today, it's transformed into a scenic conduit linking Selby to its quaint neighboring villages, offering a serene escape into nature. Embark on your journey from Selby Lock, conveniently situated less than half a mile from the bustling train and bus stations. The towpath here is remarkably flat and welcoming, inviting visitors of all abilities to explore its 5.5-mile stretch. As you meander along, be captivated by an array of engaging artwork that dots the pathway, telling stories of the canal's rich heritage. The air is alive with the chirps and rustles of abundant wildlife, creating a symphony that accompanies your walk. Witness a vibrant parade of boats that glide gracefully along the canal, their colors reflecting in the calm waters. This path is also a proud part of the Trans Pennine Trail, frequented by enthusiastic walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Its proximity to the M62 makes it easily accessible, and you'll find numerous parking spots along the canal, inviting you to pause and immerse in the tranquil beauty of this historic waterway.
Walk: Haddlesey and Selby Canal
An interesting circular walk, partly on The Trans-Pennine Trail and mainly featuring the tranquil Selby Canal but also Burn Airfield and a Hydro Electric Station at Haddlesey Weir. The Route what3words for start point: ///prude.wonderfully.redefined Start / Finish Point: Haddlesey Church Community Centre YO8 8QF Distance: 10.2 Miles GPX Route Map selbycanal-1Download Walk Description 1. Turn left out of the car park, round the right hand bend and use the elevated pavement on the right hand side. 2. When the pavement ends, turn right up the Cul-De-Sac and follow the lane in front of the houses and out on to the river bank. 3. Proceed on the river bank to a stile. Go over the stile and turn right. The footpath runs alongside Haddlesey Lock, that you may want to observe. At the end of the footpath, turn left, go over the bridge and then immediately turn right onto the canal towpath. 4. Follow the towpath all the way to Brayton Bridge. At this point turn left to the car park and left again over the bridge. Once over the bridge turn down the first right (Henwick Hall Lane). Follow the Trans Pennine Trail signs. 5. Follow Henwick Hall Lane all the way to the end, where it joins Common Lane, and turn right. 6. After a short distance, turn left on a public footpath, marked Trans Pennine Trail. It will lead to the edge of Burn Airfield. 7. Follow the path in a straight line until it veers to the right and then left. Keep following the Trans Pennine Trail signs. 8. Eventually, you will emerge onto Burn Lane. Turn left and follow the lane round a right hand bend and a left hand bend. 9. Shortly after the bend, look out for a gate and stile on the right. Go over the stile and on to the public footpath across the field. Walk in a straight line from the gate to the hedges at the far side of the field and you will see a stile. 10. Go over the stile and follow the footpath on the left side of a dyke. 11. The footpath goes through a tunnel, underneath the railway line. 12. Once again follow the footpath, beside the dyke, all the way to the road. 13. Turn right and walk on the road side TAKE CARE. The road takes a loop at East Haddlesey and then comes to a fairly sharp right bend. On the bend, look for a track on the left. 14. Walk down the track and at the end, go over a stile onto the flood bank. Turn Right. 15. Just past the weir, you will go over two stiles and when the bank path ends, turn right down a narrow footpath that will take you on to the main street of Chapel Haddlesey, where you need to turn left. 16. Walk along to the cross roads and walk across the busy A19 to the right hand pavement of the road opposite. 17. After a short distance, you will see the entrance to a park on the right. Go in to the park and follow the path to the exit on the bend of Millfield Road. 18. Go straight on Millfield Road and back the car park where you started.
Walk: Selby Trails Part 2. The Waterways Trail
Discover Selby lock basin, David Mayne's sculpture, moored canal boats and Brayton bridge. A 2.8 mile flat route with very little incline. The Route what3words for start point: ///starting.skirting.bunny Start Point: Lock Basin, Selby Finish Point: Brayton Bridge Distance: 2.8 Miles GPX Route Map selbytrailspart2thewaterwaystrailDownload Walk Description Discover Selby lock basin, David Mayne's sculpture, moored canal boats and Brayton bridge. A 2.8 mile flat route with very little incline.The Waterways Trail instructions: 1. Starting at the Lock Basin, follow the canal down to view David Mayne’s Sculpture and the Moored Canal Boats.2. Follow the canal path down, parallel to Canal View, to reach Brayton Bridge.Stop 1. Lock Basin. The 6-mile long Selby Canal finishes here, with the Lock Basin joining the canal to the River Ouse. When the canal was still in commercial use, barges would wait here before passing into the river. You may notice a channel running parallel to the river- this was created in the 1800s and is called the ‘Lazy Cut’. To save time cargo was moved from a barge to a ship via a crane, instead of using the lock.Stop 2. David Mayne’s Sculpture. Take some time to feed the ducks and look at the sculpture, which was created by David Mayne in 1999. The arrowhead depicts the history of Selby’s Canal, including the growth of Selby’s industry due to the valuable trade links provided by the canal. Can you see three boats? These are a paddle steamer, a sloop and a keel boat. What do you think they were used for?Stop 3. Moored Canal Boats. As you pass under Bawtry Road bridge have a look for brightly coloured canal boats. This is a popular spot for canal boats to moore, so take your time and pick a favourite!Stop 4. Brayton Bridge. This grade II listed bridge is built from sandstone, which gives it its yellow colour! Pass under the bridge, have a seat and look at the modern sculptures emerging through the grass! Take a closer look to read the ripple-inspired messages that are inscribed.
Walk: Selby Trails Part 1. The Abbey Trail
Discover Selby Timeline, Selby Abbey, Market Cross, Disappearing Street and Westfield cemetery with one of the Selby Trails. The Route what3words for start point: ///flats.backup.originals Start Point: Ousegate, Selby YO8 4NJ Finish Point: Westfield Cemetary, Selby YO8 9DQ Distance: 1.2 Miles GPX Route Map selbytrailspart1theabbeytrailDownload Walk Description Discover Selby Timeline, Selby Abbey, Market Cross, Disappearing Street and Westfield cemetery with one of the Selby Trails. The Abbey Trail instructions: 1. From Ousegate next to the river, follow the road around The Crescent to reach Selby Abbey.2. Follow The Crescent round, turn on St. James’ St. and find Market Cross on Market Lane.3. Follow New Lane and head up towards Finkle St. to find Disappearing Street.4. Head down Gowthorpe and make a turn onto Brook St. Follow the road straight down to reach Westfield Cemetery Stop 1. Selby Timeline. Take a walk through the riverside park and look for the twelve brass paving slabs that depict Selby’s history. The artwork was created by sculptor Ailsa Magnus and ranges from conflicts on the Ouse between the Saxons and the Vikings; to the ‘Stars and Stripes’ of the American flag, representing the American and Canadian aircrews who were stationed in Selby during WWII. TOP TIP: Grab some paper and chalk and use the artwork to create beautiful brass rubbings. Stop 2. Selby Abbey. Possibly Selby’s most iconic feature, the Abbey has been at the centre of the town’s history since the 12th Century. The architecture has continued to evolve, prompted by two fires that almost destroyed the Abbey! After the first fire in 1340, the striking stained glass windows were added to the south isle of the Nave. Then disaster hit in 1906 when a huge fire, that started in the organ chamber, destroyed the roof and tower. Thankfully, a donation from William Liversidge led to restoration of the South Transept and the addition of another, wonderful stained glass window! Stop 3. Market Cross. The Market Cross signifies the spot of Selby’s open-air market, a weekly event that has been ongoing since the 14th Century. The market was started by the Monks of the Abbey, but trade went on to include imports that had been transported up the River Ouse and there were even reports of farm labourers offering themselves for work! Stop 4. Disappearing Street. Can you spot the false archway filled with bricks at 25 Finkle Street? This is actually the site of Lees Terrace, a street of houses that could be accessed via a small wooden door. In 1996, renovations to the surrounding buildings led to the removal of Lees Terrace, giving it the status of a disappearing street! Stop 5. Westfield Cemetery. Westfield Cemetery contains many white marble graves of men who flew and fought in the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force between 1914 - 1945. Once a year members of the Clergy and groups of school children take part in a remembrance service to commemorate those that lost their lives in the war.