This beautiful walk takes you south from the ancient walled city of York along the River Ouse to Naburn with a lesson on the solar system along the way! The traffic-free path is perfect for families, with lots to see and learn.
Table of Contents
The Route
- what3words for start point: ///linen.proven.wires
- Start Point: York station
- Finish Point: Naburn station
- Distance: 4.3 Miles
Walk Description
The route follows the river Ouse to a traffic-free converted railway path, passing historic parks, sculptures, bridges and models of the solar system. The route is part of Sustrans’ National Cycle Network and the Trans Pennine Trail.
The walk starts at York Railway station. Exit York Station by the Short Stay Car Park ramp (at the end of Platform 4) and turn right at the riverside path.
Continue along the riverside path and onto quiet roads through York city centre following signs for National Route 65 to Selby.
Fork left under Skeldergate Bridge and follow the lovely riverside route along the Ouse past Rowntree Park and the beautiful Millennium Bridge. Just before the Bridge look across the river for the Ice Cream boat!
Turn right past the Bridge up a short slope to the striking landmark of Terry’s Chocolate Factory (closed in 2005).
Follow National Route 65 signs through the Knavesmire racecourse (looking out for horses on race days!) past Knavesmire Wood and Bishopthorpe village to join the Trans Pennine Trail to Selby. This railway path was bought by Sustrans for £1 and is one of its first traffic-free paths. The first 5 miles form the Solar System Greenway, the famous scale model of the Solar System, including the Sun, the planets, the Cassini probe and a model of Voyager!
Follow the Greenway to the old Naburn Station where there is now a café. The Slow Tour ends here.
Retrace the route back to York or continue for a further 3 miles (30 minutes) to models of Pluto and Voyager at the end of the Solar System route.
