This 5-mile circular walk around Allerthorpe Common and Waplington is situated near Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire. Allerthorpe Common and Woods are perfect for a dog walk.
The pine woodland of Allerthorpe is very attractive to walk through, no matter what season, as the tracks are wide and easy to follow.
At exactly the half way point in Allerthorpe, you have the chance for refreshment or lunch at the very dog-friendly Plough Inn.
The best place to start is the Forestry Commission car park on Common Lane on the west side of the woods.
If driving east from York on the A1079, before you get to Pocklington turn right onto Sutton Lane. After about a mile, turn left onto Common Lane. The car park will be on the right hand side after half a mile.
To start the walk, cross the road from the car park and through the gate into the common. Here you have 2 paths – to follow my route, take the left fork.
Then just simply keep going straight on through the majestic pine woodland. The path is wide and clear, and yes thre is plenty of safe nature for the dogs to run, wander and play within.
The tree-lined surrounds change to keep variety as you walk. See high pines and colourful natural woodland. It is a joy for us as well as our pawed friends.
The wide path leads to a narrower woodland path and you walk within the deeper greenery for a mile or so, When you come out of the other side you walk along the track with a huge open green field on your right and this takes you into the small village of Allerthorpe, the halfway point and comes out right at the Plough Inn.
The welcome at the pub is wonderful. No matter the weather it will feel cosy from snug, warm and comfortable within or in the sunshine outside.
The owners and staff are extremely dog friendly with Malc and Pete getting ever so fussed over.
Refreshed, it was time to get back into the fresh air and complete the second half of the walk. Head straight out ahead from the front door of the pub and continue down the road just a few hundred metres to the edge of the village.
Then you will take a right turn away from the road and onto a track. Along here you will feel the mix of urban and woodland. Quaint houses dotted here and there with manicured gardens set amongst the nature they are within. This is Waplington.
On the way back you are out of the thicker woodland and into more fielded open areas. The track is clear, wide and continuous so no worries about getting lost.
Eventually you will come to Warren Farm where you turn right and then left around the edge of the crop fields.
For me the colours of nature were so autumnal and had that wonderful natural orange vibe in the sunshine. But in the greens of summer or black and whites of winter, this is a fabulous walk to wander.
At the end of the fields you will see a gate straight ahead that takes you back into the woods and the path heads left after the gate, within the natural woodland and back to the car park you started at.
If you like flat walks full of a variety of nature then this is definitely a gem for you. Your dogs will love it too!
It makes for a super family walk too. A great 5 miles well spent in the East Riding of Yorkshire.