7 Picturesque Walks In East Yorkshire
As far as Yorkshire walks go (and they can go far) those of East Yorkshire surely rank among the North East’s most captivating, revealing as they do countless examples of the undulating countryside often associated with the county’s name.
The sheer sprawl of scenic beauty in the East Riding area is the stuff of poetry and prose – and indeed some superb hiking options for you to consider. From the caves, cliffs and stacks of its rugged Heritage Coast to the swell and dip of its inland contours, here are 7 picturesque walks in East Yorkshire to get you going.
Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail
On no other walking route than the Yorkshire Wolds Way will you get such a complete survey of East Yorkshire’s scenic splendour.
Totalling almost 80 miles in length, this National Trail begins at the banks of the Humber estuary, then runs through the inspiring expanse of the wolds, sloping woodlands, dry river valleys, deserted medieval villages and scenic hilltops until reaching its end at on East Yorkshire’s dramatic Heritage Coast.
But if going the distance is going too far, you can simply take on one or two of the 12 separate sections making up the route, each ranging between 8 and 20 miles in length.
Particular points of interest are the handsome village of Welton (with Dick Turpin connections), the site of a Roman amphitheatre near Hesselskew Farm, a thousand-year-old Norman church at North Newbald and Iron Age tumuli near Arras Farm.
Of course, as miles of walk builds miles of thirst, be glad: East Yorkshire is a county with a tremendous brewing tradition, so expect lots of refreshing opportunities throughout your village tour. Goodmanham, Huggate, Fridaythorpe and Thixendale, for example, all have superb pubs to visit for lunch, snacks and local ales.
Find a campsite along the Yorkshire Wolds Trail
The Minster Way
Here’s a shorter but no less thorough route through the contours of East Yorkshire’s gentle landscape. This deeply historic route links the minster towns of Beverley and York, traversing the chalky and rolling wolds along the National Trail before diverting to Millington, Bishop Wilton and Stamford Bridge. From here you can follow the River Derwent across woodland paths to the River Ouse and into York city centre.
But how long is the Minster Way? At 50 miles, it’s still one for more durable boots, but also one that will ensure full and extended immersion into the scenic beauty of East Yorkshire.
Cowick Hall Trail
If village life is more your thing, then the Cowick Hall Trail will be too. Linking up East and West Cowick, this circular walk is one of the area’s 15 Heritage Walks, running for 4.5 miles through fields and on trails and canals through East Yorkshire’s rolling wolds. Amble about the historic, scenic villages of Pollington, Rawcliffe, Rawcliffe Bridge and Snaith, and nip into one (or two) of their welcoming pubs for traditional brews and fayre.
Grab a great site near East/West Cowick
Yorkshire Heritage Coast
If you don’t fancy the full 80 miles of the National Trail, then the 53 miles of East Yorkshire’s Heritage Coast alone have enough to keep you exploring its chalk cliffs, stacks, caves and coves for your entire stay. This northeastern extreme has several circular walks (or ‘loops’) to choose from, each treating you to excellent views of East Yorkshire’s rugged coast.
Choose a site around Yorkshire’s Heritage Coast
Bempton Cliffs
Bempton Cliffs is among the more spectacular sights along East Yorkshire’s coast; as an RSPB-designated area, it’s also home to numerous sea birds such as puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, herring gulls, fulmars and shags. In fact, coming along here at the right time of year should treat you to one of the UK’s finest wildlife spectacles. With six main vantage points to survey both surrounds and wildlife, the cliffs provide lots of opportunities to break up a day-long trek and take in the fresh sea air.
Flamborough Cliffs
Although not quite of Bempton’s 400-foot stature, the SAC Flamborough Cliffs are nonetheless superb for a hiking day out. Explore their networks of caves or get lost among secluded bays while admiring the area’s abundance of winged wildlife – more of which can be seen at the Flamborough Cliffs Nature Reserve.
Choose a campsite near Flamborough Cliffs
Dane’s Dyke
On the greater Flamborough headland is also the Dane’s Dyke nature reserve which, at 148 acres, is the largest woodland area of the area. Its geology has prehistoric origins; Bronze Age artefacts have been uncovered here and as such, it’s classified as a Scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance. Spend a day spotting wildlife on a forest trek or stroll the beach down to Bridlington (two miles) for a well-earned meal at any of its excellent pubs.
Great camping around Dane’s Dyke
Bridlington Beach
Bridlington Beach is among the few in the UK to receive a Blue Flag award for the quality of its water, facilities, safety and environmental policies. It also has superb promenades looking up to the Flamborough cliffs and a sweeping view across Bridlington Bay. Spend the day exploring its countless rockpools or just shed your shoes for a stroll on Bridlington’s golden sand.
For those in a particularly ‘beach’ frame of mind, East Yorkshire’s award-winners don’t end with Bridlington. Dane’s Dyke, Fraisthorpe, South Landing and Wilsthorpe are also on the list – and those with a canine companion can have a look at some further options for dog-friendly beaches in Yorkshire.
Choose a place to pitch up near the beac in East Yorkshire
Picturesque walks in East Yorkshire will always be among the top things to do in the county. But whatever you choose, make sure it’s from a top campsite. So, to get you started here’s our Ultimate North East Region Camping Guide – a great supplement to our best campsites in the north east.