We commence our walk from the South Transept door, follow round the Queen's Path on the eastern side of the Minster. The plaque midway commemorates the Queen's visit on 30th March, 1972, when she walked to the Treasurer's House after distributing Maundy Money. Take the second right turn off into Chapter House Street where, on the left, is the Treasurer's House, managed by the National Trust. Continue round right into Ogleforth and turn left into Goodramgate and under Monk Bar to the traffic lights - turn left here for forty to fifty yards along Lord Mayor's Walk before crossing over (take care this is a busy road) to Groves Lane. (The last public toilets for some time are signed from this point.) Continue on Groves Lane, with car park on left, and straight on into Bowling Green Lane, at the end of which turn right at the garage and, after carefully crossing busy Huntington Road, turn left on the western bank of the River Foss (The Foss Walk).
Mallard ducks are the most agreeable of companions now for the next mile or so and no detailed route description is necessary as it is simply follows the riverside - note the gardens of the houses on the opposite bank which reach very pleasantly down to the water side. Where the far bank opens out a footbridge over The Foss provides access for local residents, but our route continues on the western bank. Shortly, the path leads out onto Haxby Road - turn right and use the roadside footway for approximately eighty yards before turning off right behind the white cottage, formerly the Lock Cottage, signposted Foss Walk and Ebor Way. Pass under the bridge which, whilst once part of the York to Hull railway line, now carries a road over the Foss. Now follow the tarmac path behind a row of garages until a stile gives access into a grass field alongside the river; continue north towards Huntington Church.
On reaching the track leading to Huntington Church bear left for approximately fifty yards and then right through the small car park, to again pick up the western bank of the Foss. At the western end of Old Earswick, cross the Foss on the new footbridge and continue north on the eastern bank for approximately half a mile before crossing back to the western bank behind another Lock Cottage. After six hundred yards or so turn sharp left, leaving the Foss and out onto Landing Lane, Haxby - turn right towards the village. At the main road turn right towards Towthorpe. Apologies for the next three quarters mile of road walking but there is no alternative - when the footway expires please use the grass verge. Look out for a signed lead off on the right, near a highways salt mountain (a blot on the landscape!), which directs over a small footbridge and down a field side to regain the western Foss embankment, then turn left towards Towthorpe bridge.
Cross with care over the road at this bridge and drop down to the riverside to again continue north on the western bank. Shortly the new housing development at Strensall comes into view on the far bank - pass under the York to Scarborough railway and up to the humpy bridge on the Strensall to Haxby Road. Presently St. Mary's Church and the oldest part of Strensall appears on the right. Soon we arrive at Strensall Road Bridge alongside the tannery. Credit for the building of this single span stone bridge in 1798 goes to John Carr (1772 - 1805), architect to the North Riding. The cost was S1,363-3s-2d - the stone was transported from Rainton.
Turn left towards Sheriff Hutton for seventy yards before turning off right through a signposted gap in the hedge to rejoin the Foss which has now turned north easterly. After approximately one and a quarter miles, Lock House, recently restored, comes up on the left. At this point are the remains of the double rise lock which enabled barges to continue up to Sheriff Hutton Bridge with their cargo of coal, grain and general farm produce.
Our route continues by the side of the Foss. The next section, up to the metal footbridge, is available is by kind permission of Fridlington Farms; one or two places can be rather wet. Turn left at this footbridge (we have now rejoined the Ebor Way) and head north, first through a copse of trees and then on a firm internal farm track and, as the countryside opens out to give good all-round views, Sheriff Hutton Castle can be seen half west. Ignoring the lane to the left and passing to the left of the white farmhouse continue out onto the county road. We leave the Foss Walk here, but still with the Ebor Way continue straight over to the very minor road which takes us to West Lilling. At the village street turn left for fifty yards to a hand gate at the opposite side of the road between Holly Cottage and High Field House.
When over the first stile strike off diagonally across the field to a section of rail to the right of a power pole. At the next stile cross the minor road and pick up the left side of a post and rail fence. The next stile gives access into the Sheriff Hutton Sports Field - we continue with a hedge on the right (the excellent village hall lies to our left) to a further stile on the right. When over the stile turn sharp left out onto the village street. Turn right on the footway and after approximately one hundred yards a signpost on the right directs towards Sheriff Hutton Castle. Our path keeps to the left of the castle ruins - a waymarked stile at the end of a narrow grass paddock directs straight ahead over a private road - after the last stile turn left at the village green to the main road.
At the village street, gain the high footway at the far side and bear right into a builder's yard. Continue straight ahead to a way-marked post which directs left down a fieldside to a stile - after which head across a field to the Sheriff Hutton Stittenham road and turn right. Almost immediately turn left down an open track for approximately ninety yards to a stile on the right by the side of a large gate - cross and head along the left of a thorn hedge. Presently a deep gutter comes up on the right; continue straight ahead and over a two beamed footbridge to a farm track and again pick up the side of a thorn hedge. At the end of this hedge pass through a double metal gate (usually open) and straight ahead over an open field to a stile on a raised embankment. (We have now branched off the Ebor Way). When over the stile bear half left along the top of a wooded area to a horse jump on the left, climb over and, with a thorn hedge on the right, head down the embankment to a metal field gate, just short of a large stone barn. When through this gate bear half right up an ancient track to an open space at the top, a fieldgate in the fence line ahead gives access to a track which follows round the woodside to a further gate from where our route climbs gently to Carr Farm and the county road.
The hamlet of Stittenham has three very fine farm houses. We pass along the front of them and through a field gate which gives access to a good farm track leading down to Mowthorpe Bridge, which spans Bulmer Beck. We are now in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where the views from the track leading down from Stittenham amply justify this special designation.
Continue north after the bridge, on the left side of a thorn hedge, until a waymark directs right down a hedge side to meet the track which leads to the left of Low Mowthorpe (ignore the bridleway track leading off to the right). When through a very large double gate turn left on the farm access road towards Terrington. After a good half mile this road changes to a minor county road (Mowthorpe Lane) which takes us into Terrington village - we have now rejoined the Ebor Way.
To continue, cross over the village street and take the minor road to the left of All Saints Church and straight ahead down a grassed area to the left of a double fronted house - on reaching the school sports field turn sharp right down the side of a high wall (away to the left can be seen the white stoned track we are heading for). At the end of the sports field a gap in the hedge provides access into the next field - turn right and then left round the field headland before taking a second left turn (waymarked). We now follow down the side of a large field, usually arable; shortly a thorn hedge commences on the left which we follow for some three quarters of a mile down to a small footbridge. When over turn left and over two stiles on the rising ground to the chalk unclassified country road turn left up the steep hill to meet the track which leads to Howthorpe Farm. The views all round from this junction speak for themselves. Our route turns half left here, down the hill on a firm farm road to turn sharp right on reaching the farm buildings. Follow an internal farm track, with a hedge on the right, and turn off left just before a field gate and follow down the left side of a woodland. Shortly, a stile gives access into a narrow field; cross almost straight over to a waymarked gate - when through turn sharp right and follow round the outside of the woodland where several deep drainage dikes have been piped in on this section, to a bridlegate.
Just through this bridlegate a single plank and stepping stones assist in the crossing of what is sometimes a boggy area. Whilst the Ebor Way continues straight ahead to a gate in the wood our route bears off to the right along an ever narrowing field, at the point of which cross over an ancient humpy bridge. We now bear half right across a small grass field to a gate leading into Hollin Hill Plantation. The next two and a quarter miles, up to the Slingsby / Castle Howard road, involve firm walking on tracks through well managed woodland. These woods take their names from the villages they overlook to the north - Fryton West and East, Slingsby Banks. For anyone wishing to join this walk from these villages there are three convenient linking public routes.
On arrival at the tree lined Slingsby - Castle Howard road, known locally as the Sheep Walk, our route lies straight over to a gate. This crossing is on a blind summit so do take care. When through the gate follow along the right of the field boundary fence and into Coneysthorpe Banks Wood.
We are again on a forest track. After approximately six hundred yards look out for a waymark on the right which directs back-over and down through the wood on a recently diverted line. The path turns left within the southern boundary of the wood for a short distance before striking off south from a waymarked gate onto a grass track, along the left side of a hedge. We follow this track for three quarters of a mile out into Coneysthorpe village square from where we obtain a splendid view of Castle Howard straight ahead. At the far end of the green adjacent to the Malton road is a war memorial. Those wishing to visit Castle Howard house and grounds should turn right here and walk along the road for about 600 yards to the Terrington/ Slingsby crossroads. Turn left and head for the obelisk, just under 1 mile distant, where clear directions are provided.
The Centenary Way continues by turning left at the Coneysthorpe War Memorial and walking along the road towards Malton for about 150 yards where we turn off right through a very heavy gate between two large craftsman built stone gate posts. We are now on a good track with Coneysthorpe caravan site away to the right and Castle Howard Great Lake a little further on behind a belt of trees. (Please note there is no public access to the lake).
Continue on the track which leads round to the left. Shortly, there is public right of way which turns off right but we continue straight ahead on a firm internal estate track. After approximately 400 yards cross over Mill Hills Beck by means of a substantial bridge and swing round right through Bog Hall Farm. Still on a good track head generally south-east, recrossing Mill Hills Beck and, shortly after crossing a culverted watercourse, leave the track just before Low Gaterley Farm. Cross over a stile at the point of a woodland and join another firm estate road from Gaterley Farm.
Turn right onto the estate road walking now in westerly directiond past Gaterley Cottages. After 900 yards or so turn left at a Centenary Way sign towards East Moor Banks Wood. Before doing so, however, stop to take in the fine all-round vistas - the Mausoleum on Kirk Hill to the north-east; the Temple of the Four Winds to the north; Castle Howard itself to the north-west; and the Pyramid on St. Anne's Hill to the west. For those wishing to visit New River Bridge, built in the 1740's and an architectural masterpiece, there is a public footpath on a good firm track from this point.
To continue our walk head south into East Moor Banks Wood which we enter through a waymarked bridlegate and turn left. We are now on a delightful forest path, which in spring time is flanked by a broad strip of bluebells. After a good half mile and just before a monument which is in need of restoration, we turn off right in Pretty Wood, on a well used path down hill to a stile in the wood bottom. When over this stile and continuing south look out for the magnificent oak trees on the left - they don't come any better.
After leaving the woodland follow a well used field side path which, after a while, veers half right - Welburn Village comes into view ahead and to the right. At a waymarked gate post, one field before the road, turn sharp left behind a hen run for a short distance before a gap in the hedge provides access into the next field to the left. Turn right and follow down the left side of a thorn hedge at the end of which strike off half left across the centre of a large, usually arable, field heading for the corner of Gillylees Wood. As this section is very open marker posts have been erected at intervals to provide directions. On reaching the wood bear right and follow the field side out to the A64 York to Scarborough road.
Our route now continues on the opposite side of this very busy major road - take great care, if necessary be patient and wait for a clear break in the fast flowing traffic before attempting to cross. When over bear a short distance to the right, then left down the minor road towards Crambeck - the housing on the left was formerly Castle Howard Reformatory but is now a private housing development.
After approximately two hundred and fifty yards look out for a signpost right. Using a number of waymarked stiles our route leads through the former reformatory kitchen gardens before bearing off half right through a woodland - the York to Scarborough railway and River Derwent lie down in the tree covered valley to the left. Our route widens out to a forest track before crossing over the minor county road which leads from the A.64 down to the former Castle Howard Station, now a private house. Continue generally southwards through the woodlands - the track narrowing to a well worn path - wet in one or two places -before leading out into open sheep grazing fields - remember dogs on leads please. After several stiles the path takes up the field boundary on the left and shortly a standard British Rail concrete ladder stile gives access to the York -Scarborough railway line. Whilst there is a wide visibility, do cross with care to pass through a waymarked field gate to a track leading alongside a Garden Centre and out onto the main road where we link with a very popular section of the Derwent Way. Whilst our route turns left and over the fine road bridge those wishing to view the Priory remains from across the river and also see the nearby weir can do so from the footpath down the western side of the river.
To continue our walk follow the main road to the left of the abbey and up the hill for approximately six hundred yards before turning sharp left on the minor road at Firby. After about half a mile look for a footpath sign on the left where a stile gives access to what is usually an arable field. Whilst the path line is across this field you will find it easier to turn right and then left round the field headland (the landowner also prefers this) to a fieldgate. When through bear half right towards Firby Hall now divided into several luxury flats, where a stile at the side of a large metal gate gives access to the Hall grounds - turn right towards the Hall and near the northern entrance turn left onto the main drive and out into the hamlet of Firby.
At the opposite side of the road, alongside a garden hedge a path sign directs down to an open track which leads past the front of Keepers Lodge and on to Caldwell Plantation. Whilst the public path leads off to the left half way through this plantation, it is wet in places so continue to the far side of the wood and turn sharp left down the field side to a stile in the corner. This detour has the approval of the landowner/ occupier and makes for greater comfort. Once over the stile continue straight ahead to the Derwent and turn right along the field side.
We now have the Derwent immediately on our left with the York Scarborough railway just a little beyond. After two pasture fields we enter Jeffry Bog Plantation - yes, during a wet spell it lives up to its name so small detours are sometimes necessary. One field after this woodland there is no public access straight along the riverside, so we turn off sharp right at a waymarked fence and out onto the Westow - Menethorpe minor road. The old pasture land between the river and the minor road is of special interest to conservationists and has the support of the World Wildlife Fund; please respect and take care of it.
At the minor road turn left and after approximately four hundred yards keep left when the road forks. Unfortunately we have a further half a mile or so of road walking before, on a sharp right hand bend, we branch off left on a tarmac path which takes us to rejoin the Derwent at the Low Hutton suspension bridge, which gives access to those wishing to see the village. With a span of ninety-five feet this bridge was built in 1885 by the London and North Eastern Railway Company to enable those living in the Menethorpe area to use Huttons Ambo Station, on the western river bank. In December 1933 the then East Riding County Council entered into a maintenance agreement with the L.N.E.R., now inherited by North Yorkshire County Council.
To continue our walk strike off northwards, close in to the east-ern bank of the Derwent and pass under the railway bridge. Shortly the river is divided by Cherry Island, the home of a number of geese. After approximately one and three quarter miles the railway comes in from the right to sandwich our path with the river bank for seventy / eighty yards. When through the narrow section the path remains on the riverside but we are now in open fields, the railway falling further back on the right. When approaching Malton the Youth Hostel is the first large Victorian house to be seen across the river on the York road out of Malton. When through a field gate a track quickly becomes a surfaced road, with a large house on the left, and, set back, the Doctors Group Surgery on the right, at the Railway Street junction. For those intending to stay at the Youth Hostel turn left at this junction and left again into York Road.
Our route continues on the opposite side of the road - down three or four steps to the river side behind the bus depot. The path is now flagged and after a while leaves the river and leads out onto Norton Road - here we turn left and almost immediately right over the level crossing. This is a very busy crossing so please take care. For those wishing to start or finish hereabouts there is a free car park off St. Nicholas Street (first left off Welham Road). Once over bear left into Norton along the front of first a B.M.W. garage and then a row of shops on Church Street. (We have now said goodbye to the Derwent Way.) Continue along Commercial Street to the second zebra crossing. Cross over and turn right down Mill Street to the signed Beverley Road. Stay on this road - there is a good wide pavement - for approximately one mile, before turning off left just after Norton Lodge, onto a signposted ancient grass track. Follow round the dog leg and straight ahead to a waymarked post (this corner was once the site of a farm cottage) which turns us half right to follow down the left side of a thorn hedge to a stile in the field corner. When over continue straight ahead down the side of what is usually a pasture field, at the far corner turn up left to a field gate, and when through turn right along the field headland - with a deep drainage dike immediately on the left. At the far end of this field cut through the bush-es on the corner (well worn passage) and up onto the farm track, and turn almost immediately right down what was the track bed of the now dismantled Malton to Driffield Railway. The trains which once graced this line were affectionately referred to as either the Malton or Driffield Flyer - depending on which direction they were travelling.
Some two hundred and fifty yards or so down this raised track turn off left down the embankment and over a wooden structure which spans what is usually a dry dike and out into the field strike off half right to enter Moor Lane, the first section of which is just a path through the trees but which quickly opens out to a good wide track which leads out to the western end of Settrington Village. Whilst many village shops have been forced to close due to competition, Settrington still boasts a shop and Post Office combined. Keep right at this shop and on reaching the Luttons - North Grimston fork, again turn right. Those wishing to shorten their route to Filey may turn left here, past Settrington House and half way up the hill bear off right at the first footpath sign - this path, over very pleasant rolling countryside, links with the Wolds Way track near High Bellmanear.
Our route turns right on the North Grimston Road so please use the grass verge on the right for approximately six hundred yards to just before the former Station House on the left, where a sign indicates that our way is down a good farm access track. As we progress down this track there are pleasing views over parkland towards the lake on the left and ahead to Settrington Wold. Stay with the main track, which just after the bridge bears round right just before the farmhouse and buildings - keep right of the electricity transformer pole, to a stile to the right of a field gate. When over bear half right and slightly down hill to where a waymarked post indicates the point where a simple plank bridge provides access over ever twisting White Beck - which is never far away for the next one and a half miles. Once over the small bridge (hope-fully dry) turn half left to a small hand gate in the field corner - when through head down the left side of a thorn hedge - our small stream now meandering away to the left. Do note the wooded hill-side ahead and to the left, our route takes us onto this higher ground a little later.
We are now in a very long field, usually grazed by sheep, so please keep dogs on leads. At the far end of this field a section has been flooded and landscaped to provide habitat for waterfowl and mallard, so keep to the footpath down the hedge side to minimise disturbance. After the stile at the exit from this amenity area, follow right, round the field headland towards a lone ash tree - a post and wire fence has now taken over from the thorn hedge immediately to our right. At the end of this fence continue straight ahead across the field - to pass just to the right of farm buildings - we now see the stream again at the field corner. There is a stile straight ahead which gives access to the farm road and a further stile by the side of a green field gate. Turn right when over this stile and down the left side of a post and wire fence.
After a while bear off left to a stile in a section of railed fence between two trees - our friendly stream comes close in at this point. Once over this stile strike off across the field, in summer usually grazed by cattle so keep dogs on leads please. A stone former dwelling lies away to the right - pass through a gap in an ancient thorn hedge and head for a section of wall, where an excellent four stepped stone stile takes us out into North Grimston.
Whilst there is no prize for guessing the number of horseshoes in the two pillars at the start of our next section of walk, it is interesting to reflect on the number of painstaking hours of craftmanship they represent. Cross the stream by the side of the still red telephone box - do use the good old fashioned stone slab - and turn left. Follow the stream for a short distance before passing through a field gate on the left, after which bear right to pass under the arch of the bridge which carried the now disused railway. We now have a gradual rise through very pleasant parkland. At the top there are two black metal field gates - the right one is on our route. When through this gate bear round the field head-land on the left and out onto the very minor Luddith road - cross straight over. After passing through two field gates, still with a hedge on the left, continue to a narrow strip of woodland - pass through the two bridlegates into a grass field at the far side. The boundary fence on the left which we follow is now post and wire - head towards the telegraph pole. This is quite a long field, ignore the two sets of double gates off to the left and continue down to a small red brick building - just after this cross through a gate and turn immediately right down a tree lined hedge - now on the right. Keeping the fence line on the right pass through three more field gates and out onto the country road at Birdsall Bridge. Then turn left and follow this road for a half mile into Birdsall, passing just to the left of the village church - between the gleaming white bird-mouth fencing. We turn off left at the minor road signposted Wharram 4, Duggleby 5.
Continue on this road (ignore the track leading off to the left on a sharp right bend) and at the first sharp left bend go straight ahead on a firm track - signposted "Swinham Only, No Through Road". As we progress along this straight track the farmhouse we are heading for stands out on the skyline almost straight ahead to the right of a shelter belt of trees. After three quarters of a mile or so the track, now hedge bordered, leads through a white metal gate into open fields on the hillside. Some two hundred and fifty yards or so from this gate our way turns off left (signposted) up a sunken track, the trees on the skyline straight ahead now look closer. Do pause on this hillside to take in the sweeping views over the centre of Ryedale - the great Birdsall House can be seen through a convenient gap in the trees away to the left. At the hill top, pass through a field gate and alongside the farm and out onto the Vessey Pasture minor road. Turn sharp left at this junction (signposted) and follow a good farm track for approximately seven hundred yards to a group of trees, mainly ash, on the right.
This is our first meeting with the Wolds Way. Those not wishing to drop down the valley into Thixendale may continue straight ahead alongside North Plantation. Our route turns right through the trees, then follows the right side of the fence to the bottom of the dale where a stile slightly to the right signals the start of a stiff climb up the other side bear half left to a further stile in a large thorn hedge. When over this stile turn right up the hill to a stile in the field corner. The path now levels out to follow round two sides of a large arable field. Just after an old quarry a stile on the right, near a horse jump gives access to a track which leads straight ahead down Cow Wold - passing to the right of Cow Barn - where the track changes to a wide farm road which takes us down into Thixendale. Whilst coming down the steep access road it is worth pausing to take in the views westwards up Water Dale - with the narrow twisting road to Birdsall far below. Also at the side of Water Dale can be seen the first of several Dew Ponds we shall see before reaching Filey. The Youth Hostel in Thixendale is open from 25th March to 24th September; should your walk be outside these dates Mrs. Smith, the Warden, who also keeps the Shop and Post Office opposite, will willingly provide other accommodation details.
To continue, head eastwards along the village street and just before the 'T' junction turn left on a minor road down past the 'Cross Keys' to a stile near a field gate. Continue straight ahead with the village cricket pitch to the right. At the far end of the field cross over another stile, then follow round the foot of an earth works before crossing over a farm track to a bridlegate ahead on the dale side. Climb to a thorn hedge at the top of the dale and turn left along it to a further bridlegate in the corner. When through, go straight ahead down the hedge line to join a permanent farm track, where we turn up left. After a dog leg, pass to the right of the ruined Wold House and out onto North Plantation bridleway to rejoin the Wolds Way. At this point the large farm 'Wharram Percy House' is on the opposite side of the valley - sheltered on three sides by a belt of trees. We now turn right along a broad and very pleasant grass track - North Plantation to our right and the progressively deepening Deep Dale to the left. After approximately three quarters of a mile there is a very large metal field gate with a substantial stile to its right. The Centenary Way continues straight ahead over this stile. However, many of its users will wish to visit the site of the long-since deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy and the remains of St. Martin's Church. To do so, bear off left just before the above-mentioned gate down the side of a thorn hedge (there is a "Footpath to Wharram Percy" sign in the edge of North Plantation on the right). Those deciding to use this very pleasant path along the perimeter of Deep Dale can rejoin the Centenary Way by proceeding through the site of the village and taking the public path which heads in an easterly direction up to the minor road at Bella Farm.
To continue our walk, when over the stile alongside the large gate, hug the left side of North Plantation until joining the Wharram-Burdale minor County road where we turn left towards and past Bella Farm. Continue straight ahead where the road turns sharply right, down a chalk track to the Wharram Station road, to the left of a row of houses. Turn right here to the Wharram-le-Street crossroads and then turn left down the main road. Continue along the side of the main road and when past the houses on the left cross over to a chalk track on the right which leads to the North Grimston - Duggleby road, also known as High Street. Cross over this road and continue on a chalk farm track to a gap in the hedge on the left - when through follow round two sides of the field to a stile which gives access to the dale top.
Turn left again for a short distance before turning right down a depression in the hillside to a footbridge over Whitstone Beck. When over this bridge head straight up the grass field to meet the Settrington - Wood House farm road (signposted) and turn right. Follow this good surfaced road round a long bend, through the farm yard and up onto the Wold top, where the smooth surface changes to chalk. This high ground provides excellent viewing over Duggleby Wold.
Stay with this track, ignoring the lead off to Keepers Lodge on the left, until a signpost directs to the right of Screed Plantation. Follow a grassed area on the eastern side of this woodland (kindly cut by the farmer) until reaching the track to Wold Barn, where we turn left to regain the main internal farm road and then turn right.
Continue on this chalk road up to its junction with the country road at Settrington Beacon, where we cross over just to the right and join a good forest track.
We now have three quarters of a mile or so of very pleasant forest track ahead of us - after a while it turns right and later sharp left (both well waymarked) to emerge quite suddenly at a stile overlooking South Dale and, in the distance, the Vale of Pickering. To the right can be seen the forest track above Wintringham Church, which is where we are heading.
Turn half left, (not right as the O.S. Landranger Series suggests) and head down an obvious sunken track towards Rowgate Lane. This is a very quiet unclassified county road with a good wide grass verge for safe pedestrian use. After a mile or so look out for a signpost on the right which directs down the right side of a thorn hedge to a bridlegate in the far corner. When through this gate bear half left across the centre of a large arable field - the farmer marks it - to a footbridge over Wintringham Beck just before the village. There are two options now, either turn left along the front of the houses and quickly turn right in behind the same houses - or turn right down the village street. Both routes lead to the eastern end of Wintringham, where just behind the church our way strikes off up the left side of a thorn hedge to cross a stile at the far end, into Deep Dale Plantation, where we turn left.
We are now on the main broad forest track which turns first sharp right and then a more gradual left until after approximately one mile a waymarked post directs us sharp right up to a short but very stiff climb to the northern edge of the wood. When clear of the wood walk down the centre of a raised earthworks (protected) and turn right at the track known as Knapton Wold Road. Stay with this track until a signpost directs down the left side of a fence onto the Knapton Brow bridleway - a pleasant tree lined track on which we turn right. Ignore the track which branches off to the left and keep straight ahead just within the wood, to leave by a stile onto a field headland.
Continue along the side of this field and the other after it, to turn sharp right within the field when reaching the West Heslerton Road, up to a stile at the road side. Cross straight over this road to a wide track alongside "L Plantation" - turn left at the far end down the wood side to West Heslerton Brow. Turn right here, a fence line on the left; there are outstanding views to the left over the A.64 road all the way along the escarpment.
At the far end of this very long field, usually arable but with a comfortable strip for walking kindly left by the estate owner, turn left when over a stile. This sloping field is usually occupied by sheep, so keep any dogs on leads please. When over the stile in the bottom corner turn right and with a hedge now on the right head out to the very minor road just north of Manor Wold Farm. Turn off left on this road for sixty / seventy yards before branching off right (signposted) on what is usually a crop division or temporary sheep netting fence line to a stile at the far side. After this stile continue straight ahead down the left side of a thorn hedge until a waymarked post directs left down tractor wheel marks to ladder stile - when over turn right along the fence line before again turning down to a further stile. When over this stile follow the hedge line on the left to the corner of Crowsdale Wood where we turn right up the left side of a hedge and out onto the Sherburn to West Luttons road.
Turn left here towards Sherburn, after approximately three hundred yards, at the point where a farm road leads off to the right; those wishing to avoid a section of road walking can use the public path which runs behind the hedge on the right which re-emerges onto the road just before the old chalk pit. Continue down the hill towards Sherburn, and turn off right on a fieldside track (signposted) which links with the Sherburn to Foxholes / Weaverthorpe road.
To continue, turn right on the Foxholes road near the entrance to High Mill and after six hundred yards or so keep left when the road forks. Approximately two hundred yards from this fork look for a signpost on the left where our path follows the edge of a large field, usually arable. When meeting the fence at the far side of this field turn up right to the bridleway which provides access into Potter Brompton Wood. The track through this wood curves gradually round to the left, and at the northern edge of the wood a further bridlegate gives exit to the side of a field. Follow straight ahead down this field side until joining an internal farm track at the corner, where we turn right. Follow this track out onto the Potter Brompton village road.
Turn right here for a short distance before striking off left down an open track which leads into park land before reaching the public road just north of Ganton Hall. Turn left at this road towards the village but take the first road off to the right along the front of new houses. At the sharp corner after these houses, go straight ahead up an open track, and follow round the side of the Old Vicarage Garden to a stile. In early spring the ground cover of aconites in this garden is something special.
From the stile to the east of the vicarage turn right and follow along the left of a field hedge line - and pass through a very narrow shelter belt of trees. Turn right after the stile at the far side of this woodland and follow the field side to a stile in a cross-over fence line. When over this stile bear left on the edge of the field and out onto Wold Lane. Turn right on this ancient track, which is sunken between hedges in places, before branching off left (sign-posted) one field before Binnington Wold Farm. A stile at the far end of this section turns the path right for a field width before again turning left along a field side (thorn hedge on right) and out onto the Staxton to Foxholes road opposite Grange Farm. It may prove useful to know that half a mile down this road to the left there are toilets at the Staxton Brow viewing point and picnic area.
Head straight over the main road onto the surfaced road leading to R.A.F. Staxton. After roughly three quarters of a mile turn sharp right and with a security fence on the left, drop down towards Cotton Dale. After a good half mile look for a signpost on the left which directs up a very steep hillside when over a stile on the right at the top, turn left. Continue down the side of this field to the corner and turn right within the field to a stile on the left - when over continue north easterly along the right side of a very long hedge line.
We are now truly in the Wolds-deep valleys and splendid long views. North Yorkshire was fortunate to inherit such rare terrain from the East Riding at Local Government Reorganisation in 1974. Ladder stiles are in use along this section to provide for the comfortable crossing of electrified fences. On reaching the Flixton to Fordon road turn right for approximately four hundred yards before turning off left at the field gate, usually open. Whilst there is a track which veers right to a field gate, our route is close to the hedge on the left which leads to a stile in the corner. We are now in Raven Dale which leads steeply down to the head of Camp Dale - the hedge on the left having given way to a post and rail fence. Stay with this fence up the steep climb into Border Dale on the other side and swing round to the right on the elevated eastern perimeter of Camp Dale. Do note the very large Dew Pond at the junction of the three dales. In the south eastern corner of Camp Dale cross a waymarked stile into the corner of an arable field - where, after forty yards, a second stile on the left takes us into Stocking Dale. We are now in an area where the Romans once set up camp - hence the name Camp Dale. The only item visible to the untrained eye is the Camp Well, which has stout sleepers across it for safety.
Head into the centre of Stocking Dale, it is usually ungrazed and a haven for wildlife, to a wooden three way direction post.
Whilst the Wolds Way turns left up the dale towards Stockton Dale Farm, our route branches off right to the foot of the dale where a hand gate provides access to the headland of a large field. Follow round this field side until it runs onto a broad internal farm track which bears off half left up an incline. After four hundred yards or so we branch off sharp left (it is well waymarked) onto another track which leads to Field House Farm. The very large fields at each side of this track are usually arable and towards harvest time are known to have been referred to as the granary of England.
On reaching the farm buildings at Field House bear right and almost immediately left before continuing out to the Hunmanby to Folkton road. Cross over this road to the safety of the wide grass verge before turning right towards Hunmanby Village - very soon a good pavement takes over from the grass verge. At Hunmanby our route is along the second lead off to the left (Northgate). Before continuing, Hunmanby Village is well worth a visit. (Those most essential of places, public toilets are available).
To continue our walk head north eastwards up Northgate, and at the end near a Dead End sign, a waymark indicates that our route is straight ahead. After about a half mile this minor county road changes to a footpath (signposted). We are now on the access road to North Moor Farm, which lies ahead and to the left. On reaching this farm cross over a stile on the right, and head straight across the next field, usually a crop division indicates the path line, to a stile in the next field boundary. When over this stile follow the hedge line on the right and over two further stiles, out onto the main A.165 Scarborough to Bridlington Road at the Filey Road junction. Cross with care this very busy road to the Filey lead off - and after approximately one hundred and thirty yards bear off right down the access road to Muston Grange, and over the high bridge which spans the Scarborough to Bridlington rail-way to join the cliff top alongside Filey Golf Course. From this point there are fine views northwards. over Filey Bay with the Brigg in the background and southwards along the coastline to Flamborough Head in Humberside.
When ready to continue, turn left towards Filey, dropping down a flight of steps to Martin Ravine - where we turn right for sixty yards or so before turning left along the promenade. During the summer months the flower beds along this section of sea front do credit to the Town Council's groundsmen. At the far end of the promenade is Cobble Landing - which, as the name suggests, is the haunt of rubber hooted fishermen, whose activities are always a source of interest to holiday visitors.
A steep path continues north from Cobble Landing to the cliff top, only to drop down again into Church Ravine by means of many steps. A similar number of exhausting steps are repeated on the climb up at the other side, to the Country Park.
At this view point we have reached the end of the Centenary Way but for those wishing to continue on the Cleveland Way follow the path on the cliff top to the old Rural District boundary.
In sponsoring this walk the County Council is mindful that there are sections which pass through intensively farmed land and wish to thank landowners and farmers for their understanding and co-operation. Hopefully, many who walk this route will, by the time they reach Filey, have an increased understanding of rural life and wish to return.