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You don't need to get in the car to find a good walk. That was one of the things Ken and I loved most when we first moved here — you open the gate and you're straight into the Howardian Hills.
Over the years, I've walked hundreds of miles from this doorstep. These are the five routes I come back to again and again. They're the ones I recommend to every guest, and the ones I'd walk myself tomorrow if I had the morning free.
Every one of these walks starts and finishes at the cottage gate. No driving required.
The Brandsby Loop
The perfect first-morning walk. Through the village, past the church, along the field edge with views south across the vale, and back via the quiet lane. Flat, easy, and beautiful in any season.
I walked this route the morning after we first stayed in the cottage — before we even bought it. It's the one that convinced me this was the right place.
Yearsley Wood & Back
Through open farmland then into ancient woodland. Bluebells in spring, cool shade in summer, golden canopy in autumn. The path through Yearsley Wood is one of my favourite stretches of walking anywhere in Yorkshire.
The Stillington Circuit
Walk to Stillington via the fields, have lunch at The Bay Horse, then walk back a different way. The pub does good food and is genuinely dog-friendly. This is our go-to Sunday walk.
Crayke Hill
The longer option with a proper reward. Crayke sits on a hill with a castle and panoramic views across the Vale of York. On a clear day you can see York Minster. The Durham Ox at the top is excellent if you time it right.
The Full Howardian Ridge
The big one. North along the ridge through Dalby, across to Skewsby, and back via Brandsby. Rolling hills, wide open views, ancient woodland, and barely a soul on the path. This is the walk that made me fall in love with the Howardian Hills — and it's the one I did for BBC2's Take a Hike.
All five routes are dog-friendly. Sam has tested every one of them more times than I can count. I leave printed route cards in the cottage with OS grid references, but honestly — the best way to find your way is to just start walking and see where the paths take you.
If you'd like specific directions or have questions about any of these walks, just ask when you arrive. I'm always happy to point you in the right direction.