Wolds Way

“The Wolds Way is a forgotten countryside of rolling hills, pretty villages and easy walking”

(79 miles, 5 days)

The Wolds Way is a 79 mile walk over a largely empty countryside dotted with sporadic, attractive villages full of history. A chalk escarpment overlays much of the landscape giving rise to some excellent walking in dry valleys and rolling countryside.

The route is top and tailed by large expanses of water, the Humber estuary starts you off and the spectacular coast at Filey Brigg makes a fitting end. Walking south to north is certainly the most sensible option. The walking is a mix of excellent paths and bridleways coupled with some quiet lanes, some through woodland but most in open countryside. The views seem to stretch for ever.

Cleveland Way

However the one thing that really stands out about the walk is the quiet and tranquility that surrounds it. People on the walk never seem in a hurry and there is always plenty of time to leave the trail and visit some of the other villages and towns which lie only a few miles away. The Wolds Way meanders rather than takes the most direct line. Certainly when I have walked in the area my memories are of bird song and peaceful surroundings, if you have not done so test this forgotten corner of England, you will be pleasantly surprised.

One thing that in without doubt true is that the Wolds Way (and the other long distance trails in the area, the Chalkland Way, Howardian Hill and the Centenary Way) are superbly signposted giving rise to the impression this is an up and coming area.

The Best Itinerary

Day 1. Hessle to South Cave 13 miles

Day 2. South Cave to Market Weighton 12 miles

Day 3. Market Weighton to Fridaythrope 17 miles

Day 4. Fridaythrope to Sherburn 22.5 miles

Day 5. Sherburn to Filey Brigg 17 miles

On Day 4 it is perfectly feasible to divide the walk in to 2 days with a stay in the town of Malton.

Map

Places to Stay

to come

Personal Journey

I have dabbled on various sections of the Wolds Way with individual walks (see the links below) and found it all a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The full length of the Wolds Way is certainly in the plans to do

The Coast at Filey Brigg

Pocklington & the Wolds Way

Dry Valleys of Thixendale