This walk links two villages to the south of the city using field paths and tracks, stretches of York-Selby section of the Trans Pennine Trail cycle route, and quiet country lanes.
Time
2 ¾ hours; 5¾ miles
Is This Walk For Me?
At a bit under six miles and with almost no gradients, this is an easy half day walk. Much of the route is on hard surfaces. Most of the field tracks and paths are in good condition making the walks suitable for any time of year. There are no stiles. Route finding should be straightforward but care needs to be taken at the farm in Direction Point 3 and locating the right turn beside trees at Direction Point 8.
Getting There
The recommended starting point is Escrick church. Escrick is six miles from York following the A19. Roadside parking is available by turning left off the main road just beyond the church. Bus 415 runs every 15 minutes from York Picadilly (every 30 minutes Sunday) to Escrick. Alight at the stop just before the church. The walk can also be started from Naburn. Parking is available on Front Street or near the pub. Bus 42 runs at approximately two hourly intervals (except Sunday) from Picadilly to Naburn.
Refreshments
On route Naburn has the Blacksmith Arms (open Thursday to Sunday) and a shop with takeaway options. The Waterfront Café at Naburn Marina, open daily, is just off route (approaching the village turn right, rather than left). In Escrick the Parsonage Hotel is on the main road just to the south of the church.
Directions
1/ Starting with Escrick church behind you, go left on the pavement. Continue for 125 metres to a track on the left (footpath sign). Take this, passing barns left towards a house. Follow the track as it turns sharp right immediately after the house (ahead is your return route).
2/ Now follow the clear track across open fields. Keep going for about 700 metres to a road.
3/ Turn left following the quiet road as it bends sharply right. 250-metres beyond this, where the road turns sharp left, go ahead through a gap to the left of a metal gate. Turn left alongside the hedge to the field corner, then go right with the hedge still left. In about 125-metres (at a gap) watch for a footpath marker post directing you left across a ditch. Follow the direction of the arrow towards a prominent tree, continuing beyond to reach a hedge. Go ahead with the hedge left soon passing a treed area. At the end of the trees go left following the obvious track, with houses left towards the farm. In front of green barns look for a gate to the left of a house with a ‘No Vehicles’ sign. Go through the gap to the gate’s left on an enclosed track.
4/ Follow the track left at a rubbish mound heading towards the farm ahead. Go through the gap beside double gates keeping the farm right. Beyond the farm, where the main track goes right, keep ahead as signed with a hedge left. Where the intermittent hedge ends, follow the obvious track as it goes right then curve left, remaining on it to eventually arrive at the tarmac cycle path.
5/ Turn right on the cycle path; continuing for 250-metres until it reaches a bridge over a minor road. Leave the track going down the slope to the left then taking the road to the right. Remain on the road until it meets a main road. Turn left crossing the bridge then immediately take the road right (Front Street). Follow this passing Naburn Village Shop then curving left by the pub to arrive back at the main road.
6/ Turn right on the roadside pavement passing the church. About 100 metres beyond this take the lane on the left (signed Escrick). Follow this virtually traffic free lane for about 1,200 metres. As it rises towards a bridge, take the signed path left to the cycle track.
7/ At the track go right, passing under the bridge. Now remain on the tarmac track until just before the next bridge. Here go up the slope to the right to reach a track.
8/ Turn left and follow the track ahead. In about 500 metres, at a line of field side trees, turn right (footpath post) then go almost immediately left into the trees. Follow the path that leaves then returns to the trees for 150 metres until you reach a gap. Here go sharp left on a field path with a hedge left. Continue to reach a house. If starting from Escrick, keep ahead to follow your outward route back to the church. If starting from Naburn, turn left here to continue the walk from Direction Point 2.
What To See
This is a walk across quiet farming country. A surprising amount of wildlife can be seen especially on the cycle path and on the approach to Naburn.
Disclaimer
Walks are undertaken at your own risk. Due care must be taken in following the walk, particularly after poor weather. Whilst every care is taken in compiling the description changes may have occurred since compilation. Neither the walk author nor Your Local Link can accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.
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