Yorkshire Wolds Way: Some comments.

Although not the most well known National Trail, the Yorkshire Wolds Way is popular and those who have walked it speak well of this long distance path.

While lacking the drama of more extreme landscapes, the chalk hills of the Wolds have a graceful beauty. Swooping valleys turn this way and that, while the farmed fields of the higher ground open up extensive vistas over the Vales of Pickering and York. As the underlying rock is chalk, seen as white pebbles in the fields, the valleys are dry, without any stream or brook running down them. The rain just sinks into the ground. Villages nestle in valleys, red brick or white painted houses, with ancient churches and old pubs. Mixed woodland occupy some slopes adding variety. When I walked through in early April daffodils and blackthorn blossom brightened my day. Wooden, carved acorns; Sculptures, and strangely shaped benches along the way provide add interest.

Extending from Filey, a town popular with tourists on the Yorkshire coast, to Hessle, on the Humber Estuary it is 126 kilometres (79 miles) long which I walked in six days without too much effort. As a National Trail the waymarking is good, although a map or GPS is needed to avoid problems if you stray from the path or miss a sign. Accommodation is available every night but in places is thinly spread so it is wise to plan ahead. As mainly farmland it is not suitable for wild camping, however there are a few official campsites on the route. Most of the trail is on paths or farm tracks with easy walking although with many ascents and descents. In early April when I walked it could be muddy in places but later in the year the mud should dry out and the crops in the fields turn from green to golden. At 79 miles this is a long distance path that will be within the capabilities of most people.