Helmsley – Easy Walk

A gentle ramble through the countryside around the town of Helmsley. A walk with no climbing which is through fields and on paths near the river. However the walk could  be incorporated with a visit to Helmsley Castle which is a great detour after or before the walk. There are also many brilliant places to eat in Helmsley itself. Helmsley also has a Bird of Prey centre and Walled Gardens to visit as well.

Getting There 

Travelling from Middlesbrough, follow the A19 south to Thirsk. Follow the road from Thrisk which is the A170 up Sutton Bank. Follow the A170 signposted to Scarborough which will eventually pass through Helmsley. Park at the long stay car park which is a left turning and well signposted.

Map of the Helmsley Walk

The Walk 

Exit the car park from the end furthest from the entrance, which will pass the entrance to Helmsley Castle. You can go and visit the castle either at the beginning or the end of the walk- its a must see though if you haven't been before.

Pass the entrance to the castle and follow a walled path. Turn left and looking behind you there's a great view of the castle.

Follow the short path noting some good places to eat on your right, in fact Helmsley has a number of cafes so there's plenty to choose from. At a T junction turn right onto a road with a stream flowing down on its left side. Follow this road round to a main road.

Cross the road which can be busy, carefully. Turn right and then left into Rygate.

 Look for a right turning into Sawmill Lane at an Ebor Way footpath sign.

Walk through an industrial estate then turn right at an Ebor Way sign.

Walk beside the timber yard and into a field. Follow the path and then cross to the right onto another path which is beside the river. Follow the path which will cross a few small footbridges.

Follow the path over a stile and pass a water treatment works. Keep following the path until you come to a gate where the line of trees thins out.

You will see ahead of you the river bends. Look to the left for a place to follow the rivers bend. Keep following the river until you come to a narrow gap near a power-line pole

Bear left to a small gate and go through more gates to pass underneath an old railway bridge.

 Turn immediately left and follow the path which now passes through fields.

Keep following the path through another gate and you will eventually be opposite the water treatment works. Instead of going through the gate turn right and eventually you will come to another gate. Go through the gate and through another gate onto a path. Follow this round to the junction you came to before the timber yard. Follow the path back into Helmsley. 

You are now spoiled for choice to either visit the castle, bird of prey centre or the walled gardens, or for refreshments and food in the many cafes and pub in the town.