With the weather starting to improve and the school holidays on the horizon, what better time to share some of our favourite walks in the area?
Of course, a traditional village inn is always a welcome sight at the end of a good walk and The Wellington Heifer is perfectly placed in the village of Ainderby Steeple ready to greet walkers, whether local and visiting, with a warm welcome.
Coast to Coast: Danby Wyske to Ingleby Cross
Moderate – 14.2km
This trail takes you through fields and over narrow country lanes from the nearby village of Danby Wyske to Ingleby Cross at the edge of the North York Moors. Along the way, there is some beautiful countryside scenery to be discovered and if you’re lucky, you may happen across some ‘honesty boxes’ on the way – unmanned coolers often containing food and drink in return for appropriate donations from hikers! This point-to-point trail follows part of the longer Coast to Coast route, taking you from the west to the east coast in Northern England.
Northallerton to Ainderby Steeple Circular
Easy – 10.8k
Our charming village of Ainderby Steeple sits just less than 3 miles from the market town of Northallerton. This circular trail, starting near Northallerton railway station, takes you out of town towards Romanby Golf Club through nearby farmland. You’ll head over fields and tracks passing through the villages of Ainderby Steeple and Warlaby. It’s an easy enough route, and is quite popular for hiking and running, so dogs are welcome on a lead too. You could stop off for food here at the pub on your way through too!
Cleveland Way: Osmotherley to Clay Bank Top
Hard – 18.2km
A long, but lovely day out, this route takes you along the Cleveland Way, offering some fantastic views. This is the third segment of the Cleveland Way, and the trail takes you up to Clay Top Bank. This route features a mixture of sights and terrains, through farmland and woodland trails. It’s a very hilly route, so you may opt to do a shorter section of the trail.
Northallerton Footpath
Easy – 5.8km
This easier circular trail of just under 6 km takes you on a nice route through Northallerton. Passing the train station and some residential neighbourhoods, this route is part paved and part dirt paths, and you’ll see a variety of sights including the town centre and some farm animals. The route takes you through the Bullamore Memorial Park which has a play area too, so this is a great route for families with kids!
Ellers Wood – Rye River Circular
Moderate – 13.4km
Slightly further afield, this circular route of about 13.5 km is great for those looking for a quieter hike, as you won’t encounter many people while exploring! With an initial incline, you’ll spend a large portion of the route along the River Rye and see some brilliant views along the way. This is a moderately challenging route with some steep banks, but as long as you’re in good footwear you should be fine!
Many of these walks can be finished off with a refreshing drink or re-fuelling meal here at The Wellington Heifer, and you could even make a break of it in our overnight bed and breakfast accommodation.
Of course, if you’re happy to travel a little further, there is an abundance of stunning walks across the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors for you to enjoy – both of which our pub sits conveniently between!