York Association of the National Trust
Thursday 18th April 2024
Myton on Swale Circular Walk
York Association of the National Trust Country Walks Group
The group organises monthly half-day walks, starting in mid-morning at a point in the York area and finishing there after a fairly gentle walk of about 5 miles. Often the walks conclude with an optional informal lunch at a nearby pub or café. There is no requirement to book places on these walks but all walkers are responsible for getting themselves to the start of the walk and home afterwards although it is sometimes possible for lifts to be obtained from other walkers. A nominal charge of £1 is collected from all walkers other than the walk leader.
in the Summer months pre-Covid, the group used to hire a coach to take walkers to a location further afield for a slightly longer walk concluding with a high tea, usually at a Women’s Institute in the area, before returning to York in the late afternoon. All walkers, other than the leader, were required to complete an application form and pay in advance approximately £25 towards the cost of coach hire and the high tea. Post-Covid, increasing costs have made it necessary to review these walks and it is not yet certain that we will be able to continue them.
Prior to both types of walk the walk leader reconnoitres the route of the walk and prepares a Risk Assessment to identify hazards that may be encountered during the walk. All walks are described in YANT’s News Letter and on its website so that potential walkers may satisfy themselves that they will be able to complete them safely.
In March of every year the Group holds a social evening with a quiz, a raffle and a buffet supper, the proceeds of which cover the losses incurred from our full day walks.
If you are interested in joining our walks and would like to obtain further information about them please contact:
Rosemary Anderton on 07940 563810
Half-Day Circular Walks
Thursday 18th April 2024
Myton on Swale Circular Walk
Approximately 5.5 miles.
This is a circular walk of about 5.5 miles starting from Myton on Swale and passing through leafy lanes with river views, parkland, farmland, some architectural gems, and the site of a bloody battle. There are options to shorten the walk.
The recommended way to reach Myton on Swale is to take the A19 out of York, turn left to Tollerton, pass through Flawith and then fork left to Myton. Please park thoughtfully in the village and meet by the church ready for a 10:30 am start. There are no public toilets or refreshments in Myton on Swale
The nearest café for refreshments after the walk is at Beningborough Hall but as the National Trust Farm Shop there is closed Trust Members should please remember to carry their membership cards if they wish to use the NT café there.
The walk leader is Dorothy Pope Tel. 07985 553 523
Wednesday 8th May 2024
Cropton Cabins Circular Walk
Approximately 5.6 miles.
This walk is 5.6 miles long and is all on good paths or forestry tracks involving only very gentle inclines. It will commence at 10.30am from Cropton Cabins Reception Centre, grid reference SE752908, OS Explorer Sheet OL27, and will pass Sutherland Lodge and Keldy Castle rising up to High Muffles before returning to Cropton Cabins where refreshments can be obtained at the Forest Retreat Cafe.
Cropton Cabins can be reached from the village of Cropton by taking the road north to Rosedale for c1.5 miles and turning right at the brown sign opposite Blackpark Lodge onto a forest road heading north-east.
There is free parking at the Reception Centre and there are toilets.
The walk leader is Philip Mander: telephone 07972 694 344 who will supply further details if needed.
Thursday 13th June 2024
Castle Howard Circular Walk
Approximately 4 miles.
This is a circular walk of approximately 4 miles starting at Castle Howard along tracks and grass verges to Coneythorpe and then through fields and grassy paths passing the Temple, the Pyramid and possibly the Mausoleum via a short diversion.
Please park in the Castle Howard car park and meet by the entrance to the courtyard, where there are toilets, ready for a 10:30 start.
Options for refreshments or lunch after the walk should be available at Castle Howard, the Arboretum or in Welburn.
The walk leaders are Alison and Nigel Rutter Tel: 07523 944 065
Full Day Walks with coach transport
NB. Walkers participate at their own risk and must be capable of completing the distance of the walk in open countryside in a variety of weather conditions so that appropriate clothing and footwear must be worn. Walkers should also carry water and whatever snacks they feel are necessary to be consumed during the walk .