The next stage of this trail is a 27 mile crossing of the Yorkshire Wolds starting at Full Sutton and ending at the lovely village of Lockington. At almost the half way point Huggate was a natural stop especially as it has the delightful Wolds Inn. It was a cold but clear March morning with skylarks singing as I left Full Sutton and followed the field paths alongside the A166 before heading towards Youlthorpe. Signs of ancient ridged field systems were much in evidence here as was the looming escarpment of the Wolds.
The next mile was a pleasant path into the picturesque village of Bishop Wilton with its intriguing signpost.
I have no intention of doing that just yet so I had a sandwich besides the beck and contemplated the steep ascent before me. A brisk climb soon put me on the top of the escarpment and what a view. The village below me and the plain of York with the Minster in the middle ground and in the far distance the Yorkshire Dales.
The Minster Way now followed the edge of the Wolds with some fabulous views before dropping down into Great Givendale. This, for me was one of the highlights of the walk such was the beauty of the scenery before me. The tiny Church of St. Ethelburgas at the Western end of the valley with ponds, springs and trees was a delight.
I still though had far to go and a stiff climb out of the dale brought me to the road into Millington marked on the map as The Balk. Millington is another delightful Wolds village with a cafe and a pub catering for thirsty walkers. Unfortunately both were closed although it gave me no time to contemplate the steep climb out of Wan Dale. The route now joined the Yorkshire Wolds Way and immediately began a descent into Sylvan Dale where a Roman Road was marked on the map but wasn’t easily visible on the ground.
Another steep descent and ascent of Nettle Dale took me to Cobdale Cottage and the Hawold Bridle Road. A startled Barn Owl took flight from a fence post in front of me and a white pheasant trotted off down a field alongside the track.
Finally I reached Mill Lane which I walked along for the final quarter of a mile into Huggate, another lovely Wolds village. I had walked 14 miles through some beautiful and unspoilt countryside without seeing anyone else on the trail. I was eagerly looking forward to the next 13 mile section to Lockington.
walkingtalesofayorkshireman 