Introducing the Yorkshire Wolds Way

The Yorkshire Wolds Way wends for 79 mile (127 km) through some of the most tranquil and gentle countryside in England. From the banks of the mighty Humber estuary, along wooded slopes and through serene dry valleys, the walk climbs gently onto the airy tops of the rolling hills where on a clear day "you can see forever". With vineyards, lavender farms and Buddhist centres as well as cosy welcoming pubs it’s a trail of surprises.

Interactive Map

Use the Map Filter to see places to visit and where to stay along the Yorkshire Wolds Way. View information on the map by ticking the boxes in the Map Filter.

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The custom route elevation is created when you use the distance calculator (above) to draw a line.

Using the GPX downloads

Please be aware that the “full” GPX file available to download above, may contain multiple tracks and some apps and websites may not be able to display this correctly.

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Exploring the Trail

The Trail is 79 mile (127 km) long. It would be a shame to complete the walk in less than six days if you are to fully savour the beauty and interest of the route. Plan a leisurely stroll rather than a route march. The official guide book recommends a 5 or 6 day walk.

With a few short exceptions there are no ‘serious’ hills along the Way. This is a gentle, subtle route suitable for almost all abilities.

There are no current diversions on the Yorkshire Wolds Way

 

 

 

As well as the searchable accommodation map above there is a downloadable Accommodation & Information Guide for the Yorkshire Wolds Way.   You can find the download on the leaflets page.

Due to very high tides dumping considerable amounts of mud onto the path along the Humber Foreshore at North Ferriby Foreshore we are recommending that until further tides have washed away most of the mud, walkers use the alternative High Tide route instead.

There are some sections of the Yorkshire Wolds Way without stiles or steps that we have accessibility information on for people wishing to visit.

You can find these on our Circular and Linear Walks Page

They are listed as Accessible walks.  Each of our accessible walks has a link for more details to see the walk on OutdoorActive and in most cases on Phototrails.

Visit our Access for all page to find out what is being done to improve access on the trails.

The fastest time to complete the Yorkshire Wolds Way is 11 hours, 34 minutes and 31 seconds.  This was achieved by Steve Bateson as part of the Hardwolds Ultrarun held on 25 November 2023

Top Tips for Enjoying the Trail

It’s easy to use public transport to reach the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail.

There are rail connections to both Hessle (from Hull, Leeds or Sheffield) and Filey as well as between Filey and Hull all of which use Northern Rail and a direct bus service between Filey and Hull.

You can also get directly to Hull from London Kings Cross as well as more local services using Hull Trains. For detailed rail information please see www.nationalrail.co.uk

If you are arriving at Hull using PO North Sea Ferries the company provides a bus to take foot passengers to Hull Rail Station, booking is advisable. From Hull Station you can catch a frequent train through to Hessle and the start of the Yorkshire Wolds Way. On finishing the walk you can catch either a bus or train directly from Filey back to Hull.

The closest airports to the Yorkshire Wolds Way are at Doncaster and Leeds. There are direct trains to Hull from both Doncaster and Leeds rail stations.

The Moors Explorer Service from Hull and Beverley is a great way of getting to locations like Wharram le Street and North Grimston on the Yorkshire Wolds Way, allowing circular walks to Wharram Percy and Settrington. It runs every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 25 May until 28 September inclusive. Go to www.eyms.co.uk for details.

You can find up-to-date public transport information including a journey planner at www.traveline.info

If you need to use a car to visit the Yorkshire Wolds Way there are places to park your car at most settlements along the Way. Please be considerate when parking and do not block gateways or park on village greens. If you plan to leave your car for several days please inform the local police of your intentions.

There is a good choice of accommodation close to the Trail and it can be viewed on the Interactive Map above or on the Create Your Own Trip page.

There is a very useful Accommodation and Information Guide that you can download from our Leaflets Page.

In addition you can  print a list of accommodation for each section of the Trail

Many places fill up quickly, we recommend that you book in advance.  If you have  difficulty finding somewhere to stay, then consider walking the route from Filey to Hessle rather than the more traditional Hessle to Filey, or start on a less common day, such as a Tuesday.

There are campsites along the Trail and they can be viewed on the Interactive Map.

If you plan to camp please note in England and Wales, there are normally no rights for national trail users to wild camp along the way – so seeking the landowner’s permission is recommended.

You can also find details of campsites in our very useful Accommodation and Information Guide, available to download from the leaflets page.

There are several companies that will arrange to move your bags for you, help you plan your trip, or arrange a full package.

View a list of these companies here Walking Holiday Companies.

You can walk the Trail at any time of year. May and September are the most popular months, with fabulous walking weather. If you want a chance to see the vibrant poppy fields you need to come in June and early July.

Most people walk from Hessle through to Filey, but it is equally good in the other direction and sometimes easier to find accommodation if completing it ‘in reverse’.

We recommend that you take a map and/or guidebook with you. You may also find a compass useful.

If you are walking solo you may want to tell someone where you are going as there can be mobile black spots along the Trail. Ensure your phone is fully charged before setting off.

Weather in the UK can be changeable so it’s wise to be prepared. You’ll need good footwear, waterproofs and warm layers. Take plenty of water and just in case, pack a few plasters for your feet. In the summer you may need sun cream.

Mobile phone reception is reasonably good on the Yorkshire Wolds, with the odd dead spot.  A number of the accommodation providers offer wi-fi.  If this is important for you then check when booking .

The UK is unique in having a network of paths that the public can use, this is the Public Rights of Way network. You can see these paths on Ordnance Survey maps.

National Trails are signed with an acorn symbol and/or the Trail name which you will see on stiles, gates and signposts. This is the symbol used by all the English and Welsh National Trails.

As you are walking along the Trail you will also see waymarkers pointing to other paths. You can use the public rights of way network to leave the Trail to explore places of interest, reach your accommodation and find places to eat and drink.

You will often find a coloured arrow on signs which indicates the status of that section of path. The most common are yellow arrows which are footpaths and blue which are bridleways.

A GPX file can be downloaded from the Create Your Own Trip page (the button is below the map).

Accommodation

There is a good choice of accommodation close to the Trail and it can be viewed on the Interactive Map above. Use the map filters to display different types of accommodation.

There is a downloadable Accommodation & Information Guide for the Yorkshire Wolds Way.   You can find the download on the leaflets page.

Alternatively, download and print a list of accommodation for each section of the Trail.

We recommend that you book your accommodation in advance as it’s limited in some areas.

Holiday Inspiration

Visit our Walking Holidays Page for holiday inspiration for the Yorkshire Wolds Way.

Leaflets, Maps, Guidebooks and Merchandise

The official guidebook and map for the Trail are available from the The Trails Shop along with a wide range of gifts and other merchandise.

You can find a list of Ordnance Survey maps for the Trail here: Maps for the Trail.

Certificates are available from the The Trails Shop.

There are  a wide range of useful leaflets to download, such as the Accommodation and Information Guide and Easy Access Trail leaflets.  Find these in the Further Information section.

Circular and Linear Walks

There are some great walks to enjoy along parts of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, which will give you a flavour of the wonderful, peaceful nature of the Yorkshire Wolds landscape.  Find the perfect walk for you in the Further Information section.

Create your own trip

Feeling inspired? Build a bespoke itinerary and start planning your visit to this great National Trail trails here.

Contact the Trail Officer

If you have feedback or a question about Yorkshire Wolds Way please contact the Trail Officer.

Contact Malcolm Hodgson
Trail Officer