Yorkshire Wolds Way

The Yorkshire Wolds Way is one of the least-known National Trails, passing through a part of England that most trail runners overlook in favour of the more dramatic north. That is its strength. The Wolds are a world of big skies, dry valleys, ancient track ways and peaceful villages entirely unchanged by tourism — the path feels genuinely quiet even in summer.

For trail runners it is a two to three day challenge on easy terrain — chalk downland, field paths and farm tracks. The ascent is modest by northern standards (around 2,400 m total) and the paths are well-drained and mostly firm. The views across the Vale of York in the west and to the North Sea in the east reward the height gained on the ridge.

The route starts at Hessle beside the Humber Bridge and ends at the chalk headland of Filey Brigg — a satisfying point-to-point from inland to coast.

Hessle to Market Weighton (~50 km): Across the southern Wolds. The escarpment above the Vale of York gives long westward views. Goodmanham, the site of an Anglo-Saxon pagan temple, is a highlight.

Market Weighton to Thixendale (~40 km): The central Wolds — dry valleys, prehistoric earthworks, the medieval planned village of Wharram Percy (deserted village site).

Thixendale to Filey (~37 km): Over the northern Wolds to the coast. Settrington Beacon, Staxton Wold, and the descent to the sea at Filey Brigg.

Start: Hessle, near the Humber Bridge. Train station on the Trans-Pennine Express Hull–Leeds line.

Finish: Filey Brigg. Filey station on the Hull–Scarborough line, with connections to York.

Best time: April to October. The chalk surface drains well year-round but can be slippery in frost.