Wombleton
Map based on Ordnance Survey mapping by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown Copyright.
Length of walk: 21/2 miles
Start/finish: Wombleton village centre, south of the A170, midway between Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley
Terrain: Tracks, field paths and a stretch of country road
Easy circular walk revealing good views of the intricate field patterns to the west of the village of Wombleton.
Located in the Vale of Pickering, the village of Wombleton is characterized by its mix of architectural styles. Rows of sturdy stone cottages stand alongside modern houses and bungalows. However, Wombleton's origins are medieval, as its single main street and field patterns clearly indicate. Several buildings are of cruck construction.
From the centre of Wombleton head north, following the main street towards the A170. Turn left into Back Lane on the outskirts of the village and when the road bends left after several yards, go right to a stile. Go straight across to the opposite corner of the field and then follow the boundary to the next corner. Keep ahead, with a hedge on the right, making for the next corner. Avoid a path on the right and go straight on, keeping to the left of a thick hedgerow. Cross another stile after about 50 yards and then continue ahead between hedges, fences, bushes and trees. Pass a farm on the right and bend right towards the village of Nawton.
Continue on the tarmac lane, following it between hedgerows, and pass a footpath and some stone cottages on the right. Turn left and walk alongside Calverts factory to join a path running alongside a drive leading to several chalets. Go through a kissing gate and head diagonally across the field to reach a kissing gate in the boundary. Head straight down the next field to a white cottage, turn left and follow Gale Lane as it heads south out of Nawton. Pass Ryedale School and a glance at the surroundings here reveals very pleasant views over gentle, farming landscapes.
Follow the road round several bends and continue between trees and hedgerows. Pass the entrance to a caravan and camp site on the right and follow the road for about 120 yards, turning left into Syke Lane. Keep to the broad track, which is also a public footpath, and follow it between trees and extensive rural landscapes. Pass the buildings of Syke House Farm and keep going for about 80 yards until you reach a gate and footpath sign in the left boundary. Go straight down the field slope Swing right on reaching the corner of the woodland on the right and make for two stiles and a footbridge spanning the Syke Cut on the far side of the field. Cross the field on the opposite side of the cut and make for a stile and footbridge by some trees. Veer diagonally left across the field and join a path skirting the boundary. Keep trees and hedgerow on the left and ahead are the buildings of Wombleton. Look for a gap in the left boundary and cross into the neighbouring field. Pass under power lines and between clumps of thistles to reach a stile in the far right corner.
Follow a short section of path to join a grassy track and walk ahead, keeping the houses of Wombleton on the right. Keep going when Back Lane becomes a metalled road and follow it round to the right to the main junction. Turn right for the centre of Wombleton.
From Walks Around Kirkbymoorside by Nick Channer
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