Kirkham Priory - Crambeck - Low Hutton - Kirkham Priory

Sam Roebuck

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The riverside ruins of an Augustinian priory, picturesquely set in the beautiful Derwent Valley, form a very photogenic start to this walk in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our walk initially takes us along the Centenary Way, an 83-mile, long-distance path running between York Minster and Filey. The Centenary Way climbs out of the Derwent Valley and crosses towards Castle Howard, where we initially encounter the John Vanburgh pillar known as 'Quatre Faces' or 'Four Faces'. We then pass quite close to one of the pyramids and get a good view of the mausoleum.

On our way back from the grounds of Castle Howard we pass through the very attractive village of Low Hutton, where you would be forgiven to stop for an ice cream, before picking up the River Derwent and the Centenary Way once again. Walking along the banks of the river, we soon pass through Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's reserve Jeffry Bog. There's plenty of wildlife, including green woodpecker if you're lucky, but there are also a few short bogs to cross – boots are essential! Next, we follow the Centenary Way away from the Derwent, into the tiny estate village of Firby and onwards to the priory.

Dog-walkers please note the presence of livestock and several dog-unfriendly stiles on the route. Also, I'm not sure dogs would be too keen on the narrow and unnervingly wobbly suspension bridge at Waymark 22.

England - North England - Yorkshire - Howardian Hills

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, Public Transport, River, Wildlife, Woodland

4/26/2016 - Sue Howard

This walk crosses the A64 twice. The road is very fast and dangerous. I would not recommend pedestrians try to cross this road.

8/30/2013 - Sam Roebuck

30/08/2013 - Re-walked and amended to cover the above two comments

8/27/2013 - Bryan Scaife

Completed this walk on Saturday 24 August - very enjoyable walk. We (the dog and I) started from the car park at Castle Howard and walked about 20 mins to join at WP11 which meant we reached the one pub on the route 3 hours later at lunch time. Made the walk a bit longer but completed it in 5 hours including a short pub break (nice pub, good beer). No real problems with the dog, a couple of unfriendly styles and two fields of cows to negotiate. A bit confused at WPs 26 & 27. After the wood (WP26), go through several gates, following the line of the river, until you come to a very narrow field. Go through the field gate (WP26)and the small gate is on your left about 5m ahead (WP27), go through this gate and climb the field with the wood on your left until you reach the track, then turn right (as WP28) and head for the houses.

6/6/2013 - Pauline Franks

At Waypoint 27 the route becomes confusing. After going through the gate and into the woodland there is no opportunity to follow the valley bottom. You must go up the short steep hill and emerge at the edge of the field where you must turn right and follow the edge of the field for approx. 300M to emerge onto the track.