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Walks Mapped by Us The White Shire Yorkshire walks Every walk featured on our website has been carefully mapped using Komoot, ensuring accuracy and ease of navigation. These routes aren’t generic; they are chosen, tested, and recorded by us, so you can follow with confidence knowing the paths have been walked and experienced first-hand. The White Shire North Yorkshire Walks Stories of the Local Area Alongside each mapped route, we provide a short description of the local area

Upper Cumberworth Circular Walk 4.35mi A Brief History of Upper Cumberworth Upper Cumberworth is a charming village located in the Holme Valley of West Yorkshire. Historically a small rural settlement, it has roots dating back to the medieval period. The village grew around agriculture and small-scale textile production, typical of the region’s industrial evolution. The area is known for its traditional stone cottages and peaceful village atmosphere, reflecting its agricultur

Discovering Something New in Yorkshire At Whiteshire, we love sharing stories about how life in Yorkshire is shaped by the places we visit and the choices we make. Three years ago, outdoor cooking wasn’t something I thought much about. But a client’s request for an outdoor kitchen — complete with a pizza oven — set me on a path I didn’t expect. That journey took Lyn and me to the Harrogate Homebuilding & Renovating Show , where we met the team from The Pizza Oven Shop . They

Yorkshire is a place rich in history and culture, with its villages offering a unique glimpse into the past. Walking through these villages, you can almost hear the stories whispered by ancient stone walls and winding lanes. Each village has its own character shaped by centuries of change, from Roman times to the present day. In this post, I want to share what I have learned about the history of Yorkshire villages and why they continue to captivate both residents and visitors

Food & Fire Outdoor Living There’s something timeless about cooking outdoors in Yorkshire, with the crackle of the wood‑fired oven and the scent of roasting vegetables drifting through the back garden. In our latest podcast, Lyn and I share the story of a rustic carrot soup that takes two days to prepare but you can do it in one! a recipe built on patience, flame, and simple ingredients. The Carrot Soup Journey On day one, we chop raw carrots into one‑inch pieces, add parsnip

A Brief History of Elsecar Elsecar, located near Barnsley in South Yorkshire, is a village steeped in industrial history. Its name likely derives from Old English and Old Norse roots, meaning “Aelfsige’s marshland.” For centuries, it was a quiet rural settlement. However, in the late 18th century, the influential Fitzwilliam family of Wentworth Woodhouse transformed Elsecar into one of Britain’s first model industrial villages. Coal mining and ironworking shaped the area, lea

Withernsea Circular Walk 3.64mi A Brief History of Withernsea Withernsea is a historic seaside town on the East Yorkshire coast, shaped by fishing, farming, and the sea itself. Its name dates back to Saxon times, originally recorded as Whithornsea , meaning “white thorn by the water.” Over centuries, coastal erosion gradually pushed the settlement closer to the sea, reshaping both the landscape and the town’s identity. By the medieval period, Withernsea had grown enough to re

Yorkshire’s rivers have always been more than just waterways—they are storytellers, carrying the history of industry, community, and culture through the region. In my latest podcast episode , I explore the fascinating story of the Rivers Aire and Calder, their role in shaping Yorkshire’s past, and how they continue to enrich our lives today. Why the Aire and Calder Matter A Lifeline of Industry The Aire and Calder Navigation was once the beating heart of Yorkshire’s industria

Discover this week's top walking destinations across Yorkshire. From historic villages to scenic countryside trails, explore the best circular walks featured on The White Shire this week.

Brayton Circular Walk 4.74mi Early Origins Brayton, situated just south of Selby in North Yorkshire, carries a name with deep historical roots. The earliest recorded versions appear as Breide-tun  around 1030 and Bretone  in the Domesday Book of 1076. The name likely combines Old Norse breiðr  (“broad”) or the personal name Breithi , with Old English tūn  (“settlement”), reflecting the village’s origins in a wide, fertile area. Agrarian Village and Parish Roots Originally, Br

England is dotted with the remnants of villages that once thrived but have since vanished from the map. These lost villages tell stories of changing times, shifting economies, and sometimes tragic events. Exploring these sites offers a glimpse into the past and reveals how communities adapted or disappeared over centuries. This article delves into the history, reasons, and intriguing tales behind some of England's most fascinating lost villages. Exploring England's Lost Villa

Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds lies a remarkable site that tells a story of England’s past like no other. Wharram Percy, a deserted medieval village, offers a unique glimpse into rural life centuries ago. This hidden gem is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, walkers, and anyone curious about England’s medieval heritage. In this post, we will explore the fascinating history, the archaeological significance, and practical tips for visiting this captivating s

Cawood Circular Walk 5.75mi A Brief History of Cawood Cawood is a picturesque village in North Yorkshire. It sits on the banks of the River Ouse, about 11 miles south of York. This village is one of Yorkshire’s most historic river settlements. For over 500 years, it served as the residence of the Archbishops of York. At the heart of Cawood stands the Cawood Castle Gatehouse. Built in the 15th century, it was once part of a grand medieval palace complex. The castle welcomed se

Spalding-Moor Circular Walk 5.26mi A Brief History of Spalding Moor Spalding Moor is a historic area of low-lying land in the East Riding of Yorkshire, situated between Howden, Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, and the River Foulness. Its name likely derives from the Old English “Spaldingas” , meaning the people of Spald, combined with “Moor” , referring to the marshy or open lands that once dominated the area. Historically, Spalding Moor was a wetland and fenland area, shaped by drain

Clayton Circular Walk 4.58mi A Brief History of Clayton Clayton is a traditional Yorkshire village with a long rural history, found just west of Doncaster in South Yorkshire. Its name originates from Old English — “claeg tun” , meaning “settlement on clay soil”  — a nod to the rich farmland that has shaped its landscape for centuries. The village dates back to medieval times, and much of its layout still reflects its agricultural heritage, with farmhouses, cottages, and fiel

Barnburgh circular 4.58mi A Brief History of Barnburgh Barnburgh is a charming rural village in South Yorkshire, lying between Doncaster and Mexborough, surrounded by open countryside and farmland. Its history stretches back to at least Saxon times, with the name thought to mean “stronghold of Beorn’s people.” At the heart of the village stands St Peter’s Church, one of the oldest in the area, dating from the 12th century. It’s famous locally for the “Cat and Man” legend, whi

Helmsley Circular Walk I think the walk is about 4 miles...I forgot to turn the app off and left it on when driving!!! A Brief History of Helmsley Helmsley, often described as one of Yorkshire’s prettiest market towns, sits at the southern edge of the North York Moors National Park, where the rolling Howardian Hills meet wild heather moorland. Its history stretches back over a thousand years — it was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Elmeslac , meaning “the clea

Thorner Circular Walk 4.14mi A Brief History of Thorner Nestled just eight miles north-east of Leeds city centre, Thorner is one of West Yorkshire’s most picturesque and historic villages. The name Thorner  comes from Old English, meaning “thorn-covered slope,” reflecting its setting among gentle hills and ancient hedgerows. Thorner has roots stretching back to Anglo-Saxon times, and it’s even mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Tornoure . The village grew as a small ag

Dearne Valley Park 3.43mi A Brief History of Dearne Valley Park Dearne Valley Park, located near Wombwell in South Yorkshire, is a modern leisure and countryside park that has transformed part of the historic Dearne Valley into a public green space. The valley itself has a long industrial history, shaped by coal mining and railways, which played a key role in South Yorkshire’s development during the 19th and 20th centuries. As the coal industry declined, the local authority a

Campsall Park Circular 2.55 A Brief History of Campsall Country Park Campsall Country Park, located near the village of Campsall in South Yorkshire, England, boasts a rich history intertwined with the region's industrial past. The park was once part of the estate of Campsall Hall, the residence of the Bacon-Frank family. In the 18th century, Richard Frank, a member of the family, significantly enhanced the estate's landscape, introducing various tree species that still grace