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Spalding-Moor Circular Walk 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 drainage sch

Clayton Circular Walk 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 fields that

Barnburgh circular 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, which tell

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 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 agricultu

Dearne Valley Park 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 and comm

Campsall Park Circular 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 the p

Rabbit Ings Country Park From Colliery to Country Park Rabbit Ings Country Park, located near Royston in South Yorkshire, is a 64-hectare green space that has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once the site of Monckton Colliery and later the Royston Drift Mine, both of which closed in 1989, the area has been rehabilitated into a vibrant country park. Officially opened in 2011 and managed by The Land Trust since 2012, Rabbit Ings now offers a blend of natural beauty and h

Stoneycliffe Circular Discover Ancient Woodland and Wildlife At The White Shire , we celebrate Yorkshire’s green spaces and walking gems. Stoneycliffe Wood Nature Reserve, nestled between Middlestown and Netherton in Wakefield, is a perfect example of ancient woodland blended with modern conservation. It’s ideal for a peaceful stroll, wildlife spotting, and exploring remnants of Yorkshire’s historical estates. A Brief History Stoneycliffe Wood was once part of a larger 17th-c

Thurgoland Circle Walk A Brief History of Thurgoland, South Yorkshire Nestled in the rolling hills between Barnsley and Sheffield, the village of Thurgoland sits on the edge of the Peak District and the River Don Valley. Though small today, Thurgoland has a long and fascinating history that reflects Yorkshire’s rural and industrial heritage. The name Thurgoland  is believed to derive from Old Norse origins — “Thurkel’s land”  — suggesting it was first settled by Vikings aroun

Womwell Circular Walk A Brief History of Wombwell, Barnsley Wombwell is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley, South Yorkshire, with a population of around 15,000 (2011 census). Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, its name is thought to come from “Womba’s Well”  (or “well in a hollow”). Early & Rural Origins There is evidence of prehistoric activity around the Wombwell area, including Mesolithic and Neolithic findspots, plus Iron Age and Romano-British

Explore Yorkshire’s Green Heritage At The White Shire , we celebrate all things Yorkshire — from its landscapes and heritage to hidden walking gems. Our Yorkshire Walks series tracks some of the region’s most interesting routes, and the West Haigh Wood & Spring Country Park Circular in Grimethorpe is a perfect example of nature, history, and regeneration all in one. This circular walk combines the tranquillity of West Haigh Wood with the reclaimed landscapes of Spring Country

A Detailed Look at Bramham Bramham is a picturesque village located in West Yorkshire. This charming place is steeped in history and surrounded by idyllic countryside. It serves as a fantastic destination for walkers. Positioned between Leeds and York, Bramham’s heritage dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Its charm lies in the blend of historic landmarks and serene rural landscapes. Visitors often find themselves drawn to Bramham Park. This 18th-century stately home is

Explore the Rich History of Langsett Reservoir At The White Shire , I’m passionate about showcasing the best of Yorkshire—its landscapes, history, and hidden gems. One of my favourite featured routes on the Yorkshire Walks page is a scenic walk around Langsett Reservoir, located on the edge of the Peak District near Barnsley and Penistone. Langsett Reservoir is steeped in history. Completed in 1904, it was built to supply water to the growing population of Sheffield and surro

Wharram Percy Circular Walk Nestled in the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds, Wharram Percy is one of England’s most famous deserted medieval villages. Abandoned by the early 16th century, this once-thriving settlement offers a fascinating glimpse into rural life during the Middle Ages. Today, only the ruins of the 12th-century church and outlines of former buildings remain, surrounded by peaceful farmland and chalkland valleys. At The White Shire, I’ve tracked and promote

Clayton Circular Walk Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, Clayton near South Elmsall is a small but historically rich village, perfect for walkers eager to uncover Yorkshire's hidden treasures. Surrounded by rolling countryside, this charming location offers picturesque walking routes that blend natural beauty with a glimpse into the past. Clayton's history stretches back centuries, with its name likely derived from Old English, meaning "clay settlement." Historically, it

Holme-on-Spalding-Moor Circular Walk Explore Holme-on-Spalding-Moor: A Historic Village in the East Riding of Yorkshire Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, a charming village in the East Riding of Yorkshire, is a hidden gem with a rich history and picturesque surroundings. Located between York and Hull, this historic settlement offers a perfect blend of heritage and stunning countryside, making it a wonderful destination for walkers. The village’s history dates back to medieval times and

Barnburgh Circular Walk Barnburgh, a picturesque village in South Yorkshire, is steeped in history and surrounded by scenic countryside, making it a wonderful destination for walkers. Nestled near Doncaster, this charming village is known for its historic landmarks, tranquil atmosphere, and beautiful views of the Yorkshire countryside. Barnburgh’s history dates back to Saxon times, and the village is rich in heritage. Its most notable landmark is St. Peter’s Church , a Grade

Allys surprise walk Discover Wintersett: A Tranquil Village with Rich Heritage in West Yorkshire Wintersett, a peaceful village near Wakefield in West Yorkshire, is steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a perfect destination for walkers. This small but charming settlement offers a serene escape, with its picturesque landscapes and close ties to Yorkshire’s agricultural and industrial past. Historically, Wintersett was a farming community, with

Ally's woodland walk Explore Owl Wood: A Hidden Gem in South Kirkby’s Countryside Owl Wood, located near South Kirkby in West Yorkshire, is a tranquil woodland steeped in history and natural beauty. This charming area offers a peaceful escape for walkers, with its mix of ancient trees, diverse wildlife, and serene trails, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers. The history of Owl Wood is closely tied to the village of South Kirkby, which dates back to Saxon times. The