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The White Rose County of Yorkshire
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Exploring Skipton: A Day of History, Hills and a Few Pints
Part-1 Part-2 9.23mi Skipton to Low Bradley Circular Walk Part-1 Part-2 We stayed at the Travelodge, which is why the walk starts and finishes there. Before heading out, we called in at Robertshaw’s next door for a grand breakfast to set us up for the day. We also enjoyed a few pints along the route, and that may explain why the walk ended up in two parts — I accidentally pressed “finish” on the app after one of those said pints!!! Origins of Skipton Skipton’s story stretches

Michael Palmer
Jan 22 min read


Top Walking Routes in North Yorkshire: North Yorkshire Walking Trails
Exploring North Yorkshire on foot is one of the best ways to experience its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich history. Whether you are a seasoned walker or just looking for a gentle stroll, North Yorkshire offers a variety of walking routes that cater to all levels. In this post, I will share some of my favourite North Yorkshire walking trails, highlighting what makes each route special and providing practical tips to help you enjoy your walk to the fullest. Di

Michael Palmer
Dec 30, 20254 min read


A Circular Walk Around Mytholmroyd
4.51mi Mytholmroyd Circular Walk There is a section missing from the walk, a mistake on my part, and an extra section that is unnecessary. The walk up Cragg Road is to the Robin Hood Pub, very nice too!! Climbing Scout Hill Starting from Mytholmroyd, Lyn and I set out on a circular walk that began with the steady climb up Scout Hill. The ascent quickly rewarded us with sweeping views, opening up the valley below and giving us a fresh perspective on the Calder Valley. Across t

Michael Palmer
Dec 18, 20253 min read


A Scenic Walk from Rose Cottage to Sowerby Bridge
8.25mi Rose Cottage to Sowerby Bridge Setting Off from Rose Cottage During our stay at Rose Cottage in Mytholmroyd, Lyn and I set out on a longer walk that blended quiet country roads with canal-side charm. We began by heading up Scout Road, enjoying the peace of the countryside as the lane wound steadily out of the village. The first half of the walk was all about the open road, with hedgerows, stone walls, and views across the Calder Valley. Joining the Canal at Sowerby Bri

Michael Palmer
Dec 17, 20252 min read


A Stay at Rose Cottage, Mytholmroyd
A Traditional Weaver’s Cottage On our recent trip to Mytholmroyd, Lyn and I stayed at Rose Cottage, a charming old weaver’s cottage that immediately felt like home. With its warm and cosy atmosphere, two comfortable double beds, and constant hot water and heating, it was the perfect retreat. Thoughtful touches included complimentary food—bread, butter, milk, eggs, fruit, cereals, coffee, and a range of teas—alongside aromatherapy oils, creams, soaps, shampoo, and conditioner.

Michael Palmer
Dec 16, 20252 min read


🌿 Walking Yorkshire with The White Shire
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

Michael Palmer
Dec 2, 20251 min read


🌿 Yorkshire Walks: Exploring Upper Cumberworth
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

Michael Palmer
Nov 28, 20252 min read


Discovering the Charm of Elsecar: A Yorkshire Walk
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

Michael Palmer
Nov 21, 20252 min read


Yorkshire Walks – Withernsea
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

Michael Palmer
Nov 20, 20252 min read


Weekly Walking Roundup: Your Best Walks This Week
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.

Michael Palmer
Nov 10, 20253 min read


The History of Brayton – A Yorkshire Village with Roots and Growth
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

Michael Palmer
Nov 3, 20251 min read


Exploring the Hidden Gems of Wharram Percy
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

Michael Palmer
Oct 29, 20254 min read


Discovering Cawood: A Gem in North Yorkshire
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

Michael Palmer
Oct 19, 20253 min read


Spalding-Moor Circular Walk
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

Michael Palmer
Oct 18, 20252 min read


Clayton Circular Walk
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

Michael Palmer
Oct 18, 20252 min read


Barnburgh circular
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

Michael Palmer
Oct 18, 20252 min read


Helmsley Circular Walk
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

Michael Palmer
Oct 18, 20252 min read


Thorner Circular Walk
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

Michael Palmer
Oct 18, 20252 min read


Dearne Valley Park
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

Michael Palmer
Oct 17, 20252 min read


Campsall Park Circular
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

Michael Palmer
Oct 17, 20252 min read
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