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

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

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

Upper Oakdale Reservoir loop 5.8mi Discover a Hidden Gem in the North York Moors At The White Shire , we’re passionate about uncovering Yorkshire’s lesser-known treasures. Our Yorkshire Walks series highlights scenic routes that offer both natural beauty and a glimpse into the region's rich history. One such gem is the Upper Oakdale Reservoir Loop from Kepwick, a peaceful walk that combines woodland trails, reservoir views, and the charm of the North York Moors. A Brief Histo

Wharram Percy Circular Walk 4.79mi 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

West Burton Circular Walk 4.08mi West Burton, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, is a quintessentially British countryside retreat. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, this charming village is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding landscapes of Wensleydale. Dating back to medieval times, West Burton has a rich history as a farming community. The village grew around its traditional green, which remains a central

Bainbridge Circular Walk 4.18mi Bainbridge, a charming village in the Yorkshire Dales, is an idyllic destination for those looking to experience the beauty of this stunning national park. Located at the foot of the rolling hills of Wensleydale, Bainbridge is known for its traditional stone cottages, tranquil setting, and breathtaking landscapes. With a history dating back to Roman times, Bainbridge is rich in heritage. The village was historically a centre for farming and tex

Hawes, Gayle Loop 4.3mi Gayle, a picturesque village nestled just outside Hawes in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by stunning natural beauty and rich history. This charming village is known for its traditional stone cottages, peaceful rural setting, and close proximity to the iconic Wensleydale valley. Historically, Gayle was closely tied to the thriving wool industry, with many of its buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centurie

Hawes loop Walk 4.92mi Hawes, located in the scenic Yorkshire Dales National Park, is a charming market town known for its stunning landscapes and rich heritage. Nestled at the head of the beautiful Wensleydale, this historic town has been a hub of trade and commerce for centuries. Hawes’ history is closely tied to its location along ancient trade routes, and it has long been a center for farming and wool production, making it a key player in Yorkshire's agricultural history.

Pateley Bridge Circular Walk 2.72mi Nestled in the heart of Nidderdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Pateley Bridge is a charming market town with a rich history and a perfect base for countryside walks. Known for its picturesque setting and welcoming atmosphere, this Yorkshire gem offers a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Pateley Bridge’s history dates back centuries, with records indicating its market origins in the 14th century. The town prospered

Spofforth Circular Walk 5.02mi Nestled in the heart of Yorkshire, Spofforth unfolds its rich history as you embark on a scenic walk around its enchanting countryside. On The White Shire's Yorkshire Walks page, we invite you to explore the charming village of Spofforth and its surrounding landscapes. Introduction: Discover the allure of Spofforth, a village steeped in history, as you meander through its picturesque countryside. This walk, meticulously tracked and promoted on T

Gargrave Circular Walk 6.35mi "Gargrave: Where Yorkshire's History Meets the Serenity of Countryside Walks" Introduction: Welcome to The White Shire, your ultimate guide to all things Yorkshire. Today, we invite you to embark on a journey through the captivating town of Gargrave, where Yorkshire's rich history harmonizes with the tranquility of the countryside. As part of our commitment to showcasing the best of Yorkshire, we've meticulously tracked a picturesque walk around

Clapham Circular Walk 4.22mi "Exploring Clapham in the Yorkshire Dales: A Historic Journey Through Nature" Introduction: Welcome to The White Shire, your ultimate guide to all things Yorkshire. Today, we invite you to delve into the captivating history and natural beauty of Clapham, nestled within the enchanting Yorkshire Dales. As part of our commitment to showcasing the best of Yorkshire, we've mapped out an unforgettable walk around Clapham and its breathtaking countrysid

Settle Circular Walk 6.09mi "Settle in the Yorkshire Dales: Tracing History Amidst the Natural Splendor" Introduction: Welcome to The White Shire, your premier source for all things Yorkshire. Today, we invite you to uncover the captivating history and pristine landscapes of Settle, nestled in the heart of the enchanting Yorkshire Dales. As part of our commitment to showcasing the very essence of Yorkshire, we've meticulously mapped a captivating walk around Settle and its br

Bolton Abbey to The Strid Circular Walk 4.54mi "Bolton Abbey and The Strid: A Fascinating Journey Through Yorkshire's History and Nature" Introduction: Welcome to The White Shire, your ultimate guide to the wonders of Yorkshire. In this blog post, we invite you to delve into the captivating history of Bolton Abbey and The Strid, two remarkable landmarks nestled within the stunning Yorkshire Dales. As part of our commitment to showcasing the best of Yorkshire, we've meticulous

Towton Circular Walk 3.28mi "Towton: A Journey Through Yorkshire's History and Countryside" Introduction: Welcome to The White Shire, your go-to source for all things Yorkshire. In this blog post, we invite you to step back in time and explore the historic village of Towton, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Yorkshire. As part of our dedication to showcasing the best of this region, we've meticulously curated a captivating walk around Towton and its picturesque countryside

Selby Canal loop walk 4.46mi The Selby Canal is a canal located in North Yorkshire, in the north of England. The canal was built in the late 18th century as a means of transporting goods from the River Ouse to the town of Selby and the surrounding areas. Construction of the Selby Canal began in 1774, and the canal was officially opened in 1778. The canal was built to connect the River Ouse with the town of Selby, which was an important center for the transportation of goods s

Bishop Wood loop walk 3.91mi Bishop Wood is a woodland located in the village of Thorpe Willoughby in North Yorkshire, England. The history of Bishop Wood dates back many centuries and it has played an important role in the local community throughout its history. The woodland was originally part of the estate of the Bishop of Durham, and was used for hunting and other leisure activities. In the 19th century, the woodland was purchased by the Earl of Londesborough, who built a

Kirkham Priory loop walk 4.66mi Kirkham Priory is a ruined Augustinian priory located in the village of Kirkham, in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, England. The priory was founded in the 12th century and played an important role in the religious and cultural life of the local area for several centuries. The priory was founded in 1122 by Walter l'Espec, a wealthy Norman landowner, who donated the land and buildings to a group of Augustinian canons. The canons establis