Spalding Moor Circular Walk
Updated: Aug 5
Spalding Moor Circular Walk – 5.26 Easy Miles in East Yorkshire
Looking for a nice easy countryside walk in East Yorkshire? This 5.26-mile Spalding Moor Circular Walk explores the wonderfully flat and open landscape around Holme-on-Spalding-Moor in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Lyn and I personally walked, photographed and GPS recorded this route for The White Shire. We found it to be a nice, easy and enjoyable walk, with the flat landscape making the 5.26 miles relatively gentle compared with some of our hillier Yorkshire routes.
This is a walk where the landscape itself tells much of the story. Spalding Moor was once considerably wetter and marshier than it is today, with centuries of drainage and agriculture helping create the open farmland we see now.
Holme-on-Spalding-Moor adds another layer of history, with its distinctive hilltop church, agricultural past and unusual connection with the hemp industry.
Spalding Moor Circular Walk at a Glance
Distance: 5.26 miles
Route type: Circular
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Spalding Moor / Holme-on-Spalding-Moor
County: East Riding of Yorkshire
Nearby: Howden, Market Weighton, Bubwith and Pocklington
Terrain: Countryside paths, field paths, tracks and quiet rural lanes
Highlights: Open East Yorkshire countryside, historic Spalding Moor, farmland, drainage landscape and Holme-on-Spalding-Moor
Walked and photographed by: Michael and Lyn Palmer, The White Shire
About the Spalding Moor Circular Walk
At 5.26 miles, this is a good length for an enjoyable few hours exploring the East Yorkshire countryside.
Lyn and I found the Spalding Moor Circular Walk nice and easy.
One of the biggest differences between this and many of our West or North Yorkshire walks is the landscape.
There aren't any major hills to tackle.
Instead, Spalding Moor gives you open skies, farmland, long views and the relatively flat countryside that characterises this part of the East Riding.
For us, that's part of the enjoyment of exploring Yorkshire.
Every part of the county feels different.
One week we can be climbing through the Pennines and another we're walking across open East Yorkshire farmland.
Spalding Moor: A Brief History
Spalding Moor is an area of low-lying land in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Historically, much of this landscape was considerably wetter than it appears today.
Marshes, poorly drained land and waterways influenced where people could live, travel and farm.
Over generations, drainage gradually transformed much of the moor.
Ditches, drains and other water-management systems helped turn wetter ground into productive agricultural land.
The landscape Lyn and I walked through is therefore not entirely natural.
It's the result of centuries of people working with – and attempting to control – water.
If you enjoy discovering the history behind the places Lyn and I explore, discover East Yorkshire attractions and historic places to visit.
A Landscape Shaped by Water
Water is one of the most important parts of the story of Spalding Moor.
Low-lying land naturally collected water and was historically difficult to cultivate.
Drainage changed that.
Ditches and channels allowed water to be moved away from agricultural land, opening up larger areas for farming.
It's easy when walking across today's fields to assume the countryside has always looked like this.
It hasn't.
What appears to be a simple agricultural landscape is actually the result of generations of land management.
Farming on Spalding Moor
Once drainage improved the land, agriculture became increasingly important.
The flat countryside lent itself particularly well to farming.
Fields gradually replaced much of the wetter landscape, while tracks and lanes connected farms with neighbouring villages.
Agriculture remains one of the defining characteristics of Spalding Moor today.
For Lyn and me, that gives this walk a very different feel from our woodland, coastal or Pennine routes.
You're walking through a working landscape.
The fields aren't simply scenery.
They're part of a long agricultural story.
Holme-on-Spalding-Moor
Holme-on-Spalding-Moor is the main settlement associated with the area.
The village sits within the East Riding of Yorkshire between York and Hull.
Its unusual name tells us something about the landscape.
"Holme" is generally associated with a piece of raised or dry ground surrounded by wetter land.
That makes perfect sense here.
When much of Spalding Moor was marshier, the higher ground around the village would have stood out from its surroundings.
Why is it Called Holme-on-Spalding-Moor?
The name reflects the geography of the area.
The village developed around higher ground rising from the surrounding moor.
Before extensive drainage, this would have been particularly important.
Settling on slightly raised ground provided obvious advantages in a landscape where flooding and waterlogged soils were a constant consideration.
It's another good example of how Yorkshire place names often preserve clues to landscapes that have since changed considerably.
All Saints' Church
One of the most distinctive landmarks at Holme-on-Spalding-Moor is All Saints' Church.
The church stands prominently on the hill above the surrounding lowlands.
A church at Holme is mentioned in the Domesday survey of 1086, although the present building developed later.
Much of the surviving church is medieval, with later alterations and restoration.
Its elevated position makes it particularly noticeable.
In such a flat landscape, even relatively modest high ground can dominate the surrounding countryside.
For centuries, the church tower would have been a useful landmark visible across Spalding Moor.
The Hill Above the Moor
The hill beneath All Saints' Church is one of the most interesting features of the area.
It rises noticeably above the otherwise flat surrounding landscape.
The contrast helps explain why settlement developed here.
Higher, drier ground offered a natural place for people to live in an area historically associated with marsh and wetland.
Walking through Holme-on-Spalding-Moor today, it's easy to overlook just how significant that small difference in elevation would once have been.
Hemp-Holme
Holme-on-Spalding-Moor also has a particularly interesting piece of social history.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, growing and dressing hemp became an important local occupation.
So important, in fact, that the village was sometimes referred to as "Hemp-Holme".
Hemp had numerous practical uses.
Its strong fibres could be turned into rope, cordage and other products.
In an age when sailing ships depended heavily on ropes and rigging, hemp was an extremely valuable crop.
It's an unexpected connection when you're walking through what today appears to be a quiet East Yorkshire village.
The Hasholme Logboat
The wider Holme-on-Spalding-Moor area has evidence of human activity stretching back far beyond the medieval village.
In 1984, an extraordinary Iron Age logboat was discovered at Hasholme in the south-east of the parish.
The boat had been carved from a single enormous tree trunk.
It dates from several centuries before the Roman conquest of Britain.
Its discovery provides remarkable evidence that people were travelling through and using the waterways of this landscape more than two thousand years ago.
That makes the relationship between people and water around Spalding Moor much older than the drainage channels and agricultural fields we see today.
From Wetland to Farmland
One of the things I find particularly interesting about Spalding Moor is how completely a landscape can change.
Thousands of years ago, waterways were important enough for people to travel through the area in logboats.
Centuries later, communities worked to drain the land.
Eventually, much of the former wet landscape became productive farmland.
And now Lyn and I can walk through it on a relatively easy 5.26-mile route.
The landscape has changed enormously, but its history is still there if you know what you're looking at.
Walking Across Spalding Moor
The flat terrain gives this walk a relaxed feel.
Rather than concentrating on climbs and descents, you can settle into a comfortable pace and enjoy the open countryside.
Long views are a characteristic feature.
Fields stretch towards the horizon and the big East Yorkshire sky becomes an important part of the landscape.
On a clear day, that sense of openness can be lovely.
It's completely different from walking through a steep valley or dense woodland.
Quiet Lanes and Field Paths
Our route combines the countryside around Spalding Moor with rural lanes, tracks and field paths.
We found it an easy landscape to enjoy.
As always, though, countryside conditions can change.
A field path that's perfectly straightforward after a dry spell can become considerably muddier following prolonged rain.
And because this is agricultural countryside, conditions can also vary depending on what's happening in the surrounding fields.
That's why we'd always recommend sensible walking footwear.
Wildlife Around Spalding Moor
The combination of farmland, drainage channels, hedgerows and wetter areas provides habitats for a variety of wildlife.
Birdlife can be particularly noticeable across the open countryside.
The flat landscape and open skies make it relatively easy to spot birds moving across the fields.
Hedgerows and drainage ditches also provide important wildlife corridors.
Lyn and I aren't expert birdwatchers, but we always enjoy seeing what turns up while we're walking.
It's another reason not to rush.
Is the Spalding Moor Circular Walk Difficult?
No.
Lyn and I found the Spalding Moor Circular Walk to be an easy walk.
The route measures 5.26 miles, so you need to be comfortable walking that distance.
However, the predominantly flat landscape means there aren't the significant climbs you'll find on many other Yorkshire walks.
That makes it feel relatively gentle.
The main consideration is conditions underfoot.
Field paths can become muddy following wet weather, so we'd recommend appropriate footwear.
Overall, we'd definitely class this amongst our easier White Shire walks.
How Long is the Spalding Moor Circular Walk?
Our GPS-recorded Spalding Moor Circular Walk is approximately 5.26 miles.
How long you'll need depends on your own walking pace and how often you stop.
Lyn and I don't particularly rush our walks.
We stop to take photographs, look at the landscape and see what we can discover along the way.
Because the route is relatively flat, you can generally settle into a comfortable walking pace.
Where is Spalding Moor?
Spalding Moor is situated in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
The area lies around Holme-on-Spalding-Moor and between the wider Howden, Market Weighton and Pocklington areas.
York lies to the west while Hull is further east.
Its location makes this a useful walk if you're looking for easy countryside walks in East Yorkshire without travelling all the way to the coast.
Is Spalding Moor Good for Walking?
We think so, particularly if you enjoy quiet countryside.
This isn't a walk dominated by huge tourist attractions or dramatic mountains.
Its appeal is more subtle.
You have open farmland, rural lanes, huge skies and a landscape with a fascinating history of marshland, drainage and agriculture.
For us, that's enough.
The White Shire isn't only about Yorkshire's famous walking destinations.
We enjoy discovering the quieter landscapes too.
Is Holme-on-Spalding-Moor Worth Visiting?
We think it's worth exploring if you're in this part of East Yorkshire.
The village has an interesting history, while All Saints' Church provides a striking landmark above the surrounding countryside.
The connection with hemp production and the discovery of the Hasholme Logboat add stories you probably wouldn't expect to find in a relatively quiet rural community.
Combine those with our 5.26-mile walk and you've got an enjoyable few hours exploring.
What Else Can You Explore Nearby?
This part of the East Riding gives you plenty of options.
Howden is worth exploring for its historic centre and impressive Minster, while Market Weighton provides another base for discovering the Yorkshire Wolds.
Pocklington and Beverley are also within the wider East Yorkshire area.
Alternatively, you could simply continue exploring some of the smaller villages and countryside surrounding Spalding Moor.
For more ideas, see what's on in East Yorkshire.
When is the Best Time to Walk Around Spalding Moor?
We'd consider this route throughout much of the year.
Spring and summer bring greener fields, hedgerows and longer daylight hours.
Autumn changes the agricultural landscape again.
Winter walking is possible too, although wet weather is more likely to affect field paths.
Because the countryside is so open, wind can also make a difference.
We'd check the weather before setting off and choose clothing and footwear appropriate for the conditions.
Explore More of East Yorkshire
If you've enjoyed discovering Spalding Moor, there are plenty more places to explore with us around East Yorkshire.
Discover more East Yorkshire circular walks and find another route personally walked, photographed and GPS recorded by Michael and Lyn.
Or explore our complete collection of Yorkshire walks, covering routes across East, North, West and South Yorkshire.
Looking for somewhere else to explore? Discover East Yorkshire attractions and interesting places to visit.
You can also see what's on in East Yorkshire for events, shows, festivals and ideas for another day out.
About Michael and Lyn
Michael and Lyn Palmer explore Yorkshire together on foot, personally walking, photographing and GPS recording the routes featured on The White Shire.
Our walking guides combine first-hand experience with practical route information, local history and the character of the towns, villages and countryside we discover along the way.
We're not professional hikers – we simply enjoy getting out together, finding somewhere interesting to walk and discovering more of Yorkshire as we go.
Spalding Moor is a good example – a nice, easy 5.26-mile walk through a very different side of the Yorkshire landscape, with open countryside, agricultural history and plenty of big East Yorkshire skies.
Spalding Moor Circular Walk
View our GPS-recorded 5.26-mile Spalding Moor Circular Walk below and use it to help plan your own walk through this part of the East Riding of Yorkshire.
At 5.26 miles and with an easy difficulty rating based on our own experience, it's a lovely option if you're looking for a relatively gentle countryside walk.
Take your time and enjoy the open landscape.
It might look like simple farmland at first, but once you know about the old marshes, drainage, Hemp-Holme and the Iron Age logboat, you realise there's considerably more history beneath your feet than you might expect.
Spalding-Moor Circular Walk
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