Sunday 1st May 2022 – Helmsley – North York Moors
Today’s circular walk started in Helmsley, heading westwards along the Cleveland Way national trail and into the North York Moors national park. A grey sky had prompted some to wear full waterproofs, but fortunately we had no rain and all the footpaths remained dry. Dave W’s route took us over pastures with new born lambs, passing farmsteads with recently arrived migrant swallows and through hanging woodlands carpeted with springtime flowering bluebells, anemones and wild garlic. Former Cistercian monastery, Rievaulx Abbey, active from 1132 to 1538, provided a magnificent backdrop for our lunch stop. A red kite flew majestically overhead.
The walk, which was in Ryedale, then followed the River Rye itself and a grey wagtail was found by Steve D, one of our recent new walkers. Duncombe House and estate parkland with its veteran English oak trees was preparing for a country fair the next day so large marquees were already in place when we walked through. Continuing, we could see Helmsley Castle in the distance and on arrival back in this quaint market town, we were allowed an hour’s free time to visit its pubs, cafes and ice cream shops. The coach headed home, via Pickering, and was back in Doncaster at 6pm.
- Start and finish point – SE610 838. A circular walk.
- Walk leader – Dave Wildsmith..
- Number of walkers – 32 (and 5 non-walkers).
- Distance – 8 miles / 12.5 kilometres.
- Terrain – Gently undulating farmed and wooded countryside with a couple of steeper climbs out of the river valley.
- Highest point – Under 650 feet / 200m.
- Weather – There had been light rain in Doncaster but by the time we reached our destination the skies only remained overcast and it continued to brighten up during the afternoon. Temperatures stayed at around 10 degrees C all day.
Club news – New walker, Wendy, was welcomed with the usual greeting from those on the coach, as was Joan, returning to the Club after a long absence.
Credits – Dave Wildsmith was thanked for leading the walk in a lovely part of North Yorkshire. Photography attribution goes to Vivienne Dales, Dave Wildsmith and David Torrington. The latter is also thanked for today’s backmarker responsibilities. An appreciation goes to Mark Torrington who administers Doncaster Weekend Wanderers’ website behind the scenes and uploads our blog each month.
Author’s memo – Must remember the next walk is on 12th June, a week later than usual due to the Queen’s Jubilee. A good turnout is expected for the June walk to Bamford Edge and I recommend that you express an interest with club organiser, Jean Torrington, if not done so already.
