Bishopthorpe (York area) - 5.5 miles

An easy, flat good-length short walk which takes a pleasant and interesting route around an area just to the south of York, very close to the A64. The route is predominantly made up of surfaced paths/cycle routes and riverside trails.

START POINT: We start from Bishopthorpe Main Street crossroads outside the library. From the A64, pick up the A1036 Tadcaster Road and turn right down Sim Balk Lane at the side of York College (on the opposite side of the junction is Askham Bar park&ride/Tesco Extra store). Go to the end of this road and the library is on the opposite side. There is roadside parking available. Postcode is YO23 2RA.

From the library, we head towards the Trans-Pennine trail, which doubles up as the northern end of the Solar System Greenway! This pleasant surfaced trail takes us under the A64 and we emerge onto the Tadcaster Road which we cross over to pick up the TPT again, walking through York’s historic Knavesmire with a view of the listed building that is the former Terry’s Chocolate Factory.

We’ll take a short break at the top end of the racecourse before crossing Bishopthorpe Road and heading down to the river Ouse, which we follow back to Bishopthorpe village, passing by the impressive Bishopthorpe Palace, the residence of the Archbishop of York.

The walk will be led at a steady pace: not too fast, not too slow. Please be ready to start walking at the advertised time.

Walk fee: £2. No dogs please. Bring snacks/drink with you for a short morning break.

After-walk refreshment at The Marcia Inn, a few yards from our start point outside the library.

I have no formal walk leader or first-aid qualifications and the Group does not have insurance. When you RSVP for any walk, you accept that you remain responsible for your own safety at all times. You are required to respect the walk leader and be mindful of the safety of others. Please keep to the pace of the group and don’t go off ahead even if you think you know the route.