Join us on a walk through Ampleforth Valley and the Howardian Hills. We follow estate roads through the grounds of Ampleforth Abbey heading towards Gilling East, passing the Anthony Gormley Stargazing sculpture. We continue across fields to the Gilling East Model Railway and then up to Gilling Castle where we’ll stop for a coffee break. We take the estate tracks to Ampleforth upper ponds then up through woods via Yearsley Moor and on to High Lions Lodge where we may see Alpacas. We will stop for lunch shortly after the lodge with views overlooking the valley. We return to Ampleforth via Low Lions Lodge and Ampleforth.
There are 3 styles on this walk.
Good paths, forest tracks, pastures, estate and farm roads and with some road walking.
Parking is in the Ampleforth Abbey grounds - follow the signs for Ampleforth Abbey Tea Room off the B1363, down the zig-zag road (passing the first Abbey Guest Parking on the zig-zags) and down passing the Monastery building to your left. Follow signs for the Visitor Car Park which is signposted once you are past the buildings.
Toilets available (open from 10:00).
Expect mud as we pass through working farms and there are some tracks across soft ground - gaiters recommended.
Post walk refreshments will be at Ampleforth Abbey Tearoom.
Booking essential at https://www.northallertonramblers.org.uk/walking/walks-programme.html