The Abbey Trail

Location: Yorkshire

OS Maps: Explorer 288; 297; 298; 299; 302; OL26; OL27

The beautiful Yorkshire countryside, with its gently sloping hills, valleys and amazing scenic views, is home to some of England's greatest abbeys. The Abbey Trail links seven of these historic buildings at Kirkstall, Fountains, Byland, Rievaulx, Lastingham, Rosedale and Whitby into a great long distance path with an ecclesiastical and historical theme. The Abbey Trail is 116 miles long and can be completed in just over a week as a long distance walk, but for walkers with limited time it can be conveniently divided into one day sections. The guide by Clive Newsome divides the route into eight sections, which are: Kirkstall Abbey to Otley; Otley to Pateley Bridge; Pateley Bridge to Ripon; Ripon to Thirsk; Thirsk to Helmsley; Helmsley to Rosedale Abbey; Rosedale Abbey to Grosmont; Grosmont to Whitby. Clive Newsome provides fascinating background information on the countryside and places of historic interest along the route. These include: Otley, the birthplace of Thomas Chippendale; Pateley Bridge, a market town with fine old buildings; Ripon, with its famed cathedral that includes the work of Kilburn's 'Mousey' Thompson; and the destination town of Whitby with its historic harbour and old town.

Guide Book: [Click for further information or to purchase]

The Abbey Trail by Clive Newsome. This guide describes the route in eight sections, with clear directions and sketch maps. There is a wealth of background information about the towns and villages along the way, as well as the abbeys visited and other places of historic interest. There is some practical information including some public transport details. Accommodation suggestions are not included, with the exception of campsites. In addition to the main route five circular day walks are included. The locations of these are:The Washburn Valley and Dob Park; Pateley Bridge, Brimham Rocks and Nidderdale; Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Deer Park; Byland Abbey and Kilburn; Rodedale Abbey, Rosedale and old mine workings.