Ebor Way Day 1 - Helmsley to Sheriff Hutton

Two car trip for us today - One left at Sheriff Hutton on the morning (our end point today) and the other at the start - Helmsley.

The first acorn sign (and an impressive one) of the Cleveland Way. But we're not headed down there this time.

We felt duty bound to wander over here as the Ebor Way end point would be at the beginning of the Dales Way in Ilkley. So we can then justifiably say we have joined the two together.

Well - that's providing we get there.

Helmsley market square

Joy abound as we spot our first Ebor Way signpost.

Something comforting about knowing you are going the right way.

A little bit industrial at the beginning as we leave Helmsley, but soon the countryside opens up as we follow the extremely winding River Rye.

Three quarters of an hour from our starting point we reached this fishery. An uncomfortable moment for me as we stood chatting and looking at the fish splashing away, I somehow managed to swallow something with wings ! Yuk - it went straight down. Felt like it was still there an hour or two later.

As always I managed to veer off the path we were supposed to be walking.

It's when you walk and chat, you are vulnerable to a navigational mistake. But this time I frequently checked my GPS and we were right on the path. So 100 yards of crop squashing until I realised that it wasn't the Ebor Way path at all, it was another right of way - obviously an underused one.

There's an extra mile to add to todays walk and we're only an hour in.

Leaving the busy B1257 at Birch Farm (following 500 metres of roadside walking) and turning right down the concrete track.

Arriving at the peaceful hamlet of Cawton.

Probably the highlight of todays walk - the pretty village of Hovingham.

But the best thing about this place is the bakery - Wow, What an amazing selection of fresh baked food. I had a packed lunch, but went home with most as I couldn't resist the rhubarb and strawberry slice or the freshly baked scones. Dav's huge wholemeal bun was impressive too. There were loads of things with a Swedish twist due to the owners influence. Could have stayed sitting in the picnic area for the rest of the day - but we're only half way, so onwards and upwards.

Nice little place Hovingham - Can see me bringing Mrs R here in the summer, maybe we could do a walk in the area - now that's a thought.

Time for another navigational mishap - this time following a more worn path in South Wood and missing a right turn - add another 1/4 mile onto the day please. If only we didn't rabbit on so much.

Looking back as we leave South Wood and then head briefly over open ground before skirting around Wath Wood.

Howthorpe Farm - with lots of mud everywhere and these big chaps.

Fortunately there is a 'reasonable' path around the pig pens although I'm looking forward to washing my boots in the next stream we cross.

Terrington can now be seen in the distance.

A brief wander through Terrington and the 12th century Church of All Saints

After Terrington it was downhill for quite a way on a solid track - A change from the mud over the last few miles.

Really !!

We have to go through that - splodge, splodge - Maybe February isn't the best month to start the Ebor Way.

Now there is a sign on there indicating it's some sort of accessible route - but only an idiot would attempt to cross there ! (It's all the impassable thorn bushes on the other side that makes you realise it's not the real path)

Now there's our luxury mode of river crossing.

One last muddy field as we look back at the outskirts of Sheriff Hutton.

Sheriff Hutton and it's castle.

I wonder what the castle would have looked like in the 12th Century ? - If only these magnificent structures had survived to today

Sheriff Hutton centre and the Highwayman - We parked just along the road from here in the village hall car park - time to get the muddy boots off and head for home.

A pretty damp and overcast walk in Yorkshire with many a muddy path to negotiate - lets see what the rest of the Ebor Way has to offer as we head to York next time out.