This walk through the countryside around Helmsley involves no steep climbs and follows fields and riverside paths. The gentle ramble can be combined with a visit to Helmsley Castle located near the start/end of the walk. The town of Helmsley has many cafes and places to eat as well as attractions like a Bird of Prey center and Walled Gardens to explore. Driving directions are provided from Middlesbrough to the long stay car park where the walk begins, passing through scenic Sutton Bank. The walk description provides a detailed route alongside rivers and through fields returning to Helmsley.

1. Helmsley –
Easy Walk

2. A gentle ramble through the countryside
around the town of Helmsley. A walk with
no climbing which is through fields and on
paths near the river. However the walk
could be incorporated with a visit to
Helmsley Castle which is a great detour
after or before the walk. There are also
many brilliant places to eat in Helmsley
itself. Helmsley also has a Bird of Prey
centre and Walled Gardens to visit as well.

3. Getting There
Travelling from Middlesbrough, follow the
A19 south to Thirsk. Follow the road from
Thrisk which is the A170 up Sutton Bank.
Follow the A170 signposted to Scarborough
which will eventually pass through
Helmsley. Park at the long stay car park
which is a left turning and well signposted.

4. Map of the Helmsley Walk

5. The Walk
Exit the car park from the
end furthest from the
entrance, which will pass
the entrance to Helmsley
Castle. You can go and visit
the castle either at the
beginning or the end of the
walk- its a must see though
if you haven't been before.

6. Pass the entrance to
the castle and follow a
walled path. Turn left
and looking behind you
there's a great view of
the castle.

7. Follow the short path noting
some good places to eat on
your right, in fact Helmsley has
a number of cafes so there's
plenty to choose from. At a T
junction turn right onto a road
with a stream flowing down on
its left side. Follow this road
round to a main road.

8. Cross the road
which can be busy,
carefully. Turn right
and then left into
Rygate.

9. Look for a right turning
into Sawmill Lane at an
Ebor Way footpath sign.

10. Walk through an
industrial estate
then turn right at
an Ebor Way
sign.

11. Walk beside the timber
yard and into a field.
Follow the path and then
cross to the right onto
another path which is
beside the river. Follow the
path which will cross a few
small footbridges.

12. Follow the path over
a stile and pass a
water treatment
works. Keep following
the path until you
come to a gate where
the line of trees thins
out.

13. You will see ahead of you
the river bends. Look to the
left for a place to follow the
rivers bend. Keep following
the river until you come to
a narrow gap near a
power-line pole

14. Bear left to a small
gate and go through
more gates to pass
underneath an old
railway bridge.

15. Turn immediately left and
follow the path which now
passes through fields.

16. Keep following the path
through another gate and you
will eventually be opposite the
water treatment works. Instead
of going through the gate turn
right and eventually you will
come to another gate. Go
through the gate and through
another gate onto a path.
Follow this round to the
junction you came to before
the timber yard. Follow the
path back into Helmsley.

17. You are now spoiled for choice to either
visit the castle, bird of prey centre or the
walled gardens, or for refreshments and
food in the many cafes and pub in the town.