If you have over indulged over the Christmas period you are probably craving fresh air and the kids are likely to have excess energy to burn off! It’s time to wrap up and get out of the house!
We’ve compiled a list of Boxing Day and New Year walks in and around Ryedale – all child friendly – and great for seeing our local countryside at it’s best.
If your little one loves The Highway Rat, this is your last chance to do the trail. It is leaving Dalby in early January to make way for Zog.
The Adderstone Rigg trail (1.5 miles)
Head into Dalby Forest and explore the naturally sculpted adder stone with your senses on this gentle walk. The trail follows forest paths and roads through a variety of woodland allowing you the opportunity to ease your stress. You will be met with stunning views over the forest.
Don’t forget Adderstone Field for easy access to the Gruffalo Orienteering trail and the Enchanted Wood.
Crosscliff View trail – a short (0.75miles, easy walk with a view
An easy access trail on a flat, even surface with extensive views of Blakey Topping from the viewpoint.
Ellerburn trail (1.7miles) – an easy walk in the woods alongside a river
Starting at the Dalby Courtyard near the Visitor Centre, the Ellerburn Trail is a multi-user pathway for disabled cyclists, walkers, and wheelchair users as well as being a safe and accessible route for children learning to ride a bike and parents with pushchairs. The trail runs alongside Ellerburn Beck.
A short detour (total 2.8 miles) takes you to Ellerburn Pond and Bird Hide past the entrance to the bat hibernaculum (an artificial cave where bats can spend the winter).
Guide to other walks in Dalby Forest here.
Winter Welly Walks on 26th December and 1st January 10am – 3pm. Make the most of the festive season and enjoy a walk in the fresh air and glorious surroundings of the arboretum. Return to the visitor centre for hot and cold drinks, home-made treats and plenty of festive cheer! £7 adults, £4 for 11-16yr olds, £2 for 5-10yr olds, under 5s go free.
Cod Beck Reservoir
Walk through stunning pine woodland around the reservoir, which would only be 1.5 miles max, a path the whole way round so pushchair friendly. Excellent for kids, dogs and anyone wanting a lovely walk! 2 small free car parks.
Forest Holidays Cropton & Keldy
Great place to bike. The two sites are connected. At either site there is free parking and a play ground as well as a lovely café. Well behaved dogs are welcome too!
Forest Holidays, Keldy Cabins, Cawthorne YO18 8HW
Forest Holidays Cropton, Cropton, Nr Pickering. YO18 8ES
Visit between 27th – 31st December for your last chance to see this years amazing decorations ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’. Review here.
You can even catch one of the Twixmas magic shows. Details here.
Enjoy a crisp winter walk in the beautiful Castle Howard grounds which will remain open throughout the winter period, excluding Christmas Day.
For more information about opening times please click here.
*The House will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
The beach is fantastic place to go to blow the cobwebs away – suggestions here.
There is also page on the website listing more walks in and around Ryedale here
If you have a favourite walk, please do share it (email me here) and I will ensure it is on the website.