Yorkshire Wolds Way: South Cave to Goodmanham

Now well clear of Hull, and of busy main roads, this stage brings more typical Wolds walking, with clear paths and tracks, extensive views, and – more often than not – a seductive air of solitude. It also brings, before the half-way mark, the first real encounter with a classic Wolds dry valley, Swin Dale. The perfect walking on its firm dry turf is a taste of things to come.

South Cave stands on the line of the Roman road from York to Lincoln. All Saints’ Church at South Cave was restored in the 17th century after a fire.

The disused railway in Weedley Dale was part of a line between Hull and Barnsley, built to break the monopoly of the North-East Railway Company in carrying coal to Hull for shipment from the docks. The construction of the line, which was opened on 20 July 1885, required 4,900 workers. The biggest project was the 1.25-mile (2km) Drewton Tunnel, driven through the chalk from the end of this cutting to Little Weighton. The last train ran on the line in 1959.

The Arras area is noted for its 5th-century cemetery, which has yielded information on what has become known as the Arras culture. There are estimated to be up to 200 small barrows surrounded by small ditches in the area. The burials can be compared with similar ones in northern France, indicating that there was probably an influx of people from that area at this time.

From South Cave, walk up the road and turn left along the signposted Yorkshire Wolds Way path. This path climbs to a track. Turn right along the edge of Little Wold Plantation, owned and managed by the Woodland Trust. There are glimpses of views to the south and east.

At the top, turn right along the track until the Yorkshire Wolds Way turns left into Comber Dale. After 500yds (455m) turn right then drop down to cross the disused railway track in Weedley Dale.

The Yorkshire Wolds Way turns right, running parallel to the old railway line, then left into the mixed woodland of West Hill Plantation. Bear left up East Dale and, on emerging from the wood, continue to the B1230 North Cave–Beverley road. Turn right and, after 200yds (183m), take a path on the left to a minor road.

Turn right, pass over a crossroads and and in another 100 yds (92m) turn left. The route descends and turns left into Swin Dale, leading to a road 0.75 miles (1.25km) east of North Newbald.

The Yorkshire Wolds Way turns right along the road and left just beyond a farm, up a broad track that rises to another road. Turn right for 200yds (183km), then turn left up another wide track, passing a number of wind turbines. The broad track leads eventually to a road, continues ahead past Hessleskew and across the busy A1079, then bears left along a track to Arras Farm.

The path crosses fields to reach a road junction. Go ahead, crossing a disused railway track (bridleway) which offers an easy route into Market Weighton, where there are inns and other services. The Yorkshire Wolds Way continues along the road, shortly passing Rifle Butts Quarry. Climb then descend into Goodmanham.