Yorkshire Wolds Way: Thixendale to Wintringham

This stage brings you to the northern edge of the Wolds, and even drops off the chalk upland entirely to cross a broad valley to Wintringham – bringing the novelty of seeing flowing streams – before climbing again and making a decisive turn to the east to aim purposefully towards the North Sea and the finish in Filey.

For much of the stage, the Wolds Way coincides with the Centenary Way. This 80-mile (129km) walk from York to Filey Brigg was opened in 1989 to celebrate the centenary of the founding of Yorkshire County Council. As well as Yorkshire Wolds Way signs there are Centenary Way signs and yellow waymarkers with CW. In a few places the Centenary Way route to Filey Brigg varies from the Yorkshire Wolds Way route.

Close to Wharram Percy is Burdale Tunnel, where the Malton–Driffield railway cut through the Wolds. The 200 navvies who built the tunnel lived a hard and rough life in temporary lodgings, much of their wages being spent on beer. In 1849, to improve their spiritual life, it was decided to employ a missionary for six months, at a cost of £39 6s 8d.

Walk past the village shop then take a broad track rising to the right at the end of the village. Cross over Cow Wold and descend into a valley with an earthwork along the bottom. Climb out along a side valley with traces of another earthwork. Cross fields then turn right, passing North Plantation. At this point the Wolds Way coincides with the Centenary Way.

Soon the path swings left, following the rim of the valley, then descends to Wharram Percy. Follow a track to cross a disused railway line.

The Yorkshire Wolds Way climbs out of the valley and turns left at the car park. It passes Bella Farm and then continues along a track to Wharram le Street. Turn right on the road then left at the crossroads.

Where the road bends left leave it along a bridleway to meet the North Grimston to Duggleby road (B1253). There is a superb view from here as the Wolds drop away towards Malton, the Derwent valley and the Vale of Pickering.

Cross straight over the road along a track then then left along field edges and descend right to a footbridge then up to a track. Follow this through Wood House Farm then continue through woodland and out to a road. This is Settrington High Street, probably a prehistoric ridge route. Near by is the site of Settrington Beacon, which was established to warn local people of the threat of the Napoleonic invasion.

Slightly to the right, the Way continues on a path through the trees to turn right, and then left, to descend off the northern edge of the Wolds. The route continues straight along a track for a mile (1.6km) before turning right over the fields to cross a footbridge and enter Wintringham. Turn left at the road then sharp right along a short track. Continue over the fields towards Wintringham Church.