Start: 10am prompt
Meet on the corner of Castle Street & Manor Garth in front of Spofforth Castle. (see the What3words link below)
Parking: There is free street parking in the area near the Castle, though there is no specific car park. I understand that you can park in the small Village Hall parking area. Please allow a little extra time to find a parking place.
Length: 8.5 miles (approx)
Toilets: None
Cafe: The plan is to stop at Red Hill Farm as we return to Spofforth. (Approx 1/2 mile from the end) There is an outdoor van selling teas & coffees, cakes & scones, cold drinks & ice creams and a secluded garden in which to consume them.
Starting from Spofforth, we will head west to Kirby Overblow before returning through Sicklinghall and passing by the side of Stockel Park.
The walk is on farm tracks, public bridleways and quiet roads. There are no steep climbs. The only issue is a 1 mile stretch of one of the bridleways which is a little overgrown in places. It is quite passable, but the odd nettle, bramble & holly bush are encroaching onto the path and eager to interact with any bare flesh. (Shorts wearers beware!)
This is a pleasant walk through a mixture of woodland & farmland with the occasional view along the Wharf valley. Additional highlights were sights of a hare, a deer & red kite. There will be 1 scheduled stop for lunch after 5 miles, where a large fallen tree trunk should provide seating for all.
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