Circular walk around Ampleforth
This village in Ryedale is a delightful place for a walk being situated on the edge of the North York Moors and near the Howardian Hills. Highlights include the nearby Yearsley Woods and the beautiful grounds of Ampleforth Abbey.
This circular walk explores the countryside and woodland to the south of the village. visiting Ampleforth Abbey, Gilling East and Yearsley Woods. The route runs for a distance of just over 6 miles with some small climbs on the way.
The walk starts in the village and heads south through the countryside to Yearsley Woods. Here you'll find miles of woodland trails, several ponds and lots of woodland birds.
After rounding the large pond the trail heads east towards Gilling.
From Gilling you head north west to Ampleforth Abbey and College. Founded in 1802, Ampleforth Abbey is home to a community of more than 55 monks. Visitors are welcome to explore the expansive grounds which include a Tea Room, Abbey Shop, Visitor and Sports Centre. It's a lovely place for a stroll with good footapths, wide lawns and fine views of the valley.
From the abbey the route then heads west to take you back into Ampleforth.
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Ampleforth Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Ampleforth Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Ampleforth OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Ampleforth Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The White Swan in the village has been named Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub. They do excellent food in the bar area and the recently refurbished dining room. You can find the pub at postcode YO62 4DA.
There's also the White Horse Inn which dates all the way back to 1768. Inside there's charming cosy bar rooms with log fires, oak beamed ceilings, flagstone floors and candlelit tables. The pub is also dog friendly and may provide treats for your four legged friend. You can find the inn at postcode YO62 4DX for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Foss Walk and the Cleveland Way both run through the area. You could pick up these waymarked trails to continue your walking.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
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Immaculate cricket pitch, Ampleforth. Lovely view across the pitch to the village behind.
Ampleforth Abbey and College. It is said that the College Buildings were one of the locations which help inspire the "Harry Potter" stories.
Entry into Ampleforth. The road into Ampleforth from Oswaldkirk.
St Hilda's Church, Ampleforth. The church is dedicated to Saint Hilda (613-680), the great-niece of King Edwin of Northumbria. Ampleforth was mentioned - as Ambreford - with its church in the Domesday Book.
Footbridge at West end of Ampleforth with pretty stone cottages. This small stream passes under the road by a culvert, but in wet spells it can cross as a ford too.
Yearsley Woods. Looking through the woods towards Ampleforth, Howardian Hills
Lake in the woods. Higer Fish Ponds, Yearsley Woods
Station House, Gilling East A railway once ran through here. The station house is all that remains.