Easingwold Walks - Circular Walk around Easingwold
This attractive market town is located in a fine location for walkers, sitting on the edge of the North York Moors National park and the Howardian Hills.
It also includes a number of 18th century houses around the picturesque Georgian Market Place. The name 'Easingwold' is derived from an Anglian word meaning - people of Esa.
This route from the town uses part of the Foss Walk to create a circular route through the area. On the way you'll visit the neighbouring village of Coxwold, Newburgh Priory, Oulston Reservoir and Crayke.
The walk starts in the town centre where you can pick up the long distance Foss Walk. Follow the waymarked trail north and it will take you through the countryside to Oulston and Newburgh Priory. The historic priory is one of the highlights of the area. It dates back to 1145 and includes grounds with a water garden, hand crafted topiary, a walled garden, woodland and a large lake. Just beyond the priory you will find the worthy village of Coxwold. The little village includes a notable old pub and the interesting Shandy Hall. The hall is where author Laurence Sterne wrote the well known novel 'The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy'. You can now explore the old hall and learn about Sterne in the associated museum. At Coxwold you also have the option of heading a short distance north east to visit Byland Abbey. It's another historic highlight of the area where you can explore the extensive ruins of the 12th century abbey buildings.
This route heads south back to Oulston and turns east to visit the pretty Oulston Reservoir. There's views of the River Foss around this tranquil lake. From here the Foss Walk heads south to visit Crayke which includes the noteworthy 15th century Crayke Castle. The last section then heads west along a country lane to return to Easingwold.
Easingwold Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Easingwold Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Easingwold OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Easingwold Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The town is well known for its excellent food and attracts many visitors because of it. As such there are a number of fine bakeries and tea rooms dotted around the town centre.
There's also several nice pubs including The Angel. They do good home cooked food and have an outdoor seating area for the summer months. You can find them at postcode YO61 3AA for your sat navs.
Just to the east of the town in Crayke the Durham Fox is well worthy of consideration. The historic pub dates back over 300 years and includes a charming olde worlde interior with flag stone floors, exposed beams, oak panelling and roaring fires in winter. You can find them on West Way with a postcode of YO61 4TE.
Dog Walking
The country and woodland trails on the route make for a fine dog walk. The two pubs mentioned above are also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Beningbrough Hall is another of the local highlights. The grounds of this Georgian mansion are a fine place for a stroll with views of the River Ouse and beautiful gardens to enjoy. On the opposite side of the river you can also see the village of Nun Monkton which sits at the confluence of the River Nidd and Ouse. The village has some interesting features including a village green, duck pond, pretty cottages, riverside trails and the impressive 17th century Nun Monkton Priory.
The hall is located just a few miles south of the town near the city of York. Here you can pick up the York Millennium Way and York River Walk to explore the area.
If you head north then you can visit another must see local attraction at Sutton Bank and the Kilburn White Horse. There's some stunning views and dramatic scenery to be found at this popular spot. The area also includes the pretty Gormire Lake which has a nice circular footpath around the perimeter. You can also explore the Hambleton Hills by picking up the trail from the Kilburn White Horse car park.
To the south east is the worthy village of Sheriff Hutton. The historic settlement includes a photogenic ruined castle, a Grade I listed 12th century church and a fine country pub to relax in after your exercise. This area also includes Sutton on the Forest where you can visit the 18th-century Georgian English country house of Sutton Park which includes some beautiful landscaped gardens.
For more walking ideas in the area see the North York Moors Walks and Howardian Hills Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
War Memorial. A market town since the time of King Charles I, Easingwold reached its prime in the 18th century when it served as a major stage coach post.
The New Inn. One of the pubs situated on Long Street, the main route through the town. Easingwold was once the first stop for coaches on the route north from York towards Yarm, Durham and Newcastle.
Village Green in Oulston, North Yorkshire
A view of Shandy Hall in the village of Coxwold. This old hall is the former home of novelist Laurence Sterne. He lived here from 1760 to 1768 as perpetual curate of Coxwold. He is remembered for his novels The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman and A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy. The Hall is now administered by the Laurence Sterne Trust, a registered charity and is open to the public as a museum.
Oulston Reservoir. Looking Southeast across the reservoir, the source of the river Foss.
Newburgh Priory. A stately home originally an Augustinian Priory from 1145. Later, the country seat for the Belassis family in the 16th and 17th century. A legend exists that claims Oliver Cromwell's head is entombed in a secret chamber within the walls. Belonged formerly to the Earls of Fauconberg and presently the home of the Wombwell family
The Green and Church Hill, Crayke. Crayke stands on the first significant hill to the north of York, marking the boundary between the Vale of York and the Howardian Hills. The village includes the Grade I listed Crayke Castle. The castle consists of a restored 15th-century four-storey tower house with attached outbuildings to the rear and a separate ruined 15th-century tower.
Mill Farm Crayke. The farmhouse on the right is dated 1893. In the background is Crayke Manor which looks like mock Jacobean, and is maybe a similar date to the farmhouse. Architecture books suggest that some parts of the building are genuine Jacobean.