Walk Summary:
- Distance – 4.10 mi
- Elev Gain – 400 ft
- Time – Approx 1h 30m
The market town of Helmsley is lovely to visit anytime throughout the year. It is a great base to head off for an enjoyable afternoon walk, ramble or long multi day hike. There are quite a few options to choose from depending upon how far you would like to go. Take your dog with you, lots for them to explore too.
Helmsley is also the start point for the classic Cleveland Way. This is a long distance 109-mile (175 km) hiking trail that navigates the best of the North York Moors and spectacular Yorkshire coastline and iconic harbour towns and villages.
A relatively more simple walk more suitable for all levels of fitness is a parkland circular walk with easily accessible paths all around the delightful Duncombe Park Estate and Helmsley Castle.
Walking Duncombe Park Estate & the Parkland
Helmsley Castle – Duncombe Park Entrance
Starting out at Cleveland Way Car Park alongside Helmsley Castle turn right down Castlegate past the castle on your right and turn right into Duncombe Park. You will pick up the River Rye here to your left. Take the gentle walk up on the main estate road which will take you past the lovely old ruins of Helmsley Castle.
Head up through the estate parkland and the entrance to National Centre for Birds of Prey (definitely one to visit another time) will appear to the right. Just on from there the grand and stately mansion house of the Duncombe Estate comes into view. The spectacular gardens are well worth a visit too.
National Centre Birds of Prey – Entrance
Duncombe Park Estate
Ancient Woodlands
Keep left and head towards the woods the bear right before dropping down toward the river. This section gores through the ancient woodlands which are designated a National Nature Reserve for the rare insects and fungi which thrive on the dead and dying limbs of ancient trees.
Keeping on the main path through the woods it eventually intersects with the Cleveland Way. Take the right hand path turning back towards Helmsley. The other direction will head off towards the Rivieulx Terrace and the ruined Cistercian monastery in the valley below.
Fairy Steps – Duncombe Estate
Blackdale Howl Wood & The Fairy Steps
This path takes you down the Fairy Steps into the delightfully named Blackdale Howl Wood and back up the flight of cut steps again towards the open fields up above Helmsley Castle. The route will then drop back down towards Helmsley offering lovely views down to the castle, walled gardens, nursery and entrance to the castle.
Return to Helmsley
Helmsley Beck & Bridge
Now back in the town, the gurgling beck that runs through the village can be seen from a pretty little bridge too the left. Turn right past the impressive All Saints church then take the next left and head into the town’s market square. Here the Lord Feversham monument can be found standing proudly in the middle.
Helmsley – Thomas the Baker
Shops, Deli’s, Cafe’s & Tea Rooms
There are often many stalls to investigate on market days. To the right is Thomas the Baker, The Helmsley Butchers and further down Hunters of Helmsley offering delightful delicatessen and local produce. Plenty of local independent boutiques and curiosity shops which are well worth visiting too.
It is time for cuppa. There are numerous tea rooms and café’s galore to choose from or head down Borogate for a local brew at the Helmsley Brewing Co at the bottom of the hill.
A short walk will take you back to the car park and back to Overdale Cottage, our Helmsley Hideaway for a hearty and well deserved dinner.
Helmsley Market Square
Highlighted Waymark Points
Duncombe Park Walk from Helmsley
- Views across to Helmsley Castle – The castle, constructed in wood around 1120, was built by Walter l’Espec. It is positioned on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Rye.
- Duncombe Park & House – The estate boasts over 450 acres of spectacular gardens, parklands and nature reserve
- The wooded area is in the grounds of Duncombe Park Estate. This protected parkland is in the River Rye valley and is home to many ancient trees, which provide a home for rare invertebrates and fungi
- Intersection with the Cleveland Way – turn left here to follow the trail by the River Rye to Rivieulx Terrace & Abbey
- Fairy Steps down into the woods, can be muddy, though in Springtime lots of bluebells
- Lovely views down across the farm to Helmsley Castle below
- The Anglican parish ‘Church of All Saints’, a Grade II listed building
- The market square at Helmsley
Useful Notes:
- Park at the Cleveland Way Car Park next to Helmsley Castle
- There are many lovely cafes, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants to explore after a hearty walk
Useful Links
- Lovely Local Walks around Harome
- Great Days Out – Visit Helmsley Castle
- 12 Local Historic Sites to Visit Around Helmsley Hideaway
- Visit Helmsley – Lovely Old Yorkshire Moors Market Town
- 20 best Helmsley walks – Visorando
Helmsley – Beck running through
