Nunnington Circular Route

The route begins at the kissing gate south of Nunnington Village Hall (54.205085, -0.975122). There is no dedicated trail car park identified for this walk, and the parking at Nunnington Hall is not the official start for it, so plan your arrival accordingly and park considerately in the village.

The payoff is the bank-top stretch, with broad views north over the North York Moors and south across the Howardian Hills and toward the Yorkshire Wolds.

• East across pasture dotted with old sycamores to the old Nunnington Mill.
• Through the farmyard, then along the top of the River Rye bank.
• A short road section through West Ness.
• Straight up Caulkleys Lane, then around onto Caulkleys Bank.
• Cross the road, descend toward Nunnington, skirt the church and houses, and return to the start.

Easy overall, but not surfaced and not step-free. Expect pasture paths, a riverside footpath, a farmyard, a bridleway climb and gates, with a steady pull up Caulkleys Lane. Uneven ground, farm access and wet or muddy conditions can all make the going less easy underfoot than the easy grading suggests, so wear footwear that copes with soft field surfaces.

The official description highlights river and tree birdlife, with otters seen frequently along the Nunnington stretch of the river, plus barn owls and little owls over the farmland verges and field margins. Early evening may reward owl sightings. The character shifts pleasingly from enclosed pasture and riverbank to open ridge, which keeps the interest up on a short loop.

Dogs are welcome on this public rights of way route, but livestock is often present in the farm fields. Keep dogs under control, on public rights of way, and on a short lead near farm animals.

• A short section follows the road through West Ness, with no dedicated pedestrian path indicated, so walk with care and watch for traffic.
• Gates and a working farmyard mean you should close gates behind you and pass through quietly.
• Field sections can be muddy after rain, and the bank top is open to the wind.

The National Trust's 4.5-mile Nunnington Hall up Bank and round Rye walk is a separate, longer alternative in the same area, with a long gentle climb, stiles and uneven ground, and Hall access on opening days and hours. It is a different walk, not part of this route.