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Driffield and East Wolds Area Walks

The table below contains information on all walks centred in the driffield and east wolds area. Click on any walk's name or reference code to see more details on the walk, including photos and a route map.

 

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C7 - A Contrasting Riverside Walk, Top Hill Low
Summary
Walk Name
A Contrasting Riverside Walk, Top Hill Low
Ref
C7
Enjoy a slightly different walk as you follow tracks around the manmade reservoirs and drain of Watton's water works.
Details
Circular Walk
Yes
Grade
Easy
Walk Type
  • Easy Walks
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map
295
Car Parking Facility
Roadside parking on Wilfholme Road (see 'Additional Information' below)
Refreshments
None
Public Conveniences
Various sites in Beverley
Distance
Distance (Miles)
4
Distance (Kilometres)
6
  • Tophill Low Nature Reserve is managed by Yorkshire Water and is one of Yorkshire's best and award-winning nature reserves.  Each year more than 150 different bird species are recorded on the reserve's two reservoirs, marsh areas and mud lagoons.  The unique habitat attracts many migrants as they reach the UK, using the coast and river Humber as flight ways to and from Europe and further afield.
  • Your route is about 3½ miles east of Beswick, at Top Hill Low water works.  The two raw water reservoirs at the Yorkshire Water Authority's extraction works provide a refuge for wildfowl.  If you aren't a twitcher then take a four-mile circuit of the waterworks by following the public paths along the banks of the river Hull and the Beverley and Barmston drain.  
  • Please park your car considerately before starting your walk at the entrance of the site.  The "No Access" signs refer to unauthorised vehicles, so as long as you keep to the Public Rights of Way you may step forward with confidence.
  • The drain bank brings you close to the reservoirs so please keep dogs on leads to avoid disturbing the birds.  At the northern end of the drain is Struncheon Hill Lock where you can see the New Cut, a straight section of river which was dug to aid the navigation of barges and keels to Driffield.  The old course of the river is now just a small stream to the west. 
  • Returning along the floodbank of the river Hull you have a higher view over the reservoirs and the marshy area of the nature reserve with its waterfowl.
  • Near the southern section of the walk you may see pleasure craft moored at Wilfholme landing before you turn back along the drain bank to the start.
Map(s)
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Location
Start Point
Wilfholme. Walk northwards on the bridleway along the bank of the River Hull to enter the Yorkshire Water site
End Point
Wilfholme
Towns & Villages
Aike, Burshill and Hempholme
ParishBeswick
Start Easting
506,275.00
Start Northing
447,243.00
End Easting
506,275.00
End Northing
447,243.00
Features of Interest
- The reservoirs at the site were designated as Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1989.
Accessibility Information
This route:-

- is relatively flat.

- does not contain barriers.
Additional Information
- Parking information: leave the A164 just north of Beswick and travel eastwards for about 3½ miles (6 kilometres). Please park considerately and do not obstruct any gates or access points.

- To get a close look at the birds without disturbing them please visit the hides by following signs from the A164 and parking in the car park.

- Always keep dogs on leads and remain on the legal access routes.

- Tophill Low Nature Reserve is open Wednesday to Sunday, between 9am and 6pm. Admission is £2.50 for adults and £1.00 for concessions (tickets available from the machine in the car park). For further information call 01377 270 690 or visit the Yorkshire Water website, www.yorkshirewater.com/yourenjoyment.

- From time to time Yorkshire Water employees carry out improvement works along the riverbank, so take care if you come across any new channels or temporary bridges.