[Skip to content]

.

Goole and Howdenshire Area Walks

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

 

Return to the Find Walks page

 

The 'Howden 20'
Summary
Walk Name
The 'Howden 20'
Ref
W22

Enjoy a challenge on this 20-mile countryside walk from historic Howden.

Details
Circular Walk
Yes
Grade
Challenging
Walk Type
  • Challenge Walks (Inc. The Yorkshire Wolds Way)
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map
291
Car Parking Facility
Car park off Hailgate in Howden (near the Bishop's Palace) or roadside parking near the Minster
Refreshments
Pubs in Asselby, Howden and Spaldington, plus shops and cafe in Howden
Public Conveniences
St. Helen's Square in Howden
Distance
Distance (Miles)
20
Distance (Kilometres)
32
Lengthened Distance (Miles)
20
Shortened Distance (Miles)
20
  • Walk past the Bishop's Manor House and then past the Fruit House across the playing field to the road.  (If the gates to the playing field are locked, use the roads through Howden.)
  • Cross the main road with care and follow the busy road until you reach a signposted path on your righthand side.  Take this path to the delightful riverside path and then walk on, passing under new and old road bridges (see 'Features of Interest' below).
  • It seems a shame to leave the riverside, but you now follow a track northwards to the village of Asselby.  From this rural village, follow tracks and paths to the banks of the river Derwent.  Next follow a road northwards to Wressle, where the buildings of East Yorkshire's only remaining fortified manor house can be seen - Wressle Castle (see 'Features of Interest' below).
  • Follow the track and paths northwards to Breighton.  You can pause for refreshment at the excellent riverside pub, the Breighton Ferry, or continue northwards alongside the tranquil river to Dingle Dell, an area of land originally part of a railway line. 
  • You may continue northwards to Bubwith to explore or gain refreshment.  Alternatively, follow the rail trail, which is managed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council's Countryside Access Team, to Highfield.
  • Follow roads and then paths Willitoft with its fine old hall.  Next take a green lane to Spaldington, the home village of the highwayman, Snowden Dunhill.
  • Next walk along paths and tracks, and then a road, to Sandwood House.  To the west is the site of Howden Airfield, a major airship station in the First World War.  After walking along another short section of road a field headland path takes you to Featherbed Lane, a wide green lane rich in birdlife and wild flowers.  Follow the quiet lane westwards to a road, and then take the road to Brind.
  • Finally, follow the paths shown on the map across some attractive countryside to return to Howden.
  • The 'Howden 20' was devised by members of the Goole and District Rambling Club.  You can collect a badge and certificate when you complete the walk.  Please contact Wendy Wales, 29 Mount Pleasant Road, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 6LH.
Map(s)
Can't view the map(s)? Click here to download Adobe reader
Location
Start Point
Howden Minster
End Point
Howden Minster
Towns & Villages
Asselby, Booth, Breighton, Bubwith, Highfield, Howden, Knedlington, Newsholme, North Howden, Spaldington, Willitoft and Wressle
ParishHowden
Start Easting
474,749.00
Start Northing
428,257.00
End Easting
474,749.00
End Northing
428,257.00
Features of Interest
- There are two bridges on the riverside. The new bridge opened in 1975 and the old bridge opened in 1929. The old bridge replaced the ferry at Booth and you can see a good example of a house built of wattle and daub (dated 1677).

- Eels carved onto a beam at Eel Hall are the only reminder of the eel fisheries that once existed at Asselby. The water treatment works near to the village supply much of Hull's water.

- Wressle Castle was built for the Percys, Earls of Northumberland c.1380-1390, and had five towers around a rectangular court. It was largely demolished in 1650 after the Civil War and in 1796 was gutted by fire. Only the south side and two towers remain. Unfortunately it is closed to the general public.

- An interesting piece of trivia is that the railway line at Wressle is part of the longest straight track in the country.
Accessibility Information
This route:-

- is relatively flat.

- contains a mixture of stiles and gates.

- may involve walking through fields with livestock.

- crosses at least one road.

- may involve walking through planted crops.
Additional Information
- The walk is waymarked with a distinctive 'Howden 20' marker.