We are the Midlife Hikers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Tanya W.
This scenic circular route takes you from the historic, elevated village of Crayke – often called the "Gateway to the Howardian Hills" – up into the ancient canopies of Yearsley Woods.
Setting off from the Durham Ox in Crayke, we will drop down the hill and head north through open fields. The climb toward Yearsley is gradual but rewarding. Once we enter the woods, the atmosphere shifts from open sky to dappled light. The descent back into Crayke is the "victory lap," offering a constant view of the village sitting proudly on its hill.
We will walk past Oulston reservoir and if we are lucky we should see some llamas 🦙 (or maybe they were alpacas 🤔)
There is a lot of fields with livestock, so sorry but no dogs on this walk.
The forest floor in Yearsley can get notoriously "claggy" after rain. Sturdy boots are a must, or you might leave a sole behind in the Yorkshire mud!
We will walk along a combination of paved roads and rougher paths, hopefully its a clear day you will see as far as York Minster to the south and the White Horse of Kilburn to the north.
🅿️ On-street parking on Church Hill, Crayke, YO61 4TA – please be respectful of local residents, and consider car-sharing if possible
🥪 You will need to bring a packed lunch
🐶 NO dogs due to livestock in the open fields we walk through
🍺 After the walk, we can head to the Dog House bar at the back of the Durham Ox for a well earned drink
Midlife Hikers is a Ramblers group for people in their 40s and 50s, and our walks are led by volunteers. Non-members are welcome to try us out for free for up to 3 walks but then we ask you to join the Ramblers
opposite Durham Ox, Church Hill, Crayke, YO61 4TA
