We are the Pocklington Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
This is a good winter walk, not too muddy and just enough uphill to get some great views and make it feel like a proper Yorkshire Wolds walk (nothing too strenuous). We start from the 120-foot-tall monument commemorating local benefactor Sir Tatton Sykes, 4th Baronet of Sledmere, and head downhill on York Road, a misleading description of a track. We reach Garton Bottom (nothing to do with Rik Mayall & Ade Edmondson) and then after a short, sharp climb, we continue on a gradual uphill to the site of the WW2 Cottam airfield (which proved unsuitable for flying aircraft) and distant views over the surrounding countryside. Then downhill to Kilham West Field before looping back on a path that skirts the site of the medieval village of Cottam and the ruin of a Victorian church. We then have an exciting descent to Phillips Slack followed by a pleasant level walk along the valley back to York Road and a nice uphill back to the start.
There are a few sections of uphill and downhill that are likely to be wet and slippery, so you may find walking poles helpful, but we will pace the walk so that nobody feels rushed, take extra care on any slippery and/or steep sections.
Unfortunately no dogs allowed except assistance dogs with prior agreement with the walk leader.
The monument is clearly visible on Garton Hill, B1252 road between Garton-on-the-Wolds and Sledmere. Car parking is available next to the monument.
