Embark on a Memorable Coneysthorpe Walk in the Stunning Howardian Hills
Experience a picturesque Coneysthorpe walk through the enchanting Howardian Hills in North Yorkshire. This 15-mile route is a delightful escape into the heart of the English countryside.
Begin your adventure by setting off westward from the charming village of Coneysthorpe. Pass through Cum Hag Wood and continue your journey via Moor Hill and along Broats Lane, finally arriving at the quaint village of Terrington. Take time to explore and appreciate the picturesque village.
Next, head north-east, departing Terrington by way of the school playing fields before embarking on the historic Centenary Way, also known as the Ebor Way. Pass through Howthorpe Farm and venture into Hollin Hill Plantation.
Maintain an easterly course, still following the Centenary Way, as you stroll along the scenic Slingsby Bank on Fryton Wood’s northern edge and continue along the northern side of Slingsby Banks Wood. Journey south-east through Coneysthorpe Banks Wood, passing by Park House on your way to Low Easthorpe Farm.
Head south along Thackadale Lane, then venture west to visit the historic Castle Howard Mausoleum, standing prominently on Kirk Hill.
Conclude your Coneysthorpe walk by heading north-west through the captivating outer grounds of Castle Howard. Discover the awe-inspiring Temple of the Four Winds and wander along the track on the eastern side of the Great Lake before returning to your starting point in Coneysthorpe.
This delightful Coneysthorpe walk through the Howardian Hills is a great way to enjoy North Yorkshire’s stunning countryside.
Coneysthorpe Walk: Maps and Tools
Visit either the OS Maps website or the Outdooractive website to view this walking route in greater detail. Both platforms offer a range of features, including the ability to print the route, download it to your device, and export the route as a GPX file. You can also watch a 3D fly-over and share the route on social media.
Coneysthorpe Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 14¾ miles
Distance: 23¾ kilometres
Duration: 6½ hours
Ascent: 1152 feet
Ascent: 351 metres
Type: Circular walk
About Coneysthorpe
Coneysthorpe is a small village and civil parish located in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, England. It lies within the designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of the Howardian Hills. The village is situated near the renowned Castle Howard and approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) west of the market town of Malton.
Coneysthorpe benefits from the Centenary Way, a long-distance path that runs through the village. This 83-mile (133 km) trail stretches from York to Filey, offering walkers an excellent opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and rich history of the region.
Recommended Ordnance Survey Map
The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the Howardian Hills & Malton, reference OS Explorer 300, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.
Coneysthorpe Walk: My Photos
Entrance to the grounds of Castle Howard, near Great Lake at Coneysthorpe.
The Castle Howard estate.
Lodge near the north entrance to the grounds of Castle Howard.
The village of Terrington.
Howardian Hills countryside.
The straight road heading south to the Castle Howard Obelisk.
Extremely muddy footpaths near High Gaterley. It’s all part of the adventure!
The Mausoleum, Castle Howard
The Mausoleum at Castle Howard, an exquisite and monumental structure, is widely regarded as one of the finest free-standing mausoleums in northern Europe. Situated within the Castle Howard estate, this impressive building exemplifies the grandeur of 18th-century British architecture.
Designed by the renowned architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, the Mausoleum stands 90 feet tall. Constructed of stone, it features a colonnade of 20 pillars, which lend an air of elegance and solidity to the structure. Hawksmoor was a pupil of Sir Christopher Wren and contributed to several important buildings in England, including the magnificent Blenheim Palace.
Construction of the Mausoleum commenced in 1729, but its completion was not realised until after the deaths of both Hawksmoor and the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, Charles Howard. The 3rd Earl, who had commissioned the building, was originally buried in the local parish church before being re-interred in the Mausoleum six years later.
The delay in the completion of the Mausoleum can be attributed to the sheer scale and complexity of the project, as well as the political and financial challenges faced by the 3rd Earl during his lifetime.
The architectural design of the Mausoleum is strongly influenced by the classical style, with its prominent columns and careful proportions, which were typical of the era. The structure’s circular plan is reminiscent of the Roman Pantheon.
New River Bridge, Castle Howard
New River Bridge spans New River on the Castle Howard estate. It is a sandstone bridge dating from the 1740s and is a Grade 1 listed building.
Temple of the Four Winds, Castle Howard
The Temple of the Four Winds lies at the eastern end of Temple Terrace, commanding stunning views across the hills. It was designed by Vanbrugh but remained unfinished at the time of his death in 1726. The interiors were finally decorated in 1738 by the stuccoist Francesco Vassalli.
The temple was originally used as a place for refreshment and reading, beneath it is a cellar where servants prepared the food they served to the family above.
Amazon’s Top Walking Boots: Four Standout Choices for Men and Women
For walking and hiking, the right boots are essential for both comfort and safety. While Amazon boasts a wide range, certain boots emerge as top-sellers. From those, here are four I personally favour. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a small commission from any purchases made through the links provided. This helps support the upkeep of this website. Rest assured, you won’t pay a penny extra, but your purchase will contribute to keeping my site running smoothly. Happy walking!
Berghaus Men’s Hillmaster II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These fully waterproof leather walking boots feature a Gore-Tex lining, ensuring no water enters whilst allowing feet to breathe and stay cool. Made from full-grain leather, they promise unmatched durability and comfort. The boots come with memory foam tongues and cuffs that mould to your feet for a tailored fit, and the Vibram Hillmaster outsoles offer confidence on challenging terrains.
Salewa Men’s Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Made from durable suede and abrasion-resistant textile, these men’s hiking boots are both lightweight and sturdy. The upper material is enhanced by a 360° full rubber sheath. Their dual-layer midsole with Bilight technology ensures ergonomic cushioning and grip, especially on extended hikes. The Vibram Wrapping Thread Combi outsoles allow a natural walking feel, and the Gore-Tex lining provides waterproofing, breathability, and optimal weather protection. Furthermore, the patented Salewa 3F system ensures flexibility, a secure heel grip, and a blister-free fit.
Berghaus Women’s Supalite II Gore-Tex Walking Boots
Specially designed for women, these hiking boots offer waterproofing and breathability, thanks to their Gore-Tex lining. Crafted from full-grain abrasion-resistant leather, they’re durable enough for the toughest hikes. The Supalite soles ensure stability and traction, and the EVA midsoles add comfort for extended walks.
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Gore-Tex Walking Boots
These hiking boots incorporate a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, blending breathability with superior waterproof performance. The combination of pigskin leather and mesh on the uppers, along with the suede outer material, ensure durability and style. Enhancements include 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining. Additionally, bellows tongues, protective toe caps, and Vibram TC5+ rubber soles ensure protection and ease on any terrain.