Love a walk, love a pub, love a pie? The festive break is about gathering pals and family – and blowing away the cobwebs with a good walk followed by hearty sustenance. We’ve done the hard work for you with ideas of where to find good trails and log fires.
Winter wanderlands
Gather the family for a Christmas trail around the woodland at Swinton Bivouac on the Swinton Estate at Masham. A real fresh air and fun affair as you follow the trail and enjoy the many wonderous landmarks and hidden secrets of the Druid’s Temple woodland walk. Home to rustic tree lodges, meadow yurts, a café and more, Swinton Bivouac is in one of the most picturesque settings in the Yorkshire Dales. Following the trail, stop by the Bivouac Café where a selection of seasonal warming tipples will be on the menu, including hot chocolate, marshmallows, mulled wine and mulled cider. Free to attend, £5 for trail sheet from Bivouac Café
Dec 16-26. Swintonestate.com
Abbey habits
Take in two of Yorkshire most picturesque abbeys – Byland and Rievaulx. The walk between the two is a little over four miles. An end point should be The Abbey Inn which overlooks English Heritage’s Byland Abbey which is free to enter. Byland was once one of the greatest monasteries in England and inspired the design of church buildings throughout the North. An outstanding example of gothic architecture, it inspired the design of the famous York Minster rose window. Overlooking it, Tommy Banks’ Abbey Inn is as good as it gets for pub food – a pie and a pint, top burger - or stay over in cosy room and feast. english-heritage.org.uk abbeyinnbyland.co.uk
Winter at the Wharfe
Walk by the Wharfe with Appletreewick as your starting point. There are several circular walks with one of the most popular the Appletreewick Circular Walk which is approximately 10 km long and takes you through the varied countryside surrounding Appletreewick. The walk starts and ends at the famous Craven Arms and includes waterside sections along becks and rivers, a section through a wonderful limestone gorge, and a visit to a lovely reservoir. The route goes through Troller’s Gill and includes views across to Simon’s Seat. It also passes close to Parceval Hall and its gardens . Where2walk.co.uk
Gourmet go-to
As you step outside of The Blue Lion at East Witton, your eyes will be drawn across to the wide village green with picket fenced houses which stretch up towards Witton Fell. Reception can guide you on a number of walks including a five-mile loop which takes in the Fell and Sawden Beck Farm. There are six walking maps that can collected from reception, four legged friends and walking boots are welcome in the log-fire bar. Warm up with some delicious Yorkshire produce and an impressive wine list. thebluelion.co.uk
Westwood Go!
A nice and easy walk for families of all ages, take in the wonderful market town of Beverley and the great, open pastures of Beverley Westwood. Starting from the grounds of the iconic Beverley Minster, walk through the town to reach the Westwood and head towards the old windmill. Follow the track through Burton Bushes and head towards the racecourse before taking a right through Beverley Bar. This four mile walk has the perfect end at The Beverley Arms where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or some hearty dishes in the restaurant. beverleyarms.co.uk
Ryedale ramble
Visit the grounds of one of Yorkshire’s finest houses with a Boxing Day walk around Duncombe Park. Start from Helmsley to take on a 7.7km circular walk which takes you along the River Rye, exploring woodland and green fields, including the medieval ruins of Helmsley Castle. Finish the walk at the Plough in Wombleton, a dog friendly pub which has recently been taken over by renowned gastro team Richard and Lindsey Johns. This 15th century pub is perfect for a festive tipple after the essential family walk. theploughwombleton.co.uk
In Anne's footsteps
Pick up a walking map from reception at the Shibden Mill Inn to explore a variety of walking routes. Choose between three different walks – an easy route to Shibden Hall – a nice three mile stroll taking in a historical landmark. Choose a shorter two mile route to Shibden Dale or go a little further and take on 6km to explore the valley and discover a surprise. Try out the Calderdale Way taster with an energetic 12km walking route. End all of the walks at the 17th century Shibden Mill Inn where open fires and hearty food welcome you in the cosy bar. shibdenmillinn.com
READ MORE: Wildlife-spotting walks across Yorkshire this winter
