North Newbald Circular Walk: An Introduction To The Yorkshire Wolds

Sure enough, I slightly symphisised, but I hoped since the time I spotted him down the track 15 minutes earlier, he would be open to my request. 

Oh well. But I did take a photo of the other side - just to prove a point and also to show that I made it to the highest point of the North Newbald Circular Walk.  

It was a very bright and warm March day; and Spring had arrived in big style. Both Thomas and I knew that we wanted to go exploring the local trails in our local county - East Yorkshire, and where better than the Yorkshire Wolds.

Using our OS Maps app, we explored the region and we spied a circular walk starting in the picturesque East Yorkshire village of North Newbald - not too far from us at 25 minutes away from Hull. This would be our best introduction to walking in the Yorkshire Wolds.

Those who don't know about the Yorkshire Wolds, this is a beautiful area of rolling chalk hills and countryside that stretches across the East Riding of Yorkshire and into North Yorkshire. It's very well known for their sweeping views (I agree), peaceful valleys (also strongly agree), pretty villages (North Newbald is one of them) and lots of walking trails. It can also offer some of the best countryside exploring in Easy Yorkshire too.

So, part of the Yorkshire Wolds is the Newbald Wolds, which is the area of countryside and higher chalk downland around North Newbald and South Newbald. And in the Newbald Wolds, we have the North Newbald Circular Walk. (Sometimes, I need to draw a diagram!)

Parking up at the village green, we pulled on our boots, donned our sunglasses, made sure we had water and poop bags ready (for the dog!), and off we went from the village.

You walk up through a couple of streets and follow the sign for Dot Hill, where you'll climb your first big hill of the walk - but in my opinion, the worst of them. But remember to keep looking back as you'll soon see your first view of the Wolds.

It's important to remember that the track goes through farmland so make sure you don't deviate from the path and keep dogs on a lead. 

The dog was absolutely loving it. We've just had a pretty miserable couple of months of wet weather and it was a big chance to stretch her legs without running through a puddle. 

After we reached the top of Dot Hull, the track then curves starting our first bend of the circular track by following the side of the field with the hedge to your left. Keep looking out for the footpath signs, they will see you in good stead. 

Soon, farmland will turn into wilding as you hike through long grass towards a wood ahead/. But you'll still continue to have stunning views of the landscape. 

With the peaceful sounds of the countryside, only interrupted by the slight pants coming from the dog, you'll certainly won't miss the city - especially in this good weather. 

You'll soon find that you will pass through a gate into a field full of sheep. From here, you'll walk through before ending up with sights of the wind turbines in action. 

This is where we got slightly confused reading the map as we didn't know whether to follow the path round after we passed an outbuilding. This actually is a private road leading to the wind turbine station so you do need to keep following the path to your self until you reach a T junction. 

Once you get there, you have the delightful pleasure of joining part of the Yorkshire Wolds Way (a 79 mile National Trail running from Hessle to Filey - something I really want to do!). You're actually on this for 1.5 miles before you veer back off so it was a nice thing to tick off. 

You'll soon be on a chalk path that leads you to the trig point - the highest point of the Newbald Wolds. 

As demonstrated by the cyclist, mentioned earlier, it's a great place to stop off for refreshments, give the dog much needed water top up and rest your feet for a few minutes. There's a bench there too. 

Once you have your obligatory photo with the trig point (sans grumpy cyclist), you can continue on your way still on the Yorkshire Wolds before you reach a sign post. 

Turn right again (you're now on your return to North Newbald village) and keep the path and follow the road back down into North Newbald. 

Now., you can add in an extra length by going through more farmland and get reportedly stunning views of Swindale by going up a hill past a plantation before turning around and redoing that road. But I needed to get back as the heat was getting hotter for the dog. 

All in all, it was a fabulous weekend 3.5 hour morning walk for us and the dog. A great introduction to walking in the Yorkshire Wolds and I would certainly recommend the North Newbald Circular Walk for you.

Now, shall I do the Yorkshire Wolds Way? Let me know your recommendations for walks in East Yorkshire in the comments below.

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