Ampleforth Abbey Walking Trail
The Ampleforth Abbey walking trail is a serene and scenic route located in the North York Moors, surrounding the historic Ampleforth Abbey. The trail offers visitors a peaceful journey through lush woodlands, open fields, and rolling hills, with stunning views of the abbey and its picturesque surroundings.
Ampleforth Abbey Walking Trail
Ampleforth Abbey is a Benedictine monastery located in North Yorkshire, England, set in the scenic countryside of the North York Moors. Established in 1802, the abbey is home to a community of monks who live according to the Rule of St. Benedict, focusing on prayer, work, and study. The abbey complex includes a beautiful church, historic buildings, and Ampleforth College, a renowned independent school. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, the abbey also welcomes visitors for retreats, tours, and spiritual guidance, offering a glimpse into monastic life and the abbey's rich history.
Trail Details
Distance
5 to 8 Miles (12.8Km)
It can be modified to make it shorter but our full route is approximately 8 miles.
Skill
Easy to Moderate
Mostly flat with just one hill. However, there is a slight ascent heading towards the abbey.
Route
The route is main easy to follow and can be modified quite easily. Simply follow our guide below. You can even start this route from Ampleforth Abbey where there is a car park.
Follow our checkpoint guide found below for more details.
Ampleforth Abbey Walking Trail Checkpoints
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1. Start at Gilling Church
Begin the walk at either Gilling Church or perhaps the Fairfax Arms Country Inn. Either way, walk towards the crossroads at Fairfax Arms and turn left along Pottergate.
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2. Turn Along Pottergate
Keep following Pottergate beyond the village hall, with the treelined bank on your left and views of Ampleforth Abbey on the right. Eventually you will reach Autism Plus on your right hand side. Keep following the lane until you reach and entrance to Yearsley Woods.
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3. Head into Yearsley Woods
When you reach Yearsley Woods, you will see a barrier to prevent vehicles accessing. Walk around the left hand side and keep following this track without turning off. However, you might want to take a look at the large lake on your right hand side.
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4. Follow Path Through Yearsley Woods
Keep following the same path through Yearsley Woods, never turning off. The path will eventually take you up our one hill per walk. At the top you will reach a junction. At the junction, simply turn left.
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5. The Avenue
Once you have turned left at the top of the hill, it is just a short walk to another gate that you pass through. Beyond the gate is a split in the route. Here we need to turn right and this takes us to the outer tip of The Avenue. This is a long very straight path all the way to Gilling Castle.
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6. Walk to Gilling Castle
Once you reach the gate to Gilling Castle that was once a school and manor house, go through the gate and follow the drive all the way to the castle. A golf course can be found on your right, with the castle in front of you. When you reach the castle, turn left to walk in front of the building and keep following the drive.
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7. Follow Route to Pottergate
As you walk further and downhill, you will see a gate on your left at the bend in the road. Go through this gate and keep walking downhill until you reach Pottergate where you were before.
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8. Follow Lane to Ampleforth Abbey
At the foot of the hill, turn left on Pottergate and it is just a short stroll to the junction for Ampleforth Abbey. At this junction, turn right to take the road to the Abbey. Keep following this over the beck, along side the playing fields and up to the abbey itself.
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9. Follow Path to The Windmill
Once you reach the abbey, you will see a path to the left that is lit by Victorian looking street lighting. Follow this route until you reach The Windmill, the abbey tearooms.
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10. Follow Lane to Pottergate
At The Windmill or the abbey tearooms, you will see a crossroads. Here we turn left and follow this route all the way back to Pottergate once again. Once you have reached Pottergate, turn left and this will take you back to Gilling East where you started.
