Wolds Way Day 3: Goodmanham to Greenwick Farm

The stay at our B & B last night was a comfortable if interesting one. We were looked after extremely well by Rob who sorted us out with our very tasty 'kitchen supper' of lasagne, roast new potatoes and salad followed by strawberries and ice cream. He also poured us a generous glass of red wine, all in with the price of £15! His wife, when she returned from her dressage competition, was much more fearsome/forceful! However, we passed a comfortable night in what was a lovely home, followed by an excellent breakfast with lots of choice, then Roy arrived to collect our suitcases and we were off in fearsome lady's car to pick up the footpath and learn a great deal about horse breaking en route!

The first section of the walk took us by a landmark circle of six huge horse chestnut trees, through the Londesborough Estate, now said to be 'a shadow of its former glory' but still exceedingly pretty with a small wooden bridge across a picturesque lake leading to the village, presumably once estate cottages. We both agreed we could live in any one of them. The village church, All Saints, another attractive Norman building.

Once out of the village, the views across the Vale of York opened up and we could see all three power stations and York Minster in the distance. Descending to the village of Nunburnholme, Helen read in the guide book that there was a ford with footbridge ahead at the entrance to the village. We found the ford but no footbridge so what followed was a bit of speedy walking on water to avoid wet feet.

Nunburnholme also had a fine Norman church with some Commonwealth War Graves. We stopped for photos and then began our ascent out of the village, through Bratt Wood and along the edge of Kilnwick Percy Hill enjoying the extensive views as we walked through fields of barley and wheat.

We paused on a bench at the foot of the next ascent to have lunch and then headed upwards above Warren Dale. As we reached the top of the escarpment of Whinny Hill, the best view of the walk to date opened up below us with the village of Millington (and its Norman Church!) in the Dale below nestled amongst multi-coloured fields. This is very much Hockney country and it is around here that he gained his inspiration for his tree pictures.

I made a small navigational error because the next decision point was on the crease of the map (that's my explanation and I'm sticking to it!) so basically we ended up on the country lane at the foot of the escarpment instead of along the top, but it had been a long day and a lot of miles so we were both glad of some easy walking till the footpath rejoined us. Then it was over the hill west Of Huggate and a mile up the lane to Greenwick Farm to be greeted by the very lovely Owen and Fran. We are now costly nestled in our Eco Pod, a glamorous pine shed on the farm, having barbecued the chicken and sausages provided by Fran and enjoyed them on the picnic table in the great outdoors! It must be time for a cup of tea!

My blip is taken looking across Millington Dale.