Welburn walk

Huge monuments appear dramatically in front of you, and stare down as their privacy is briefly invaded.

Whilst at every turn a new and even more imposing building appears.

The Four Faces hidden in the wood, the Pyramid on St Anne's Hill, the astounding Mausoleum to the north surrounded by its Doric pillars and the magnificent Temple of the Four Winds, standing aloof across a meadow.

Then, a magnificent view across the water to Castle Howard from the superb ornamental bridge, the jewel in the crown.

This grand architecture can be seen on a walk through the grounds of Castle Howard.

Although we are allowed to walk through these grounds, we must keep to the right of way and not visit the buildings.

The Facts Your Route Park near the Crown and Cushion pub and walk towards the A64.

In about a 100 paces turn left along Water Lane. The drive to a house signals the end of the lane but a wide track continues to the left of the drive signed to Coneysthorpe. The track climbs gently to a crossroad of tracks.

Keep straight ahead here signed to Coneysthorpe, cross the field using the narrow path which soon descends into a wood.

Continue straight ahead, cross the footbridge and climb through the wood. Soon exit the wood uphill through a gate following a CW (Centenary Way) sign.

Downhill now to a crossroad of tracks. Then turn left, then immediately right and through a gate.

Continue straight ahead to the bridge in the distance.

The Mausoleum, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, is on the right, what a grand building!

Cross the bridge, but first admire a fine view to the left across to Castle Howard.

Pass through a gate and keep straight ahead in the direction of the signpost across the middle of the field.

Do not take the wide track left, it is not the right of way.

Take a look to the left as you get to the crest of the hill to see the Temple of the Four Winds before walking downhill now to a signpost.

Go left which is signed to Coneysthorpe. At the wall bear right to a large gate and stile.

Cross the stile into a wood. Shortly join a wide track and go right signed along the Centenary Way.

Keep straight ahead at all times to arrive soon at Bog Hall.

Go right through the farmyard signed to Gaterley.

Pass the house on the left hand side and take a good farm track straight ahead.

Continue along this track eventually arriving at Gaterley.

Go right at the Centenary Way sign posted the farm buildings.

Shortly the track climbs to a T-junction.

Go right here onto a tarmac road following a sign for Welburn. In one mile at a crossroad turn left signed to Welburn to climb into a wood.

Just a few paces to a gate then go left signed to Crambeck along a woodland path.

In about a mile follow the path to the right downhill at the Centenary Way sign.

You will see the Four Faces monument in the wood as you turn right.

Keep on the narrow path then over a stile keeping straight ahead to a junction of tracks.

Go in the direction of Welburn soon climbing past a huge oak tree and through a small gate.

Leave the wood now onto a field path and keep following signs for Welburn which eventually lead to the road.

Right here to return to the village.

The Facts:

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Time: 3 hours Start/Grid Ref: Welburn village, grid ref 721680

Best map: OS Explorer 300, Howardian Hills and Malton

Parking: Street parking

Refreshments: Crown and Cushion pub in Welburn. Cafe at Castle Howard, not on route

Public toilets: Castle Howard, if using the cafe

Public transport: Moorsbus, timetable from tourist information centres Guide

Book: Walking around the Howardian Hills by J Brian Beadle published by Trailblazer at £1.95 contains similar walks. Available from book shops, North Yorkshire Moors Railway stations, Dalby Forest Visitor Centre and tourist information centres.

Updated: 12:13 Tuesday, March 08, 2005