Welton Wold & Brantingham Wold via Turtle Hill, Yorkshire Wolds, East Yorkshire - Summary.
Distance: 6.25 miles / 10.0 kilometers
Time: 3 hours 00 minutes
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Map: OS Explorer 293 - Kingston Upon Hull and Beverley
Walk summary
This is a great 6.5 miles, half day circular walk in any season, each season brings its own uniqueness to the views, vegetation and wildlife. The walk starts by leaving the quaint village of Welton in a northerly direction and follows a woodland trail up to Welton Wold where on a clear day the Humber Bridge can be seen in the distance, then continues passed Wauldby Dam and to Turtle Hill (there is no hill to speak of to climb). The trail then turns west following a farm track trail ascent along the southern edge of Brandingham Wold which is on the right. Then picks up the road that leads to Brantingham, but turns off to enter the woodland of Brantingham Heads.Then enters the South Wold Plantation and climbs up through Elloughton Dale, the ascent is a moderate short climb. The trail then skirts the southern edge of Elloughton Wold over open farm land before joining a road for the last mile back to the village of Welton, with picturesque views of the River Humber.
The walk is a mixture of peacefull woodland pathways and bridleways with a variety of birdlife, squirrels and the occasional deer if they are not being too shy, and trails over open farmland with spectacular views of the rolling countryside. There are some stretches along quiet residential and rural roads, which have footpaths and soft verges to walk along in safety.
The grass tracks which can be very muddy in the wet months. The pathways are well defined and carefully managed, though care should be taken to avoid the occasional nettle and bramble bush.
The woodland is a haven for birdlife and grey squirrels. Dogs should be kept under control along the bridleways to prevent the worrying of horses and their riders.
There is limited roadside parking in the village along Cowgate and in front of the Green Dragon Pub near the Church of Saint Helen. There is alternative parking along Crossall Hill Lane and Stonepit Road (SE 962 274), which can also be an alternative start point.
Welton village is the home to the Church of Saint Helen, which is well worth a visit, with its pond with a number of benches to sit and say hello to the local ducks. The original church is thought to date from the reign of William Rufus 1067-1100, it was restored in 1862. The Green Dragon is an 18th century inn, where the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin was captured in 1739. The pub is good place to reflect on the walk and take in a wee snack and liquid refreshment, before heading home.
