Beverley Beaver Trail

Route type: Circular walk

Start and finish: Beverley

Distance: 15.3 miles (24.6 km)

Terrain: Urban paths, quiet lanes, field paths, farm tracks, woodland and rolling Wolds countryside

Lowest recorded elevation: 6 m (20 ft)

Highest recorded elevation: 66 m (217 ft)

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, mainly because of the distance and the repeated undulations 

Full walk summary

The Beaver Trail is a circular walk of approximately 15.3 miles (24.6 km), beginning and ending in Beverley. The route follows a varied circuit through the countryside to the west and south-west of the town, combining urban paths, quiet lanes, field-edge footpaths, farm tracks, open agricultural land and gently rolling ground. Although there are no major hills, the route includes a series of gradual rises and falls, and the overall distance makes it a substantial full-day walk.

Starting in Beverley, the route leaves the town and heads out into the surrounding countryside. The opening section is relatively level, with the route moving away from the built-up area and onto quieter paths and rural tracks. As Beverley recedes, the landscape opens into broad agricultural land, with hedgerows, cultivated fields and long views across the East Yorkshire countryside.

The route then continues towards the Walkington area. Walkington is one of the principal villages associated with the walk and provides a notable change from the open farmland. The village is known for its attractive traditional buildings and large central pond. Depending on the precise line followed, the route passes through or close to the village and then continues into the surrounding countryside.

Beyond Walkington, the trail follows rural paths and tracks through increasingly rolling farmland. This is where the route reaches some of its higher ground, with gradual climbs replacing the flatter terrain around Beverley. The highest recorded point on the GPX track is approximately 66 metres (217 feet) above sea level. The climbs are generally steady rather than steep, but the repeated undulations become more noticeable as the distance accumulates.

The route continues through the countryside around Risby, passing close to the historic settlement and crossing open agricultural land. This section is predominantly rural, with field paths, farm tracks and quieter lanes linking the different parts of the route. The landscape is open in places, with broad views across farmland, while hedgerows and occasional trees provide more sheltered sections.

From the Risby area, the trail continues towards Skidby and the surrounding countryside. Skidby is another important village near the route and is best known for Skidby Mill, the historic working windmill and one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks. The route remains mainly on rural paths and tracks around the village rather than following busy roads.

After passing through or close to the Skidby area, the trail turns back towards Beverley. The return section continues across open farmland and gently undulating countryside. The ground gradually becomes lower and flatter as the route approaches the town, although there are still smaller rises and falls along the way.

The final miles bring the walk back towards Beverley, where rural paths give way to more settled surroundings. The route finishes back at its starting point, completing a varied circuit that combines the historic character of Beverley with the villages and agricultural landscapes of the surrounding East Yorkshire countryside.

Key places and points of interest

• Beverley Minster — One of England’s finest medieval churches and a major landmark in Beverley.

• Walkington village — An attractive Wolds village with a large central pond and traditional buildings.

• Risby countryside — Open agricultural land and quiet rural surroundings.

• Skidby Mill — A historic working windmill and one of East Yorkshire’s best-known rural landmarks.

• Yorkshire Wolds landscape — Rolling farmland, hedgerows, wooded areas and broad views across the East Yorkshire countryside.

Terrain and conditions

The Beaver Trail includes:

• Pavements and established paths around Beverley

• Quiet country lanes

• Farm tracks

• Field-edge footpaths

• Grassy and potentially uneven paths

• Woodland sections

• Gentle but repeated climbs and descents

The recorded route ranges from approximately 6 m (20 ft) to 66 m (217 ft) above sea level. The elevation gain is modest, but the route is not completely flat. The middle sections contain the most noticeable undulations, while the ground becomes generally lower and gentler on the approach back to Beverley.

The route is best described as gently rolling rather than hilly. There are no long or severe climbs, but the cumulative effect of smaller rises and falls may become noticeable over a distance of more than 15 miles.

Practical notes

Navigation: Carry the GPX route or a suitable map. Some field paths and track junctions may be difficult to identify, particularly where routes cross open agricultural land.

Food and water: Take sufficient water and food for a walk of 15.3 miles (24.6 km). Facilities may be available in Beverley and the villages, but opening times and availability should not be assumed.

Footwear: Sturdy walking boots or supportive trail shoes are recommended. Field and woodland sections may become muddy or slippery after prolonged rain.

Recommended overall allowance: Approximately 6½–7 hours at a 2.5 mph pace with breaks, or around 4½–5 hours at 4 mph with stops.

Overall: The Beaver Trail is a varied circular walk combining Beverley, the countryside around Walkington, Risby and Skidby, open farmland, rural tracks and gently rolling Wolds terrain. Its main challenge is the overall distance rather than steep climbing, making it a rewarding full-day walk for those comfortable covering more than 15 miles.