Looking for a shady dog walk during the May heatwave led us to one of the biggest surprises we’ve had in the North York Moors: a quiet woodland circular near Hawnby with bluebells, riverside paddling spots and barely another person in sight. With temperatures climbing over the May bank holiday, we decided that we needed to play it safe with the dogs. The goal was a short, shady walk which we could get around before it got too warm. Sam managed to find a cracker of a walk near Hawnby – and a new one for us. It’s an area I feel like we’ve neglected a bit – the last time we were over here was our walk up to Arns Gill over two years ago.
Created as part of the Ryevitalise project, this new circular walk is just shy of three miles long. Don’t be put off by the length: it offers plenty of variety for such a short route. It was such an unexpectedly lovely surprise! I didn’t have high expectations, but it had it all: lots of shady woodland, bluebells, shallow riverside sections for the dogs to have a paddle and we saw a grand total of zero people. Not bad at all for a sunny bank holiday weekend. I suspect in winter it would be rather grey and muddy, so I’d recommend saving this one for spring/summer.
A shady woodland wander
Parking is free in a grassy roadside parking area by Anya’s Wood, a mile or two past Hawnby. The wood is light and airy and we were immediately confronted by a carpet of bluebells. This was a theme of the walk, which weaves in and out of the trees throughout, crossing the river a few times and traversing a couple of fields. I must confess it was hillier than I was expecting! However, it was perfect for keeping the dogs cool and they both loved dipping in and out of the water.
About half way around we came across a cow field we needed to cross. Seeing the number and size of them, I came very close to vetoing this part of the walk! However, the path ran along a sunken section on the edge of the field, hiding them from sight. If I can’t see them, they can’t see me, right? Fortunately the field was very short and we were across in less than a minute. I’m not sure if it was cow panic or if this was when it started to get warm, but I was sweating by the end!
Just us… and about fifty pheasants
As well as the pretty scenery, there was oodles of wildlife. Countless species of bird that I couldn’t name, squirrels and pheasants galore and loads of insects. The downside of quiet walks is the lack of through traffic to clear the way. Don’t you love walking through a spiderweb on the path and only realising when it hits your face! After the seventh time I put my foot down and made Sam walk in front for the rest of the walk. Completely reasonable.
We dawdled so much admiring the bluebells and letting the dogs play in the river that this took us nearly 2 hours. I think that’s the beauty of shorter walks – you don’t need to rush around and can take your time enjoying your surroundings. We even got some views across to Hawnby hill: a rarity on a woodland walk.
Dog friendly rating: Hawnby Woods
Dog friendly rating: 5/5. Unlike many walks in the North York Moors, there are lots of opportunities for dogs to be off lead. Both of ours loved splashing in the river, and the trees kept the temperature down a bit – although trees can only do so much, so always be mindful of the heat. There were two stiles to navigate, both of which our dogs managed to squeeze through gaps under the fence. Expect to see livestock in the fields you cross: we saw both sheep and cows. There’s also a short section of walking on a quiet road.
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