The best walks and hikes around Cawood
4.3
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2,148
hikers
193
hikes
Hikes around Cawood explore the rural landscape of North Yorkshire, characterized by the gentle flow of the River Ouse and its fertile floodplains. The terrain is predominantly flat, featuring scenic riverside paths and trails through woodlands like Bishop Wood. These routes offer a peaceful outdoor experience through a patchwork of fields and hedgerows typical of the English countryside.
Best hiking trails around Cawood
- The most popular hiking route is Cawood Castle Gatehouse – All Saints' Church, Cawood loop from Cawood, a 6.7 mile (10.8 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 42 minutes to complete. This moderate route passes by historical landmarks including the 15th-century castle gatehouse.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Bishop Wood Car Park – Chased by a Monstrous Killer loop from Dutchman's Car park, an easy 4.4 mile (7.1 km) path. The trail leads through the shaded, flat terrain of Bishop Wood.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Bishop Wood Car Park – Chased by a Monstrous Killer loop from Biggin, a 4.0 mile (6.5 km) trail leading through Bishop Wood, often completed in about 1 hour 38 minutes.
- Hiking around Cawood is defined by riverside paths along the Ouse, flat agricultural fields, and shaded woodland trails. The network of footpaths near Cawood provides options for different ability levels, with most routes being easy or moderate.
- The routes in Cawood are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 170 reviews. More than 1,800 hikers have used komoot to explore Cawood's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
4.0
(6)
43
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
13
hikers
10.8km
02:43
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
11
hikers
10.3km
02:36
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
18
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(32)
11
hikers
4.52km
01:08
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The site's religious history dates back to the Danish period, with an original St. Hilda's Chapel potentially existing as early as 500 AD. Medieval building: By the 12th century, the chapel was in ruins. A new Norman church, dedicated to All Saints, was constructed around 1213. Elements from the earlier structure were incorporated into the new building. Much of the present church has a dominant Perpendicular style from the 14th and 15th centuries. The distinctive, tall bell tower, which serves as a local landmark, was added in the 15th century.
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One of two ways to access Bishop Wood. There is a small parking area just off Bishopdyke Road that leads you up Hammersyke Road into the woods. The other is Scalm Lane car park on the southern side of the woods.
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Muddy but free off-road parking for more than a dozen cars, with a variety of tracks through the woods.
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Grade I listed building. The surviving fifteenth-century structures formed part of a fortified medieval palace belonging to the Archbishops of York, which was dismantled in the aftermath of the English Civil War. The only remaining parts of the castle are the gatehouse and the banqueting hall. Stones from the destroyed castle were used in the construction of surrounding houses. The foundations of some other structures do remain as well as the castle's cellar, which was excavated in the 19th century. The gatehouse served as a courthouse until the 1930s, before being used as an officers' mess and a building for the Home Guard during World War II. The first fortifications on this site are believed to be those built by King Athelstan in the 10th Century.
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Grade II listed swing bridge opened in 1872. The deck was submerged when the River Ouse flooded in 2015.
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The oldest part of the church is the west wall, dating from the mid- or late-12th century. The chancel and south aisle were added in the 13th century. The church was first recorded in 1294, but is believed to have previously been a chapel of Cawood Castle. In the churchyard is a stone with a cup-like hollow, believed to have been used for depositing donations for lepers.
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https://exploreheartofyorkshire.co.uk/things-to-do/adventure/wolsey-walk/: Wolsey Walk is a circular route, starting from Cawood and has proved to be very popular over the years. Covering approximately five miles in length, it is not strenuous and therefore is idea for family groups. The approximate time for this walk is 2 – 2.5hrs. Several notable landmarks are encompassed on the route.
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Often sited in country parks, estates, hilltops or village greens, brazier beacons become a lasting memorial and are used to mark many occasions or events. This one is on top of a flood defence embankment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many circular walks available around Cawood?
Yes, the area is well-suited for circular hikes. Many routes are designed as loops, starting and ending in convenient locations. A great example is the Cawood Castle Gatehouse – All Saints' Church, Cawood loop from Wistow, which allows you to explore the historic landscape and return to your starting point without retracing your steps.
What is the terrain like on the hiking trails near Cawood?
The terrain is predominantly flat and gentle, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Hikes typically follow paths along the River Ouse, across open agricultural fields, and through shaded woodlands like Bishop Wood. You can expect well-trodden footpaths and bridleways with very little elevation change.
Are the walks around Cawood suitable for families with children?
Definitely. The flat terrain and variety of shorter routes make Cawood a great choice for family outings. For an easy and engaging walk, consider the All Saints' Church, Wistow – Wistow Beacon loop from Wistow. Its shorter distance and simple paths are ideal for little legs.
Can I take my dog on the trails?
Yes, many trails in the Cawood area are dog-friendly. The open fields and woodland paths offer plenty of space for dogs to explore. Places like the nearby Barlow Common Nature Reserve and Bubwith Old Railway Path are also popular with local dog walkers. As always, please keep your dog under control, especially near farmland and wildlife.
Where can I park for a walk in Cawood?
There is on-street parking available within the village of Cawood, which serves as a good starting point for many riverside and history-focused walks. For trails in Bishop Wood, there are dedicated car parks such as Dutchman's Car Park, which is the starting point for the Bishop Wood Car Park – Chased by a Monstrous Killer loop.
Are there any trails with historical significance?
Yes, Cawood is rich in history. Many walks incorporate significant landmarks. The most notable is the 15th-century Cawood Castle Gatehouse, where Cardinal Wolsey was arrested. You can see it on the Cawood Castle Gatehouse – All Saints' Church, Cawood loop from Cawood, which also passes the historic All Saints' Church.
What is the Wolsey Walk?
The Wolsey Walk is a popular local route that traces the area's connection to Cardinal Wolsey and Cawood Castle. While there are several variations, the walk generally follows the River Ouse and passes by the historic castle gatehouse, offering a scenic journey through the landscape that the famous Cardinal would have known.
What do other hikers think of the routes around Cawood?
The hiking routes around Cawood are highly regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.4 stars. Reviewers frequently praise the peaceful riverside scenery, the flat and easy-to-follow paths, and the interesting historical landmarks scattered throughout the landscape.
Are there any good woodland walks nearby?
Bishop Wood is the primary destination for woodland hiking in the area. It offers a network of flat, shaded trails that are perfect for a peaceful walk, especially on a warm day. A popular route to explore the heart of the woods is the Bishop Wood Car Park – Chased by a Monstrous Killer loop from Biggin.
How many hiking trails are there to choose from around Cawood?
There is a wide selection of routes, with over 170 trails available to explore around Cawood. The majority of these are rated as easy or moderate, providing plenty of options for different abilities and preferences, from short riverside strolls to longer countryside loops.
Can I get to the trails using public transport?
Yes, the village of Cawood is served by local bus routes connecting it to nearby towns like Selby and York. From the village, you can directly access several footpaths along the River Ouse and leading into the surrounding countryside. It's always best to check the latest bus timetables before you travel.
Are there any pubs or cafes along the walking routes?
The village of Cawood itself has pubs where you can stop for refreshments before or after your hike. Since many of the trails are circular and start or finish in the village, it's easy to plan a stop. The routes through more rural farmland and woods generally do not have amenities directly on the path.
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