Weekend Walk: York & River Ouse

This is a splendid way to combine a country walk with a visit to the centre of York, and as a bonus there is no need to retrace your steps.

The route begins at the Designer Outlet on the south-west side of the A64 York bypass at its junction with the A19 road to Selby, and follows a field path to the River Ouse for the immediate reward of a fine view of Bishopthorpe Palace, home to the Archbishop of York. From here a good path leads beneath the A64 and follows the river right to the heart of the city, terminating at Ouse Bridge. After exploring York the frequent park-and-ride bus service will take you back to your car. Those arriving in York by public transport can simply follow the described route in reverse. Watch for kingfishers and herons along the river.

1. Walk away from the Designer Outlet south entrance to the boundary road and turn right to walk with care to just before a zebra crossing. Turn left to pass through a road with no entry signs and at a junction cross with care. To the right of a bus shelter find a public footpath sign. Go through a hedge gap, turn left and follow the path down to the River Ouse and a good view of Bishopthorpe Palace. From here follow the path to an underpass beneath the A64.

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2. Pass beneath the road and follow the clear path along the riverbank, passing Fulford Hall on the right and passing an area known as Fulford Ings. Join a track past some boat moorings and continue beyond a building with bicycle racks outside towards a high wall. Turn right to reach a junction.

3. Turn left on Love Lane and walk past an old church. Continue ahead along a pedestrian and cycle path signposted to the city centre. Millennium Bridge comes into view on the left.

4. Go through a gate and continue ahead along New Walk to cross a bridge over the outlet of the Foss Navigation, and on the other side swing right to walk northwards, passing beneath Skeldergate Bridge. From there continue along the river to terminate the walk at Ouse Bridge.

Difficulty Rating: 1 stars

Time: 1 1/2 hours

Distance: 3 1/2 miles

Map: OS Landranger (1:50000) 105 York and Selby.

Parking: Designer Outlet South Entrance, on south side of A64/A19 junction, York by-pass. Return by park-and-ride bus service No. 7 from outside York Dungeon in Clifford Street.

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Public transport: York Railway Station is served by trains from Leeds, Harrogate, Scarborough, Doncaster and Northallerton and numerous local buses. For trains and bus times visit www.traveline.info or call 0871 2002233.

Refreshments & toilets: Designer Outlet; York.

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