Thirsk Walks

Enjoy a pleasant riverside stroll through this small market town, on this circular walk. Thirsk is an attractive town with a large medieval market square and some interesting Georgian architecture. The rushing waters of the Cod Beck River and fine views towards the Hambleton Hills and Yorkshire Dales make it a very popular place for a walk.
The walk starts in the centre of town and picks up footpaths along the Cod Beck river.... You follow the river north to the village of South Kilvington before turning west towards the woodland of the Underwood Plantation. You then turn south to head through the countryside to New Thirsk, before returning to the town centre.
You can then head south towards Sowerby Flats and explore the delightful Georgian village street of Sowerby.
The town was the home of the authour James Herriot. You can explore the villages and countryside associated with his work on the Herriot Way long distance trail. There's also a musuem at Skeldale House in the Kirkgate of Thirsk. It was the surgery of local vet James Wight, better known by his pen name, James Herriot. The museum tells the history of veterinary science and is one of the most popular attractions in the town.
Thirsk is only a few miles east of the North York Moors National Park. Here you can enjoy a waterside walk around the nearby Gormire Lake or visit the fascinating 12th century ruins of Byland Abbey.
You could also visit Sutton Bank and the Kilburn White Horse which are also close by. Sutton Bank is a high point in the Hambleton Hills and commands splendid views over the North York Moors, the Vale of York and the Vale of Mowbray.
The Cleveland Way long distance trail also runs through the eastern section of the park and is another good option for extending your walking in the Thirsk area.
Pubs and More Info

• Little 3 - there's some excellent cask ales at this historic 13th century inn. It's the oldest pub in the town and includes quirky beams and welcoming fires. They also have the largest garden in the town. Find them on Finkle Street at postcode YO7 1DA.
• The Golden Fleece - 19th century coaching inn on the market place at postcode YO7 1LL
• The Old Oak Tree - pleasant local pub in South Kilvington serving a fine Sunday lunch. Postcode for sat navs is YO7 2NL.

Ordnance Survey Map OpenStreetMap OS Map (Mobile GPS) OpenStreetMap (Mobile GPS)

Interactive Map

Route Video

Nearby Routes

Gormire Lake Herriot Way Sutton Bank and the Kilburn White Horse Cleveland Way Felixkirk Hambleton Hills Byland Abbey Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey Oulston Reservoir Boltby Forest Hawnby Hill Coxwold Easingwold Crayke

Photos

Thirsk Marketplace. The A170 road runs through here. The town is built around the medieval market square, which still hosts an open-air market each Monday and Saturday. The market was established in 1145 and is the focal point for local farmers, traders and visitors

South end of Kirkgate, (as seen from "The World of James Herriot")

Poppies at Kilvington

Underwood Plantation. A bridleway along the side of mature woodland near South Kilvington.

Small park by the river in Thirsk

Cod Beck Weir to the north of the village. Known locally as the waterfall, this weir and the nearby sluice gate are all that remain of the original extensive workings for Thirsk Mill.

Ye Olde Three Tuns, Finkle Street

Thirsk Parish Church. A broadside view of this impressive parish church, from Kirkgate. It is relatively unusual in that it is in a single architectural style, having been built between 1420 and 1480. The church is Grade I listed.

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