4.3
(13)
1,190
runners
139
runs
Jogging around Howsham offers diverse terrain within the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Yorkshire. The landscape features rolling hills, tranquil riverside paths along the River Derwent, and peaceful woodlands like Howsham Woods. This region provides a variety of running surfaces, from mostly paved sections to more challenging routes with notable elevation changes.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
3.0
(1)
6
runners
23.8km
02:43
260m
270m
Jog the difficult 14.8-mile Centenary Way and Kirkham Loop through the Howardian Hills, passing Kirkham Priory and the River Derwent.
5.0
(1)
24
runners
11.0km
01:10
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
22
runners
12.1km
01:17
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
9.96km
01:05
170m
170m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
7.86km
00:50
90m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Visually striking, the Church of St John, Howsham is a Grade I listed church built by the architect George Edmund Street. It's a unique and interesting church with a distinctive bell tower and geometrical gothic design. Also features a painted ceiling and stained glass windows by Clayton and Bell, with "plate-traceries which are indeed stars as seen from within".
0
0
Howsham Mill, attributed to John Carr of York, is a well-preserved example of an 18th-century watermill. The mill uses both a restored waterwheel and Archimedes screw to generate electricity, providing a sustainable energy solution for the local area, and the site is part of a larger effort to promote environmental awareness and education, showcasing how renewable energy can be implemented in a historical setting.
0
0
The remains of this Augustinian priory include a gatehouse adorned with the De Roos family heraldry. You can also learn about the priory's role in World War II, including Winston Churchill's secret visit and its use in training and testing for D-Day.
0
0
The section between Howsham and Kirkham is scenic, surrounded by mixed deciduous woodland, the river is home to white-clawed crayfish, brown trout, and water voles, and there are great vantage points from which to view the weirs at Howsham Mill and Kirkham.
0
0
This is a lovely place to stop on your tour if you need some food and drink at a pleasant inn in a lovely spot. It's a sizeable inn with great staff. I'd recommend to use the seats outside (street-side) for great views over Kirkham Valley, including Kirkham Priory (which is 1 minute ride from here or 5 minutes walking from down the road from here). The inn is just a lovely place to stop and enjoy your life.
0
0
This is a particularly lovely section along the flowing River Derwent located just inside the borders of the beautiful Howardian Hills AONB. It's an incredibly green area and carpeted with seasonal wildflowers. You're also afforded views of the nearby Castle Howard, adding to the pleasant experience.
1
0
The current Howsham Mill is on the site of an earlier mill built in 1755 that milled flour for the Howsham Estate for almost 200 years. The mill fell into ruins in the mid 1900s before being picked up by the Renewable Heritage Trust and restored to all its glory in 2006. Today, the mill is an events space, environmental education centre and produces energy in the form of hydroelectricity.
2
0
An incredibly green, beautiful (and flowery in many places) walk on the northern banks of River Derwent. The views towards Castle Howard and its grounds only add to the experience.
1
0
Howsham offers a wide selection of over 140 running routes. These include 11 easy trails, 102 moderate paths, and 32 more challenging routes, ensuring options for all fitness levels within the diverse landscape of the Howardian Hills.
The jogging trails around Howsham feature a varied terrain, from tranquil riverside paths along the River Derwent to peaceful woodlands like Howsham Woods, and rolling hills characteristic of the Howardian Hills AONB. You'll find a mix of surfaces, including some paved sections and more natural, unpaved trails.
Yes, Howsham offers several excellent circular running routes. A popular choice is the Kirkham Priory Ruins – Kirkham Priory loop from Howsham, a moderate 7.5-mile (12.1 km) path that explores historical sites and countryside views. Another option is the Oak Cliff Wood – Abbey Hill Plantation loop from Howsham, a 6.0-mile (9.6 km) trail through varied woodlands.
Many running routes in Howsham pass by significant historical and natural attractions. You can explore the remains of Kirkham Priory Ruins, an Augustinian priory, or enjoy views of the River Derwent and the 18th-century Howsham Mill. The area also features serene woodlands like Howsham Woods, and the historic Howsham Bridge often marks a scenic point along routes.
Yes, Howsham has 11 easy running routes that are great for beginners or families looking for a less strenuous experience. These paths typically have gentler gradients and are often found along the tranquil riverside sections or within the more accessible parts of the woodlands, providing a pleasant introduction to running in the area.
The running trails in Howsham are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 13 reviews. More than 1200 runners have explored Howsham's varied terrain, often praising the scenic beauty of the Howardian Hills, the peaceful riverside paths, and the historical points of interest along the way.
Many of the running routes in Howsham are suitable for dogs, especially those that traverse woodlands and open countryside. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly when passing through farmland or areas with livestock, and to check for any local signage regarding dog access.
While Howsham is a rural village, some local bus services may connect to nearby towns. For specific public transport options to access the running trails, it's advisable to check local bus timetables or plan your journey in advance, as direct routes to trailheads might be limited.
Parking in Howsham is typically available in designated village areas or near popular trailheads. It's often possible to find roadside parking or small car parks in or around the village, especially near key attractions like Howsham Mill or Kirkham Priory, which serve as common starting points for routes.
For those seeking a longer challenge, the Centenary Way and Kirkham Loop is a difficult 14.8-mile (23.8 km) trail. This extensive route takes approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes to complete and includes sections along the River Derwent and past Kirkham Priory.
Yes, given its location within the Howardian Hills, Howsham offers challenging running routes with notable elevation changes. The Centenary Way and Kirkham Loop, for example, features over 260 meters of ascent, providing a good workout for experienced runners looking for a more demanding trail.
Absolutely. Howsham Woods and other mixed deciduous woodlands in the area provide excellent shaded running paths, perfect for warmer days. Routes like the Oak Cliff Wood – Abbey Hill Plantation loop from Howsham offer a refreshing experience through peaceful, tree-covered sections.


Browse the best Running Trails & Routes in other regions.