4.4
(163)
1,416
hikers
164
hikes
Hiking around Thorpe Willoughby, located in the Selby district of North Yorkshire, offers gentle terrain and diverse natural features. The area is characterized by a network of paths along historic waterways, through woodlands, and across open farmland. These routes provide options for various abilities, focusing on leisurely strolls and circular paths. The landscape includes notable features such as the Selby Canal and sections of ancient woodland.
Last updated: July 14, 2026
3.9
(7)
47
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
23
hikers
3.11km
00:49
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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2.7
(3)
19
hikers
6.82km
01:43
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
50
hikers
2.03km
00:32
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
19
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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One of four surviving tunnel culverts designed by William Jessop in 1778 to prevent the canal from being damaged or inundated by floodwater.
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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.
2
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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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Easy path alongside the Selby Canal, a historic waterway connecting the River Ouse at Selby to the River Aire in Chapel Haddlesey.
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Spectacular abbey for such a small town. Interesting info board describing the 19th Century cholera epidemic and associated graveyard, much like the one just outside the walls opposite York Station.
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Parking, seating, an information board, and a pleasant walk along the canal.
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Selby Canal is a very pleasant walk. From Selby to Burton Hall Bridge is around 2.5 miles each way.
2
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Brayton Barff is riddled with wide tracks and overgrown paths, and feels much larger than it looks on the map. A nice place to include on your walk and the only place in miles that has a tiny bit of elevation to it, in an otherwise flat landscape.
2
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Easy hikes around Thorpe Willoughby feature mostly flat terrain, characterized by serene canal towpaths, trails through woodlands, and routes across open farmland. The area's gentle landscape makes it suitable for leisurely strolls.
There are over 90 easy hiking trails around Thorpe Willoughby, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and abilities.
Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families due to their gentle terrain. For example, the Bluebell Meadow – Woodland Clearing loop from Selby is a shorter, easy path featuring woodlands and clearings that families often enjoy.
Many trails around Thorpe Willoughby are dog-friendly, especially those through woodlands and along canal towpaths. Always keep dogs under control and check for local signage regarding livestock in open farmland areas. The Bishop Wood Car Park – Chased by a Monstrous Killer loop from Dutchman's Car park is a popular woodland route that dogs often enjoy.
The area boasts diverse natural features including the historic Selby Canal with its waterside paths, various woodland sections like those found in Bishop Wood, and expansive open farmland. Brayton Barff Nature Reserve is also a key natural attraction nearby, offering additional woodland trails.
Yes, many of the easy routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Bishop Wood Car Park – Chased by a Monstrous Killer loop from Dutchman's Car park and the Bluebell Meadow – Woodland Clearing loop from Selby.
Along your hikes, you might encounter historical sites like Selby Abbey (though not directly on all easy routes), or natural highlights such as the Selby Canal. For specific points of interest, consider visiting Selby Canal itself, or exploring the trails near RAF Burn Airfield. The Selby Canal Towpath – Selby Canal loop from Selby offers views of the canal.
The duration of easy hikes varies. Shorter routes like the Bluebell Meadow – Woodland Clearing loop from Selby can be completed in about an hour, while longer easy trails such as the Bishop Wood Car Park – Chased by a Monstrous Killer loop from Dutchman's Car park might take closer to two hours.
Many trailheads and popular starting points for hikes in and around Thorpe Willoughby offer parking facilities. For instance, the Bishop Wood Car Park – Chased by a Monstrous Killer loop from Dutchman's Car park starts from a car park, making access convenient.
The easy trails in Thorpe Willoughby are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 140 reviews. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, the peaceful canal towpaths, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable and accessible walks.
While specific routes may not pass directly by establishments, the Thorpe Willoughby area and nearby Selby offer options for refreshments. You might find places like Birkin Tea Room in the vicinity, and local pubs are often found in the villages surrounding the trails.
Thorpe Willoughby's easy trails are enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, especially in woodland areas, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Summer is ideal for longer strolls, and even winter walks can be pleasant on the flat, well-drained paths, though appropriate footwear is recommended.


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