Bramham - Book of Walks

compiled by Ernest Nicholson behalf of

Bramham Environmental Group

Published 2006 - £3

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CONTENTSIntroduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....3

Short History of Bramham………………………………………………………………………………………...………..4

Walk 1 (3 miles)A circular walk that covers the Bramham Windmill and the Beck……………..7

Walk 2 (3 miles in total)A linear walk into Bramham Park and back……………………………………………..……...10

Walk 3 (4½ or 9 miles)A linear route through Bramham Park to Thorner, walk back or

get the bus…………………………………………………………………………………………….…….…..…...13

Walk 4 (6 or 8½ miles)A circular walk through Bramham Park with two alternate finishes…….…..16

Walk 5 (9½ or 10 miles)A circular walk through Bramham Park to Thorner with twoalternate finishes. This is really an extension of Walk 3……………………….…..19

Walk 6 (5 miles)A circular walk past the Windmill, down Heygate Lane and backpast Headley Hall and down Headley Lane……………………..………………………………23

Walk 7 (8 miles which can be shortened to 6½ if necessary)A circular walk taking in Boston Spa, the Ebor Way,The Wharfe and back via Heygate Lane…………………………………………...26

Walk 8 (10 miles can be shortened to 8½ if necessary)A circular walk which is really an extension of Walk 7 butalso taking in Newton Kyme………………………………………………………………….31

Walk 9 (5½ or 11 miles)Walk to Wetherby and back! Or get the bus back if you must…..34

Cycle Ride (10 miles)Circular ride to Compton and back…………………………………………………….38

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INTRODUCTION

The intention from the outset was to write a book of walks that could betaken without the need of a map, and every care has been taken to ensurethat the instructions are clear and correct without burdening the readerwith too much detail.

Some walks are simply an extension of another walk but if appropriate thewhole walk has been reproduced to save having to continually referbackwards and forwards.

It is accepted that mistakes do occur and apologies are offered in advanceto anyone who has felt that a walk has been spoilt by incorrect orinsufficient information.

All the walks can be identified on the OS Explorer Map 289 and some of youmay feel more comfortable taking this along with you. Better still theVillage Plan contains a map that covers virtually all the walks apart from thefurthest part of the long ones. From the narrative you should easily beable to trace the route.

For ease of reference for walkers who may not be familiar with Bramham,all the walks start and finish at the War Memorial in the Village Square.This is also very convenient for the local bus.

There are a total of 9 walks varying in length from 3 miles to 11 miles, andalso included is a bike ride of 10 miles although an off road bike isrecommended.

All the routes were walked or ridden in 2005.

AcknowledgementAlthough I have walked the walks, written the notes and taken thephotographs, the book in its present form would not have been possiblewithout Gillian Young, who has spent a tremendous amount of time keepingthings in order, including me! Many thanks.

Ernest Nichols

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A SHORT HISTORY OF BRAMHAM

Roman TimesBramham was important mainly due to its location. In Roman times it sat atthe junction of their main north/south and east/ west trading routes.North/south was of course the Great North Road and east/west the directroute from York to Ilkley.

Not only was it important because of its location on these trading routesbut also because it was situated on a significant limestone ridge whichcontains some of the best quality building stone not only in the area, but inthe country as a whole. There were numerous Roman Villas built in the areausing the stone but unfortunately there are few remains. Just how prizedthis limestone was can be judged by the fact that it was used to buildRoman York, York Minster and subsequent repairs, Kings College Cambridgeand Westminster.

Unfortunately there are few written records for this period, but thingschange when we move into the Saxon period.

Saxon TimesThe oval shaped Churchyard is a permanent reminder of Bramham's Saxonheritage, which was confirmed by the discovery of several Saxon artifactsin the 1930’s.

Bramham’s prominence at this time can be judged by the fact that a highvalue was placed on it in the Domesday Survey of 1086.

The Influence of the ChurchThere was a long association with Nostel Priory, land being granted to themin 1126, and the village remained under its influence for around 400 years.Bramham’s status can again be judged, as Nostel Priory regarded it as itsmost valued possession. During this period there were significant structuralchanges to the Church.

- continued on page 5

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The Wars of the RosesDuring the Wars of the Roses the bloodiest battle ever fought on Britishsoil was at Towton, near Tadcaster, on the 29th March 1461 when over30,000 men were killed. Many survivors of the battle took refuge in thesurrounding villages and it is believed that some of the dead were buried ina communal grave in All Saints churchyard.

The Civil WarThe Civil War ranged over the Bramham area. Fairfax had residences in thevicinity, one being the now Tadcaster Grammar School and Cromwell isreported to have trained his troops on Bramham Moor.

The climax to the Civil War came in 1644 at the battle of Marston Moornear Tockwith and Church records at the time show that victims of thebattle were buried at All Saints. The records even show their names.

Bramham MoorAlthough the main wars were over Bramham was vastly different from whatwe see today. When looking at the rural scene around the village it is hardto believe that before the 1800’s Bramham Moor was regarded as a wild anddesolate place, the haunt of footpads and highwaymen.

The dip in Toulston Road on the way to Tadcaster was particularly notoriousfor highwaymen, so on a dark night with a mist in the hollow, keep your eyesopen!

More Settled TimesBramham was very much a stopping place for travellers on the Great NorthRoad and had many Coaching Inns and also some houses of ill repute. Thereare still three Inns in the village today.

The village continued to grow along with the importance of the A1 and in1860 its population was just over 1300. Surprisingly this figure was notexceeded until after 1970.

The development of Bramham reached its peak in the 1800’s, possibly savedfrom excessive development by the major landowners in the area.Few villages will have so many large houses close to them and in Victoriantimes there were no fewer than 70 Gentlemen’s Residences in the area.

- continued on page 6

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From 1840 to 1870 the village had four schools including the prestigiousBramham College which was situated just inside the grounds of BramhamPark.

More Recent TimesThe next major change occurred in 1960 when the first by-pass was builtand this will have been a significant improvement to the environment even at1960 traffic levels. With virtually no passing traffic however theshopkeepers will certainly have suffered, as they would have had to relyalmost solely on customers from the village. There used to be several shopsincluding a fish and chip shop, all sadly long gone.

Bramham TodayWe now jump 45 years, but in all honesty there have been few majorchanges. Hopefully this will continue and the character of this HistoricVillage will be preserved.

Further InformationIt has been hard to keep the Bramham Story short but hopefully this verysmall taste of the history of the Village will have intrigued readers enoughto want to carry out some research of their own.

For those who would like to know more there is a wealth of additionalinformation in the archives, the Church records and The Bramham WebSite www.bramham.org.uk.

The web site is not limited to “Things Historical“ but also includes entriesfor Schools, Sports, Local Trades people and other useful information.

AcknowledgementAlthough I have carried out some research myself, the vast majority of thehistorical information has come from the book "Bramham the Village inTimes Past". I am very grateful for being allowed to use, all be it a smallamount, of the information contained in this very comprehensive historicalstudy of the village.

Unfortunately the book is now out of print but there must be numerouscopies in the village and well worth trying to locate one.

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WALK 1

With your back to the War Memorial and the Red Lion on your left makeyour way up the village.

At the first junction, the road to the right, Town Hill, is a bit more directbut steeper, the one to the left, Low Way, will take you past the Church.(The house on the junction used to be a shop selling general provisions andboots and shoes, it also used to be the Post Office).

If you choose the left option, when you reach the Church you can take theleft or right hand route round it, Vicarage Lane or Back Lane, as they bothend up in the same place.

Either way continue going uphill until you come to the junction withAberford Road.

Turn left and at the corner go down Windmill Road.

After about 200 yards take the turning to the right, this is Heygate Lanealthough not signed.

HERE YOU HAVE A CHOICE.

If you have already had enough or the Sunday Roast may burn you cancontinue with a quick sprint down Windmill Road for about half a mile to acottage on the left. You will need to read a bit further to find out where togo from there.

Even if you are rushing down Windmill Road do take time at the crest of thehill to look at the view ahead. In the distance the North Yorkshire Moorsare to the far right and the Hambleton Hills just to the right. On a clearday you can even see the White Horse at Kilburn, some 25 miles away as thecrow flies.

THIS CAN BE 1½, 2½ OR 3 MILES DEPENDING ON HOW YOUFEEL. CHOICES CAN BE MADE AT TWO DIFFERENT PLACES.

A NICE STARTER WALK FOR CHILDREN OR ONE TO WORK UPAN APPETITE FOR, OR RECOVER FROM, SUNDAY LUNCH.

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WALK 1 - continued

For those choosing the more scenic route carry on down Heygate Lane.There are usually flocks of Yellow Hammers in the hedges, so watch out forthem, you really can’t miss them they are so bright.

The next choice comes at the wooden cross road sign about ¾ of a mile downthe road.

You can turn left here or go onto the next sign to the left. Going onto thenext sign adds about ½ a mile to the walk.

Whichever route you take you will arrive back on Windmill Road. For thelonger route turn left until you come to a cottage on the right where you willmeet up with those who have taken the shorter route and also those rushingdown the hill for their Sunday Lunch!

Pass to the left of the cottage and cross the stream by a fairly wide bridge(this is Carr Beck although the same one that runs through Bramham.)

Please remember that this route is not a public right of way but a well usedpath. The path veers to the left and a less defined path turns left towardsthe stream. You can, therefore, walk close to the stream or further into thewoods. If you approach the stream carefully and quietly you may be luckyenough to spot some small brown trout.

Both paths eventually join up, about half a mile, and exit the wood intoClifford Road near the school. Turn left and follow the road back to theSquare.

If you are a bit bored with the road you can take the second turning on theleft, New Road, towards the Church and then take the first turning to theright, Low Way, back to the square.

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BRAMHAM WINDMILL

Built as a Corn Mill in the late 1600's, it was in use for about 150 yearsbut was damaged in a storm and lost its sails around 1800.

Subsequently it has been used as a Water Pumping Station and as aWatch Tower during the Second World War.

To put these dates into perspective:-

The Great Fire of London was in 1666.

Christopher Wren started building St Paul's Cathedral in 1675and

The building of Castle Howard started in 1699

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WALK 2

With your back to the War Memorial and the Red Lion on your right turn left andmake your way towards the house with the large horse on the front ( This used to bethe Bay Horse Pub ).

Turn left up Alms House Hill, yes there did used to be an Alms House. As you climbthe hill keep looking back as the view opens up. You then realise just how high theridge above the village is.

Carry on for about ¼ of a mile until you reach a main junction. Aberford Road. Turnright and after about 200 yards look out for a path on the left verge. Take this pathand then cross the motorway towards Bowcliffe Hall.

Bowcliffe Hall was built in the early 1800’s and one of its more famous owners wasRobert Blackburn who was Chairman of the Blackburn Aircraft Company based inLeeds. He is also well remembered as the founder of Scarcroft Golf Club, which hasvarious items of memorabilia in the Club House.

Follow the road round and into Bramham Park.

As you will probably know Harewood House started a programme of breeding RedKites and you stand about a 50% chance of seeing one on the walk as some have madetheir home in Bramham Park. You really cannot miss them as they have a very largeforked tail and an adult has a wing span of around five feet. They just seem to driftalong with an occasional flap of the wings. Birds of prey are often criticised forkilling other birds but the Kites feed mainly on carrion ,so they are quite Ecofriendly.

THIS IS A LINEAR WALK OF JUST OVER 1½ MILES EACH WAYWHICH CAN BE EXTENDED TO MAKE :-

1) A LINEAR WALK OF 4½ MILES EACH WAY (WALK 3)2) A CIRCULAR WALK OF 6 OR 8½ MILES (WALK 4)3) A CIRCULAR WALK OF 9½ OR 10 MILES (WALK 5)

THIS WALK IS PARTICULARLY SUITED TOCHILDREN AS THERE IS QUITE A LOT TO SEE

AND LOOK OUT FOR ON THE WAY.

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WALK 2 — continued

The first large building that you come to is Bramham Biggin (see page 12 for moreinformation )

Follow the signed path to the left passed the farm on the left and carry on throughtwo gates until you come to a T junction, about ¾ of a mile. By then you should haveseen the temple over to your left which is your destination, so just follow the path.

If you take this walk around the end of June, dependent on the weather, thereshould be almost a carpet of wild orchids in front of the Temple. It is really worthhaving a close look as they are quite special, but picking them totally destroys theplant so take care.

Retrace your steps back to Bramham again keeping a look out for the Red Kites.

BRAMHAM PARK TEMPLE

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BRAMHAM BIGGIN

In medieval times a small Monastery housing monks from Nostel Priory waslocated on the site as Bramham came very much under the influence of thePriory.

The current house has been the home of many famous families including theGascoigne's and Fairfax's.

In the mid 1800’s it was leased to Dr Haigh who extended it substantially toform Bramham College. The college was very popular and attracted the sonsof many leading Yorkshire families. The school went into decline after aCholera epidemic in 1869 and never recovered. The school was demolished inthe 1900’s leaving the Biggin once more in its original state.

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WALK 3

Follow Walk 2 to the Temple in Bramham Park, certainly have a look roundbut then continue along the track following the signs. You really cannot gowrong but just in case !

First junction go right Second junction go left Third junction go left

At the next junction turn right and walk down the edge of the plantation.After about 300 yards the track turns to the right into the plantation, atthis point you go straight ahead with the electricity pylon on your left, on anarrow indistinct path which is not signed. After a few yards you will reacha fence and stile, cross the fence into Mangrill Lane ( not signed ).

Almost opposite but slightly to the right you will see a very dilapidatedfootpath sign ( yes it has been reported to LCC ).

Crossing this field should be easy but in July 2005 the farmer had plantedoil seed rape across it. Previous walkers had trampled it down to someextent but it was still hard work. LCC have been informed so things mayimprove !! The route is not that difficult to make out and you should bemoving on a slight diagonal to the right of the power lines. The markers onthis section are tall poles with yellow tops and therefore very easy to see.

Having fought your way to the first marker post things become a lot easier.The path goes straight ahead with the hedge on your left, diagonally rightat the next marker again with the hedge on your left. When the hedgefinishes you should see the next marker straight ahead, where you turn left.

A PLEASANT LINEAR WALK OF AROUND 4½ MILES THROUGHBRAMHAM PARK AND ONTO THORNER. RETRACE YOUR STEPS BACK

TO BRAMHAM OR CATCH THE BUS OR IF YOU ARE FEELINGARTICULARLY ENERGETIC HAVE A LOOK AT WALK 5.

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WALK 3 - continued

A few yards on you pass the Trig Point at 110 metres, there are some quiteextensive views from here.

The markers are very distinct but again just in case !

Keep the hedge on your left. At the end of hedge the marker is straight ahead across the field. Diagonally across the field to the next marker.

Down the side of the field to the next marker, a bit hidden but at the sideof a large tree. This then directs you into Elleker Lane (not signed) and youare now on the ”Leeds Country Way”.

Turn right and after about 100 yards left by the side of a housing estate.Straight on, down Kirk Hill and after about 300 yards, on a bend to theright, straight on down a marked Bridleway to the road.

Down the road, following it round to the right until you reach a junctionwhere you turn left into the Main Street.

About 200 yards on your right is the Village Shop that sells virtuallyeverything including sandwiches.

Thorner is a very old village going back to Roman Times and well worth awander around. At the far end of the village you will find the well knownThorner Ford.

DECISIONS NOW HAVE TO BE MADE:-

Retrace your steps back to Bramham.or

Catch the bus back to Bramham, the stop is next to the VillageShop and at the time of writing ran every half hour so you shouldnever have long to wait.or

Grit your teeth and continue with Walk 5.

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THORNER FORD

THORNER CHURCH

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WALK 4

Follow Walk 2 to the temple in Bramham Park and then continue along thetrack following the signs. You really cannot go wrong, but just in case !

First junction go right. Second junction go left. Third junction go left.

At the next junction turn right and walk down the edge of the plantation.After about 300 yards the track turns to the right into the plantation, atthis point you go straight ahead with the electricity pylon on your left, on anarrow indistinct path which is not signed. After a few yards you will reacha fence and a stile, cross the fence into Mangrill Lane ( not signed).

Turn right and follow the track until you reach the main Bramham Road.Turn right and follow the road back to Bramham.

On a sharp bend to the right, about ¾ mile, a road goes to the left, ThornerLane.

AT THIS POINT YOU CAN MAKE A CHOICE:-

(1) Continue on following the road to the rightand after crossing the motorway, turn leftto make your way back to the Square.or

(2) Add another 2½ miles to the walk by turningleft, this saves about ½ a mile of road walking.

SIMPLY AN EXTENSION OF WALK 2 TO MAKE A CIRCULARWALK BACK TO BRAMHAM AND THERE ARE TWO ALTERNATIVEFINISHES. THE TOTAL WALK IS 6 MILES ON ALTERNATE 1

AND 8½ MILES ON ALTERNATE 2.NOT RECOMMENDED FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AS THERE IS

ABOUT 1½ MILES ON THE ROAD.

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WALK 4 - continued

Turning left, the road ”Thorner Lane” is signed to Rigton and Wothersome,just on the left was the Medieval Village of Wothersome but unfortunatelythere are no remains. Continue down the road for about ½ a mile where atthe end of a plantation on your right you will see a bridle way sign, take thistrack.

Don’t worry when the main track peters out there is still a good path andthe next turn off is a good 1½ miles down the track.

Eventually you join a main track coming from the left but you keep straighton for about 30 yards where there is a footpath sign on the right, slightlyhidden by the hedge. Take this path.

The track is well signed and it is more or less a straight route to themotorway. You eventually cross a stile, turn right and walk along the side ofthe motorway. Over the motorway bridge, there are actually some good allround views albeit a bit noisy.

Cross the parking area, turn right, and follow the well marked footpathsigns. After about ½ a mile you will see a stile on the left, cross this andfollow the path with the hedge on your left. Again the signs are very clear,so just follow them. There are actually numerous tracks across the fieldwhere people have wandered about, but keep to the signs and you willeventually exit into a lane.

Turn right down the lane passing the School on your left and exit intoClifford Road. Turn right and then take the second turning on the left, NewRoad , and then the next right down Low Way back to the Square.

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ALL SAINTS' CHURCH BRAMHAM

This is the oldest building in the village and was built around 1150. Underthe influence of Nostell Priory it was enlarged from a small unaisled buildingwith a tower to its current shape with two aisles and a spire. The Lych Gateis very much younger dating from 1902.

Its history goes back to Saxon Times, artifacts having been found in theChurch yard, which is also the resting place for victims of the Wars of theRoses and the Civil War.

Not without its disasters it has survived two lightning strikes and a seriousfire.

This of necessity is a very short history and for those of you who would liketo do a little more research the Church records are full of interestinginformation.

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WALK 5

Follow Walk 3 up to the Village Shop in Thorner.

Just before the shop is a footpath sign. Take this and continue, passingthrough two gates, up to the main road.

Turn right and then at a sharp bend to the right, about 200 yards, take thepath to the left, you are now back on the Leeds Country Way.

Just simply follow the path, across two fields, you can’t go wrong, passingOakland Manor on your left. At the end of the Manor turn right to meet themain road.

HERE YOU CAN MAKE YOUR CHOICE :-

Alternate 1

Turn right up the hill to a large grass triangle at a junction, about 300yards. Keep left and then shortly after the junction take the track to theright, Kennels Lane, ( not signed ). There is a public footpath sign on theright of the track but very overgrown.

Straight on, look out for the “ Gallop “ on your left.

After about a mile the path turns sharply to the left but carry straight onfor a few yards and then turn right down to the stream.

Follow the path above the stream, ignoring the right turns down to thestream, until after about ½ a mile there is a significant fork to the rightdown to a small lake. Follow the track with the lake on your right and climbup to the main road opposite the entrance to Bramham Park.

REALLY AN EXTENSION OF WALK 3 TO MAKE IT ACIRCULAR WALK BACK TO BRAMHAM. THERE ARE TWO

ALTERNATIVE FINISHES. THE TOTAL WALK IS 9½ MILESON ALTERNATE 1 AND 10 MILES ON ALTERNATE 2

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WALK 5 - continued

HERE YOU HAVE TWO OPTIONS:-

1) Turn left and follow the road back to Bramham, about 1¼miles, turning left after crossing the motorway to make your wayback to the square.

2) Turn right, this cuts the road walking from 1¼ to ¾ of a mile butadds about another 2 miles to the walk as you are in effectretracing the outward route through Bramham Park.

After ¾ of a mile on a right hand bend take the track to your left, you arenow back on Mangrill Lane.

Follow the track with the plantation on your left, and just before theplantation finishes, about ¾ a mile, you will see the stile on you left that youcrossed on the outward route. Cross the stile and retrace your steps back toBramham.

Alternate 2

Turn left down the hill ignoring the footpath sign on the left until in about ¼of a mile you arrive at a white house on your right. Turn right ,signed publicfootpath to Scarcroft. After a short distance there is a footpath sign on theleft, cross over the wall and follow the clear path with a hedge on your right.

You really cannot go wrong !! Just follow the path over a stream with someponds on your left. Emerge from the trees at the corner of a field and followthe path straight ahead with the hedge on your right.

Carry on until you join a large track about a ¼ of a mile. Turn right, to theleft is the Leeds Country Way. You are on this track for about ½ a mile, andjust before reaching the trees ahead you will see some unusual mounds overto your right. This is Pompocali an old Roman settlement. You will be able tolook at this later.

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WALK 5 - continued

Carry on until you reach a bridge over a stream. This is a good spot for a restand also a great place for children to mess about, as the stream is very safeat this point.

Over the bridge and follow the path to the right. Fairly shortly there is astile on the right which will give you access to Pompocali. There is not much tosee but the setting gives a good idea of why they might have chosen it, andalso the two small streams running into the main one are in fact springs.

Back on the original track, which is actually the course of a Roman Road,follow it up to a wooden gate on Milnar Lane. Straight across, signed publicbridleway.

Follow the track towards a wood but on the way the views open up and to theleft you can even see the White Horse at Kilburn. Into the woods, no turnoff, just follow the main track at the edge of the wood until you reach a Tjunction, in total about a mile.

Turn right and after a few yards take the left fork. Just follow the main pathand at a corner ignore the small path coming in from the right. Keep on thetrack to the next junction where the path goes to the right downhill to a lakeon your right. Down here and up the other side to exit into Bramham Roadopposite the entrance to Bramham Park.

HERE YOU HAVE TWO OPTIONS:-

1) Turn left and follow the road back to Bramham, about 1¼ miles,turning left after crossing the motorway to make your way back tothe square.

2) Turn right, this cuts the road walking from 1¼ to ¾ of a mile butadds about another 2 miles to the walk as you are in effectretracing the outward route through Bramham Park.

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WALK 5 - continued

After ¾ of a mile on a right hand bend take the track to your left, you arenow back on Mangrill Lane.

Follow the track with the plantation on your left, and just before the plan-tation finishes, about ¾ a mile, you will see the stile on your left that youcrossed on the outward route. Cross the stile and retrace your steps backto Bramham.

MANGRILL LANE

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WALK 6

With your back to the War Memorial and the Red Lion on your left makeyour way up the village.

At the first junction, the road to the right, Town Hill, is a bit more directbut steeper, the one to the left, Low Way, will take you past the Church.(The house on the junction used to be a shop selling general provisions andboots and shoes, it also used to be the Post Office.)

If you choose the left option, when you reach the Church you can take theleft or right hand route round it, Vicarage Lane or Back Lane, as they bothend up in the same place. Either way continue uphill until you come to thejunction with Aberford Road.

Turn left and at the corner go down Windmill Road. After about 200 yardstake the turning to the right, this is Heygate Lane although not signed.

Carry on down Heygate Lane. There are usually flocks of Yellow Hammers inthe hedges, so watch out for them, you really can’t miss them they are sobright.

When you reach the wooden cross road sign about ¾ of a mile down theroad you have a choice :-

If you must, bail out by turning left and complete Walk 1 !!

But seriously! You can turn right across the field and into the wood, andthen follow the path to the left until you reach the main track again. Thisfield is regularly ploughed and, if it is, a crossing is not recommended in wetweather as the mud is bad enough to suck your boots off! On exiting thewood turn right along the track. This shortens the walk by about ½ a mile.

A CIRCULAR WALK OF APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES WITHSOME FAR REACHING VIEWS AND A BIT OF HISTORY.

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WALK 6 - continued

If you decide against this, carry on down the main track, turn right at thegate and then at the next T junction right, again.

On the left you will see a large footpath sign with a stile. The farm to theleft is Oglethorpe Hall Farm.

Your route is still down the main track which now goes behind the wood thatyou were contemplating at the X road sign. You can see the exit from thewood.

You now start to climb but do take time to look back as the view unfolds.Way to the right are the Yorkshire Moors and just to your right theHambleton Hills complete with the White Horse.

Continue along the track until you reach the main road. This road isinteresting to the extent that it was the route of the main Roman road fromYork to Ilkley.

Cross the road into Warren Lane and climb the hill. Again pause at the topto take in the view, it's hard to believe that you are only 64 metres abovesea level.

To the left is a quarry with quite a history (See page 37 for moreinformation.)

It's usually best to avoid roads if possible, but sometimes needs must, andthe views make it quite a pleasant stretch.

Continue down the road past the houses on the left and then follow thefootpath sign to the right, this is Headley lane although not signed.

Before turning you will see a sign for Headley Hall. This was originally builtin the 16th century and eventually sold to Leeds University School ofAgriculture. On land behind the Hall was the Bramham Moor/ Tadcasteraerodrome which operated from 1916 to 1919.

WALKS 7 AND 8 CONTINUE FROM HERE.

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WALK 6 - continued

At the end of Headley Lane you arrive at the main Aberford Road. You havethree choices to get back to the square :-

Straight across and down Freely Lane Turn left then right and right again Turn right and then take the 2nd or 3rd turning on the left

OGLETHORPE FARM

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WALK 7

With your back to the War Memorial and the Red Lion on your right, turnright and walk towards the Garage. Look out for the ramp on your rightgoing down to the stream, this is where cattle were taken to drink. Reallynice to see that it has been preserved.

Turn right at the Garage down Clifford Road and continue until the schoolcomes into sight. More or less opposite the entrance to the school look outfor a gap in the hedge on the right. This route is not signed as it is not aright of way but a well used path.

Follow the path through the woods. At a fork you can go straight on but ifyou take the right fork you can walk quite close to the stream and if you doyou may be lucky enough to see some small brown trout.

In about ½ mile either route brings you to a fairly wide bridge over thestream. Cross over the stream and exit the woods into Windmill Road.

Turn left and at the sharp bend just after the “ Road Narrows “sign takethe signed path to the right. After about 300 yards on a bend, go left overa stile, not signed, and follow the path round the edge of the field over thenext stile and down to the road, this is Bar Lane.

Turn left and just after the bridge over the beck you will see a footpathsign on the right. Over the stile and follow the path close to the streamover a further three stiles. When you see some ponds on the right the routemay seem a bit confusing but you are heading towards the farm on the right.Over a small bridge, through the farm yard and into the main road.

THIS IS A REALLY GOOD CIRCULAR WALK WITH MANYCHANGES OF SCENERY AND POINTS OF INTEREST. IN

TOTAL A WALK OF 8 MILES WHICH CAN BE SHORTENEDTO 6½ DEPENDING ON HOW YOU FEEL ON THE DAY.

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WALK 7 - continued

Turn left and just after the 30 mph sign look out for a narrow lane on theright, Wharfeside. Although it says private road it is a right of way forwalkers.

Down this lane to the river.

You are now on the Ebor Way, a long distance path from Leeds to York andwill follow this for some way. Perhaps this is a good one to try as the nextchallenge, you can always do a stop over at Bramham on the way.

But enough of the next challenge, turn right and follow the path over astream and after about ½ mile into a wood. The section of river bankbetween the stream and the woods is a particularly pleasant place for a restor refreshments.

In the woods climb the steps and pass the old water works on the right andstraight on under the disused Railway Bridge. Continue to follow the path bythe river bank, there is usually a large pebble beach for children to messabout on if the water is not too high. You will then come to a stile leadinginto a sunken Lane. Although it looks easier, do not be tempted to stay thisside of the stile and walk up the field, firstly because its private land and,secondly you will miss the chance of walking a bit of history.

RUDGATE (OLD ROMAN ROAD)

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WALK 7 - continued

The sunken lane is Rudgate an old Roman road that ran up to Boroughbridgeand forded the river at this point. There was a Roman Fort a short distancedown stream although there are no remains.

Continue up Rudgate until you meet the main road.

Just before you reach the main road look out for the house on the rightthat has an unusual wind vane, you will understand its significance fairlyshortly.

Cross over the road and continue up the lane opposite, still Rudgate. You willsoon cross the disused railway cutting, hence the wind vane, what a pity therail tracks were not seen as potential paths when the lines were closed. TheHarland Way from Wetherby to Spofforth gives some idea of what thingscould have been like.

Continue along the road to the X roads at the bottom of the hill and turnright.

Along the lane past the Barn conversion on the left and over one of the mostelegant stiles that you are ever likely to see.

Over the stile continue past the ponds on your left, over another unelegant!stile and past the ponds on your right, to a further stile. Over the stile turnright towards the farm and then left before you reach the barn. There aresmall signs but a bit decrepit.

Follow the path round the edge of the field, you should be able to see theBramham Windmill by now. Over a stile on the left along the edge of thefield and over the next stile. At the next stile you enter a wide track andchoices can be made.

TO SHORTEN THE WALK TURN RIGHT AND THEN LEFTAND COMPLETE WALK 6 IN REVERSE.

TURN LEFT TO COMPLETE THE FULL ROUND.

WALK 8 CONTINUES FROM HERE

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WALK 7 - continued

Your route is still down the main track and as you start to climb do taketime to look back as the view unfolds. Way to the right are the YorkshireMoors and just to your right the Hambleton Hills complete with the WhiteHorse.


Cross the road into Warren Lane and climb the hill. Again pause at the topto take in the view, its hard to believe that you are only 64 metres abovesea level.

To the left is a quarry with quite a history (see page 37 for moreinformation ).





Straight across and down Freely Lane. Turn left then right and right again. Turn right and then take the 2nd or 3rd turning on the left.

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NEWTON KYME HALL

Newton Kyme is a very old village going back to Roman Times but in theDomesday Survey it is noted as the “New Town” to distinguish it from theOld Town, Tadcaster (Calcaria ).

The walls of the Castle were five feet thick but there is little left andclearly it did not stand the test of time.

The Manor passed to the Fairfax’s in 1602 and they remained in the Hall for275 years. The original Hall was Medieval but the current one was built inthe early 1700’s.

The Church is very old, the first vicar being recorded in 1289. It containsthe Chapel of the Fairfax’s with its many memorial slabs.

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WALK 8

REMAINS OF THE CASTLE

Turn left and follow the road to the next left turn,Croft Lane and head for Newton Kyme.

The path is easy to follow from here but at the endof the church grounds do not veer to the left but go straight on towardsthe river. Newton Kyme Hall on the left always seems more like an AmericanPlantation House rather than the usual “Halls” that you see in the area, areally elegant building.

When you reach the river turn right and follow the path downstream forabout a mile, over a small stream, for some reason protected by two stiles.The twists and turns in the river are very unusual, but don’t be tempted totake a more direct route, the walk by the river is far more pleasant.

Going around the bends seems forever but you eventually arrive at an otherstream and bridge. Cross the bridge , turn right and make your way up tothe main road.

At the T junction go straight on towards theChurch, and through the gate on the right signedEbor Way. Before continuing do take time to havea look around the village there really are somebeautiful old buildings.

FOLLOW WALK 7 TO WHERE MARKED

AN EXCELLENT CIRCULAR WALK OF 10 MILES WHICH CANBE SHORTENED TO 8½ IF THE FULL ROUND IS A BIT TOO

MUCH. THIS IS WALK 7 WITH A LOOP THROUGHNEWTON KYME WITHOUT DOUBT THE BEST CIRCULARWALK AS IT INCORPORATES A RIVER, HISTORY, OLD

VILLAGES,AND A BIT OF GEOLOGY.

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WALK 8 - continued

Cross the road and up the access road opposite, signed public footpath, overthe route of the old railway track and up the hill. Turn right in front of thehouse at the top and follow the road round to the left, the views are nowstarting to open up. The road eventually turns into a track that runs alongthe side of a wood.

As you exit the wood there are some lovely views to the right particularlyfar reaching on a clear day.

You are now on the Limestone Ridge which is famous for providing some ofthe best building stone in the country. You will pass a quarry shortly,although this one does not produce the top quality Building Limestone.

Continue along the track until you come to the road and then turn right.Road walking is usually to be avoided but this is Rudgate, the Old RomanRoad, so you are walking a bit of history again. Perhaps its not too hard tovisualise the Legions marching along to ford the river and then on toBoroughbridge and Carlisle. Now that is a walk especially with only a pair ofsandals on your feet !! Fortunately you do not go that far and soon you willsee the X roads at the bottom of the hill, about ¾ of a mile, where you turnleft.

Along the lane past the Barn conversion on the left and over one of the mostelegant stiles that you are ever likely to see.

Over the stile continue past the ponds on your left, over another un elegant!stile and past the ponds on your right, to a further stile. Over the stile turnright towards the farm and then left before you reach the barn. There aresmall signs but a bit decrepit.

Follow the path round the edge of the field, you should be able to see theBramham Windmill by now. Over a stile on the left along the edge of thefield and over the next stile. At the next stile you enter a wide track andchoices can be made.

TO SHORTEN THE WALK TURN RIGHT AND THEN LEFTAND COMPLETE WALK 6 IN REVERSE.

TURN LEFT TO COMPLETE THE FULL ROUND.

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WALK 8 - continued

Your route is still down the main track and as you start to climb do taketime to look back as the view unfolds. Way to the right are the YorkshireMoors and just to your right the Hambleton Hills complete with the WhiteHorse.


Cross the road into Warren Lane and climb the hill. Again pause at the topto take in the view, it's hard to believe that you are only 64 metres abovesea level.

To the left is a quarry with quite a history (See page 37 for moreinformation ).





Straight across and down Freely Lane. Turn left then right and right again. Turn right and then take the 2nd or 3rd turning on the left.

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WALK 9

With your back to the War Memorial and the Red Lion on your right, turnright and walk towards the Garage. Look out for the ramp on your right go-ing down to the stream, this is where cattle were taken to drink. Really niceto see that it has been preserved.

Turn right at the Garage down Clifford Road and continue until the schoolcomes into sight. More or less opposite the entrance to the school look outfor a gap in the hedge on the right. This route is not signed as it is not aright of way but a well used path.

Follow the path through the woods. At a fork you can go straight on but ifyou take the right fork you can walk quite close to the stream, and if you do,you may be lucky enough to see some small brown trout. In about ½ a mile,either route brings you to a fairly wide bridge over the stream. Cross overthe stream and exit the woods into Windmill Road.

Turn left and at the sharp bend just after the “ Road Narrows “sign takethe signed path to the right. After about 300 yards on a bend, go left overa stile, not signed and follow the path round the edge of the field over thenext stile and down to the road, this is Bar Lane.

Turn left and just after the bridge over the beck you will see a footpathsign on the right. Over the stile and follow the path close to the streamover a further three stiles. When you see some ponds on the right the routemay seem a bit confusing but you are heading towards the farm on the right.Over a small bridge, through the farm yard and into the main road.

ALTHOUGH THIS IS A LINEAR WALK OF 5½ MILES TOWETHERBY IT COULD BE CALLED THE “ECO FRIENDLY

WALK“. YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME DOYOUR SHOPPING IN WETHERBY, ITS AMAZING HOWMUCH A RUCKSACK WILL HOLD, EVEN A SMALL ONE,AND THEN GET THE BUS BACK TO BRAMHAM. YOU

COULD BE “SUPER ECO FRIENDLY” AND WALK BACK!!!

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WALK 9 - continued

Turn left and just after the 30 mph sign look out for a narrow lane on theright, Wharfeside. Although it says private road it is a right of way forwalkers.

Down this lane to the river.

Turn left and follow the path upstream. All the walk from here to Wetherbyis on the Ebor Way. The small houses that you pass on the right are on thesite of the spring, now capped off, from which Boston Spa obtained its Spastatus.

Just after the houses the path forks but take the right hand one signedEbor Way.

You cross the river by the bridge but if you would like a rest there are anumber of benches on the way and a picnic area on the left if you follow thepath under the bridge.

The weir is quite spectacular because you can get so close to it if you walk abit further upstream. It adds very little distance to the walk and is wellworth the effort.

Over the Bridge and straight on past the Pax Inn and the x roads for about¾ of a mile until you see a sign on the left, marked “Ebor Way Wetherby,”only 2 miles to go !!

Although this is simply following the Ebor Way and you really can’t go wrong,a few directions have been included, just in case.

Follow the track with no turn offs until you meet the farm road. Carrystraight on. Past the farm on your left and on a right hand bend follow thearrow straight ahead.

You are now walking fairly close to the river and where there is somethingsimilar to a “lay by” on your left you can see down to the river and anotherweir. It's quite surprising just how high up you are.

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WALK 9 - continued

Over “almost” a stile, across the fields until you come to Watersole Lane.Cross straight over into Heuthwaite Lane (marked as a path but not named).This really is a lovely grass track which you follow until you meet up with themotorway.

Turn right and then left over the motorway and straight ahead intoWetherby. Ignore the "Town Centre" signs but carry straight on, past theAngel Inn on your left and into Main Street.

More or less straight across will see you in the Square but if you fancy a sitdown by the river, or urgently need to catch the bus, turn left and makeyour way down to the mini roundabout.

Left down to the river or right to the Bus Station, at the time of writingthe buses back to Bramham were 5 to and 25 past the hour.

A good time for this walk is on a Thursday morning when the market is infull swing in the Square.

WEIR AT BOSTON SPA

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TADCASTER BUILDING LIMESTONE

The quarry produces some of the most sought after Building Limestone inthe country with a history going back to Roman times.

The Roman name for Tadcaster was “Calcaria” which means “Place ofLimestone” and the stone from the area was used to build Roman York.

In Norman times stone was shipped via the Wharfe and Ouse for thebuilding of York Minster and is also used to this day in restoration work.

In the Middle Ages it was also exported to London and other places in thesouth of England. It was used during the construction of King's CollegeChapel, Cambridge, Westminster Hall and Rochester Castle.

The stone is a magnesiun limestone and belongs to the Permian series, whichis dated at approximately 250 million years old.

The Stone Signs at the entrances to the village came from the quarry.

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BIKE RIDE

With your back to the War Memorial and the Red Lion on your right, turnleft and ride up the road past the wood yard.

At the junction turn right and then left over the motorway towardsThorner.

Carry on down Thorner Road until you come to a very sharp left hand bend.Go straight across, but be very wary of traffic rounding the bend, as theydrive far too fast on this section, into Thorner Lane.

Carry on for about 1½ miles until you see a road junction on the right ( youwill arrive at this junction on the return route ). Just before the junctionyou will see a gateway on the left, usually with a couple of parked cars.There is a tatty sign indicating that this is a bridleway.

Down the track, ignore the first bridleway sign on the right and keep on theoriginal track which now starts to run down the side of a field.

Turn right at the end of the field, but look out for the track on the rightrunning parallel to the main track, this is used for horse training.

No turn offs and carry on to the end where you meet up with the road. Turnright.

Keep on this road ignoring the right turn at the first junction. Shortly afterthis you will exit a small wood and the views start to open up.

THIS IS A CIRCULAR RIDE OF APPROXIMATELY 10 MILESFROM BRAMHAM TO CROMPTON AND BACK. THERE ARE SOME

OUTSTANDING VIEWS ON ROUTE AND AT CROMPTON THEPERFECT PICNIC SITE. THE ROUTE IS NOT TOO DIFFICULT

AND IS SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN. ALTHOUGH THE OFF ROADBIT IS ON TRACKS THE BIKE SHOULD HAVE SOME

OFF ROAD CAPABILITY.

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BIKE RIDE - continued

At Rigton Farm there is a sharp left then right hand bend, ignore the leftturn to Bardsey and carry on to East Rigton and right at the junction.

Carry on and ignore the right fork, Bramham Lane, but just after this lookout for an old bench on the left. This is a good place for a rest as the viewis quite spectacular.

At the next X roads straight on to Compton. Keep left in the village down tothe village pond, a great spot for lunch.

Return to the X roads and turn left.

Do not be tempted to take any turn offs but carry on to the road junctionopposite where you turned onto the bridleway, just over a mile.

Turn left and retrace your route back to Bramham. When you cross over themotorway, to get back to the War Memorial, you can either turn left or turnright and then first left.

COMPTON POND

Printed by Write Design & Print Ltd, Wetherby

BRAMHAM WAR MEMORIAL

Bramham - Book of Walks

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