This Collection discovers the breathtaking beauty of Yorkshire, a county renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes and bustling cities. It explores the Ebor Way, a long-distance trail that spans the length of the rolling Yorkshire countryside from Helmsley in the north to Ilkley in the west. Interestingly, it takes its name from Eboracum, a fort and later a city in the Roman province of Britannia, which, in its prime, was the largest town in northern Britain and a provincial capital. Eboracum covered an area of 50 acres where the city of York now stands. Some of its remains are still visible from the Undercroft in York Minster.

Embarking from Helmsley, the Way takes a southern trajectory towards the charming village of Hovingham, traversing rolling farmland along the way. As the journey continues, undulating landscapes guide you to Strensall, where the path follows the meandering course of the River Foss, leading you to the historic city of York.

Venturing through the city, the path follows the medieval walls before meandering alongside the serene banks of the River Ouse. Upon reaching Tadcaster, the route turns west, leading you through the picturesque Wharfe Valley and the scenic Ainsty Bounds, ultimately guiding you to the charming towns of Wetherby and Harewood. It’s here that the Way ascends to the rugged gritstone outcrops of the Chevin and the iconic Cow and Calf Rocks, perched on the edge of Ilkley Moor. The path eventually brings you to the quaint town of Ilkley, nestled in the picturesque Wharfedale.

The true highlight of this journey is the city of York. Here, you will be transported to a world of iconic medieval architecture, where treasures like York Minster, Castle Howard, and the legendary Shambles await your discovery. Lose yourself in the enchanting atmosphere as you wander through the winding cobbled streets, marvelling at the architectural marvels that tower above you. The allure of York lies not only in its historical significance but also in the palpable sense of stepping back in time, making it an unforgettable experience for all who venture there.

This remarkable route is a gentle expedition that’s well-suited for hikers of all levels, however, there are still moments that will challenge you. On the final day, you ascend the magnificent Hangingstone Rocks, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Ilkley and its surrounding landscape. From this vantage point, you can fully immerse yourself in the splendour of Yorkshire’s natural beauty – a wonderful way to conclude your epic journey.

Rest assured, I’ve planned each stage to begin and end in locations that offer a range of accommodation options or convenient access to public transport links. This ensures that you’ll always find yourself either in, or near to, villages, towns, or cities where you can easily find suitable accommodation, dining options and amenities.

To reach Helmsley, your start point, you can take the 128 bus from Scarborough. Conveniently, from your endpoint in Bramhope, you can return to Scarborough via two trains from Ilkley via Leeds. Alternatively, you can park a car at either end of the trail or arrange a drop-off and pick-up.