Short Walk from Rudston--About Bridlington

Short Walk from Rudston

Enjoy walking along field headland and tracks, whether you choose the short or long route

Start Point	Rudston (Gypsy Race)
End Point	Rudston (Gypsy Race)
Towns & Villages	Rudston
Parish	Rudston
Start Easting	509,624.00
Start Northing	467,702.00
End Easting	509,624.00
End Northing	467,702.00

Details
Circular Walk	Yes
Grade	Moderate
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map	295
Car Parking Facility	Roadside parking in Rudston
Refreshments	None
Public Conveniences	Various sites in Bridlington
Distance Distance(Miles)	2
Distance (Kilometres)	3.2
Lengthened Distance (Miles)	2
Shortened Distance (Miles)	2

The Walk

Both of the routes run along public paths over land belonging to the Macdonald family. The family's members have been instrumental in keeping open the ancient footpaths and bridleways in the area.
On the shorter walk, of less than 2 miles, you begin alongside the Gypsey Race and take in the church before crossing the main road. You then climb the gentle hill opposite to follow the side of a wood. After crossing the road again, you follow an ancient awarded footpath across the caravan site entrance to return to the village.
On the longer walk of about 3 1/2 miles you start on South Side Lane. Follow the track around the (recently re-planted) zigzag plantation into the locally-named "Hilly Grass". On your left you will see Thorpe Hall, home of the Bosville Macdonald family for the past 200 years. After passing through a gap in the trees you will see Wold Gate. This road was once a prehistoric trade route, used later by the Romans to get from York to the coast. Turn right at the road and follow it for about a 1/2 mile. Watch out for traffic - today's chariots are faster than those used by the Romans! The next bridleway sign points to a wood which will lead you back to South Side Lane where you started.

Features of Interest

-The attractive village of Rudston in the valley of the Gypsey Race is well-known for two reasons. The most obvious landmark is the tall Rudston Monolith. At 25 1/2 feet high (with a lot more believed to be under the ground), it is said to be the tallest standing stone in Britain. The Monolith was erected by Neolithic or Bronze Age people and was probably used for religious purposes. How the stone reached Rudston is a mystery; the nearest stone of the same type is at least 10 miles to the north.
- The other feature of Rudston attracts students of literature to the village. Winifred Holtby, the author of the novel "South Riding", is buried in the churchyard alongside the graves of the Macdonalds of the Isles. "South Riding" tells the story of life in an agricultural community in the 1930s. It is set in Holderness and information about the novel, and the area, is widely available.

Accessibility Information
This route:-

- contains some steep slopes.
- contains kissing gates and steps.