The Yorkshire Wolds found in East Yorkshire are a scenic part of the country. Lesser known than the Yorkshire Dales or the North York Moors, the chalk hills undulate across the county creating picturesque countryside to hike through. The hills in the area are perfect for the beginners as the rise quite steadily. And the Huggate Poetry Bench Walk is a real treat for any visitor.
The quaint walk, located in lesser visited Yorkshire Wolds, starts and finishes in Huggate and offers unique and stunning views of the surrounding farmland and of the shapely wolds – it’s like no where else throughout the Yorkshire countryside. There are fantastic opportunities to view some wildlife along the way as well.
The Yorkshire Wolds Huggate bench walk has to be one of our favourite walks in the area. In no small part because of the fact it starts and ends at one of our favourite pubs, the Wolds Inn (which also does a cracking Sunday Roast). Perfect for those that like a nice pint and some classic pub grub after long walk.
The beautiful landscape around Huggate is at its best where three dry valleys meet. The Horse Dale, Holm Dale and Harper Dale. The dry valleys were created at the end of the last Ice Age around 18,000 years ago by fast running streams flowing over the frozen ground carving out these valleys. This is where the Huggate Poetry Bench is located, North of the East Yorkshire village.
The Huggate Poetry Bench is one of six sculpted benches that was created as part of the WANDER art project. This involved inspirational artworks being set up along the Yorkshire Wolds Way. The bench near Huggate was designed by artist Angus Ross, with the wood springing out of the ground to replicating the curves of the dry valleys along the Yorkshire Wolds Way. The bench is carved with a poem by John Clark.
Once you have relaxed at the bench turn back then head west along the length of Horse Dale over Open Access land, before turning left to return to Huggate. The route is well-signposted as it’s part of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, a 78-mile route from the Humber Estuary across the Yorkshire Wolds to Filey in North Yorkshire.
Exploring the Huggate area and its three dales offers a chance to discover the intriguing Huggate earthworks. These structures are integral to a vast network of Bronze Age earthworks, often referred to as ‘dykes’, sparking considerable debate among archaeologists regarding their intended function. They might have served as territorial markers between distinct tribes, fortifications against external threats, obstacles to livestock movement, or pathways connecting neighboring settlements. Venture forth and propose your own interpretation!
The village of Huggate, is also home to one of the deepest wells in England and is home to a beautiful Grade I listed church. So, there is plenty to visit when you come to idyllic Yorkshire Wolds village. For a map, visit the website here.
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