Pickering and Ings Bridge

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please read the full access information below before setting out, as there are some circumstances under which this walking route is not recommended. A circular walk (which can be shortened to 3 miles) from the market town of Pickering in Ryedale. The route heads south and west following the line of the idyllic Pickering Beck through meadows and pastures to reach the pretty stone Ings Bridge before returning either via quiet lanes for the shorter version or via peaceful fields and pastures for the longer version. This walk is published through a collaboration with Ryedale District Council. For more visitor information on the area including events and accommodation, go to www.VisitRyedale.co.uk The walk is relatively flat with only a couple of gentle gradients. The paths across the flood meadows, pastures and fields can get very muddy at times and so this walk is NOT recommended after long periods of rain, nor when Pickering Beck is in flood. You will need to negotiate some gates, footbridges plus 9 stiles for the shorter version (or 12 for the longer version) including a few stiles with tight fence surrounds so dogs will need a lift over. You will be sharing some of the pastures with cattle and some of the pastures with sheep, so take particular care with dogs. The waymarks for the footpaths are very intermittent meaning that navigation needs care; using the map on the AllTrails will help considerably for this route. In addition to missing waymarkers and footpath signs, you may also came across a number of electric fences across the paths and missing stiles (meaning some fence climbing and ducking under wires was required). Most of these access problems can be avoided by following the shorter route. Allow 3 hours. There are public toilets in The Ropery car park (at the start of the walk). If you are looking for refreshments, there are plenty of pubs and cafes centred around the Market Place in Pickering at the end of the walk. OS Map: Explorer OL27 North York Moors Eastern Area. This walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private and public land. Please respect people's privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code.