It may be getting colder but winter is a wonderful time to get outside and go exploring.
Winter walks are a fantastic opportunity to visit some of English Heritage's
most atmospheric properties at their quietest.
To help you make the most of your winter adventures English Heritage
has a selection of walks that connect some of their most beautiful properties.
These walks are for people of all abilities and all fitness levels
and are a brilliant way to explore the landscapes that surround their historic sites.
Today we're on the North Yorkshire Moors walking the 2.5 mile route from
Helmsley Castle to Rievaulx Abbey. It's a gentle walk along paths and country lanes
although there are some steep steps and it can get a little muddy at times. It
takes about an hour and a half, and allow time to visit both properties.
You can walk this route in either direction but today we're starting at
the stunning Helmsley Castle because it's easy to get to and there's easy parking.
Before you get going make sure you plan your route on a map so you can fully enjoy the walk.
And also make sure to check opening times online so you don't miss out.
Be sure to also check out other English Heritage sites in the area,
especially the smaller free ones that you can include along your route.
You'll want to come prepared for the weather so warm clothes, decent outdoor shoes,
maybe even a waterproof are recommended. It's sunny now but this is England after all.
Originally contructed out of wood around 1120, Helmsley Castle has evolved over the centuries
from a mighty Medieval fortress to a luxurious Tudor mansion,
a Civil War stronghold and finally a romantic ruin.
There's plenty to visit so when you're planning your route
make sure you allow enough time to see everything at your own pace.
It's amazing to come and stand in such a historic place.
You just really get a sense of how much there would have been going on here
and how busy it would have been. You can really imagine what it would be like in the past.
We're now leaving Helmsley Castle,
walking along the Cleveland Way to the stunning ruins of Rievaulx Abbey.
According to a 12th century description, high hills surround the valley, clothed by trees
encircling it like a crown. Sounds absolutely stunning. Can't wait to take a look.
One of the best bits about this walk is that it's not too long so you'll have plenty of time
to enjoy both the historic sites and the stunning Yorkshire landscape. Something that I love to do
is imagine how a place would look and feel in the past and it's amazing to think that we
could be walking in the same footsteps as the Medieval monks who used to live in this area.
Most people drive to Rievaulx Abbey but walking here for us has been so brilliant.
As we approach from the valley we were just struck by how the Abbey
stood against the landscape and it just really added to our whole day.
The Rievaulx Abbey ruins are some of the most impressive and extensive monastic remains in
Britain today. What's amazing is that it survives almost to its full height with the east end of
the church dominating over the ruins. You can walk through the maze of monastic buildings
and really start to see where the Cistercian monks lived, worked and cared for the sick.
English Heritage members get free access to these sites.
This means that you can stay as long or as short as you like and come back as many times
as you like. So if you don't fit it all in in one trip you can come back again and again.
If you want to learn more about the site it's always worth speaking to English Heritage staff.
They have so much knowledge and they're always really happy to share it with visitors.
The other great thing about this walk is that there's a cafe so you can stop and reenergise.
Getting outside and exploring is an enriching and soul-filling experience,
particularly when you have others to enjoy it with you. I'm absolutely loving seeing more
and more people get into the outdoors and also sharing it with their own communities.
I used to think that you had to get away over winter but there is so much about winter in
England that you can really enjoy. Whether it's the dew and the frost on the ground in
the mornings or crisp wintery walks. Today we've really enjoyed visiting both of these
English Heritage sites and the walk that connects the two. It's been great to learn
about the history of the country and just to spend some quality time together out in nature.