Try this pretty walk in Hambleton Hills near Castle Howard

The rolling, quintessential English countryside is a miniature picture of old England. Combine the walk with a visit to Castle Howard.

Terrington lies on the southern fringes of the rolling Hambleton Hills. Today it is a quiet country village of stone houses but it has a history going back to beyond the Normal Conquest in 1066. All Saints Church probably goes back further but has changed much from its wooden beginnings.

Park in the central street and spend five minutes heading west to the ‘Plump’ an attractive small copse of trees. Then reverse yourself and head east out of the village along the road. Arriving at a junction after 500m. Leave the road and carry on an initial lane (Broats Road) turning in to a grassy track heading east.

At a path junction cross the stile directly ahead and then cross a dyke till the path meets a bridlepath. Turn left, north on to the bridleway and follow it along the hedge back towards the dyke till it turns right and meets the attractively named Cum Hag Woods. Do not enter the woods but keep to the path heading north on its fringes.

After half a mile the path arrives at a quiet road. At the road turn right and then after 50m sharply left through a gate on to another bridleway leading in to the woods. This path climbs steeply for little more than 50m until it meets a proper woodland road. Turn left, you will be following this track for one mile.

The mixed woodland includes the European larch, famous for being the only conifer which is deciduous, it is particularly impressive in spring with its small pink flowers.

The track emerges from the woods towards the end of the mile and there are some excellent views north to the Hambleton Hills but also south and east(ish) where on a clear day it is apparently possible to see both the Humber estuary and York Minster.

At a meeting of paths turn right on to the Centenary Way (well signposted as most of this area is).

The track gradually drops to Hawthorn Farm, roughly half a mile away. On arrival at the house either leave the Way and turn left (west) to skirt the farm to the south. The path crosses a stile and drops towards a small stream, Wath Beck.

Alternatively continue for a further 400m dropping down to a stream. Turn left and cross a second stream (Wath Beck) and follow the path back to the west end of Hawthorn Farm.

Cross the stream at a junction of paths but continue to follow the path on its west side. After crossing the stream for a second time at a small bridge the path heads up a prominent hill to the south. Near the top cross a stile and bear right along the hedge line.

This crosses the high point of North Carr Hill and soon starts to fall, meeting a farm track. Follow the track for 400m till it turns to the farm on your right. However carry on a path that climbs towards a stile and then the sports fields which mark the start of Terrington. Follow the path through the fields and arrive back at Terrington at the church.

* Fact Box:

Distance: Roughly 5.5 miles

Height to Climb: 120m (390 feet)

Start: SE 670708. Park on the main road in Terrington.

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. The paths are good but may be muddy at this time of the year. The short climbs are gradual.

Refreshments: There are two pubs and a café in Terrington.

Be Prepared: The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk. You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer 300) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass. You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors. Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.

Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.

* Jonathan Smith runs Where2walk, a walking company in the Yorkshire Dales. He has written his own book, the Dales 30, which details the highest mountains in the Dales. He also runs one-day navigation courses for beginners and intermediates.

Join his Learn a Skill, Climb a Hill weekends in the Dales. Visit where2walk.co.uk