North Pocklington

This is a circular tour based on the market town of Pocklington. I started and finished the tour at the bus station, so as you would expect there is a bit of walking through streets until you reach the countryside. The outward and inward parts of the tour abut the local golf course; especially on the outward leg, care is needed to see what the golfers are doing. The outward leg partially follows 'The Pilgrim of Grace Heritage Trail' and by the golf course there is plaque with information on this trail and there is a good place to enjoy fine views looking out over open country.
After the golf club a quiet country lane is followed leading to the climb up Warrendale - a steady climb, but a climb nevertheless. This leads to Whinny Hill where there are great views over the countryside and in particular the village of Millington.
The trek goes along the side of the hill before dropping down to Millington. When I started this descent the first fifty or so yards were deep mud before firmer grass could be reached. Fortunately, frost had firmed up the mud, easing the problem somewhat.
At the bottom of the descent there was again deep mud before a boardwalk could be reached. Navigating the slope of this boardwalk with boots caked in soft mud was not easy.
Crossing a little footbridge led to a road around Millington. I took a few minutes to investigate the little church there, but I didn't find anything of interest.
Then there was some road walking along Swineridge Lane before branching off on to a footpath. Again, the fields were muddy. A short stretch of road walking along The Mile followed: this is a fairly busy country road.
Woodhouse Lane led up to the climb into Pocklington Wood bringing me to the opposite side of the golf course and yet more muddy stretches. I was surprised how much the ground had been turned over simply by hikers - no trace of mountain bike treads or hoof prints.
Then it was along and down Chapel Hill and then into the urban streets of Pocklington back to the bus station.
There is a reasonable amount of signposting along the route. However, just before Mill Farm I could not see the way out of the field I was in; I think this was because I had not kept to the field boundary in an effort to avoid the mud there.
There was just one stile on the route.