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Coxwold, Byland Abbey, Oldstead.
The Walk
1. Go into the car park to the right of the Fauconberg Arms and walk straight ahead through a gate and down a grass footpath. At the bottom of the hill go through the gate, and cross the next two fields through the gates.
2. At the last gate follow the line of the right hand arrow that sends you uphill at one o’clock. After reaching the first horizon a stile and marked footpath to the right becomes visible. Over the stile, walk along the side of the field, pass through the hedge then follow the arrow downhill to arrive at a signpost. Turn left in the direction of Cams Head.
3. A little further on, before reaching the end of the field, turn right on the path again marked Cams Head. Negotiate the stiles and bridges to arrive at a meadow with a copse in front and the white house of Fox Folly over to the left.
4. Turn right on to the indistinct footpath that skirts the side of the field with the fence on your right. Pass out of the field through the red gate into newly planted woodland, going over the small bridge into the more mature wood beyond. The path emerges rising with a hedge on your right (and a great view of the White horse to the left) to arrive at a signpost.
5. Turn right, signposted ‘Byland Abbey’ to pass to the right of Cams Head Farm, now with the hedge on your left. At the bottom of the field the path switches to the other side of the hedge, still descending in the same direction. Negotiate further stiles and fields. The last field starts below a large tree. Head almost straight ahead, to the left of the highest point, and you will see the stile that gives access to the main road at the far end of the field.
6. Turn left and walk the 200 yards or so to the entrance to the Abbey which is well worth a visit. Opposite the entrance is the Abbey Inn. (This hostelry is very selective with its opening times and it is worth phoning in advance.)
7. Turn left up the lane at the side of the Abbey Inn and stay on this for about a mile. At the top you arrive at the Blacksmiths Arms at Oldstead village (phone in advance if you want to try and book a meal). Turn left in front of the pub to walk down a narrow lane that has even less traffic on it than the last. This lane leads right back to Coxwold. The main landmark you pass is the house at Fox Folly, about half way down. (If you want to retrace your early steps rather than continue along the road, turn left just after Fox Folly along the waymarked path and soon after entering the field you arrive back at point 4 of the walk.)
8. At the junction turn left down the main street and back to your vehicle
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