York's city walls
Round the longest medieval town walls in England, through the four great gateways, with views of the Minster.
- Distance
- 4.7 km
- Ascent
- 40 m
- Time
- 1–1.5 h
- Grade
- Easy
- Route
- Circular
- High point
- 25 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
York's city walls is an easy 4.7 km circular walk with 40 m of ascent, taking 1 to 1.5 hours. It starts at York station (grid reference SE 596 517). The start can be reached by public transport.
York's walls, about 3.5 km long, are the longest surviving medieval town walls in England. The walkway runs along the top of most of them, linking the four main gateways, or bars: Micklegate, Walmgate, Monk and Bootham.
The finest stretch is in the north, where the walls pass close behind the Minster. There are gaps where you walk along the street to the next section, and steep, narrow steps up to the walkway at each one.
Route
-
1
Micklegate Bar
Climb onto the walls near the station and follow them round to Micklegate Bar.
-
2
Walmgate Bar
Cross the Ouse and continue to Walmgate Bar, which still has its barbican.
-
3
Monk Bar and Bootham Bar
Follow the northern walls behind the Minster to Bootham Bar, and return to the station.
Summit
On the way
-
York CastleCastle · 100 m from the route
-
St Mary's Abbey, YorkAbbey · 200 m from the route
Questions about this walk
- How long does York's city walls take?
- Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 4.7 km route, which has 40 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at York station (grid reference SE 596 517). City-centre car parks and park and ride (charge).
- Can I get there by public transport?
- York station is just outside the walls. Check times on Traveline.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded easy. Narrow stone walkways with steep steps up and down, and short street sections between them.
- Can I take my dog?
- It isn't recommended for dogs. Before you go: The wall walkway is usually open from 8am until dusk, and closes in ice, high winds and on Christmas Day: check the City of York Council website. There are drops on the city side in places, so hold on to children.
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