The byways of Brompton
Five-mile level route south of village is a delight in all seasons
The charming village of Brompton sits alongside the A170, about mid-way between Scarborough and Pickering.
Here lived a man of genius – Sir George Cayley. He invented many aspects of today’s living, including weird flying machines that posthumously earned him the title of ‘Father of Aeronautics’.
All Saints’ Church also claims fame, being noted for the wedding of the poet William Wordsworth and Mary Hutchinson of Gallows Hill, Brompton, on October 4, 1802.
Enjoy this level, five-mile walk. It’s mainly along remote country lanes, with a short cross-country link into Acres Lane, which can be avoided in wet weather.
Delightful in all seasons, it reveals agricultural land, farms and plantations, which may provide excellent wildlife habitats!
Access by private or public transport is along the A170, heading south from the Cayley Arms past the old village school dated 1878 AD, to park in the vicinity of the village hall and public telephone.
From the village hall, pass Church Lane, and rounding the bend, cross the narrow bridge, veer right and fork left as signed towards Sherburn 3 miles.
The Butts consist of a green, set with magnificent horse chestnut trees which become adorned with “candles” of pink and white blossom in May. Autumn finds them ablaze with rich, fiery hues and shining conkers. The crystal-clear waters are home to several ducks.
Keep to Brompton Ings Road, passing Station House to your left. Remain beside this quiet country lane to cross Brompton Ings and Ruston Carr to reach the River Derwent at Brompton Bridge. Beyond the bridge is the site of Brooklands Coarse Fishing, and shortly, your turning left to Wykeham – two miles.
Follow the rough, metalled lane in an easterly direction to Wykeham Ings, where the lane swings sharply north. Ruston Carr Bridge returns you over the River Derwent.
Your direct route heads due north alongside Ruston Carr Plantation, with lower beech hedging providing a fine contrast of colour.
At the far end of the plantation feature Ruston Carr Cottages. Winding left and right and over a road bridge, Brecken Hill Plantation lies to your right.
Continue along Hudgin Lane, and you pass the entrance to Wykeham Trees Nursery, which is well worth a visit.
The lane narrows, then you pass the gateway to Wykeham Abbey. Just beyond, seek a public footpath off left which is sometimes overgrown with weeds etc.
Leaving Hudgin Lane, if conditions permit and it’s not too wet, take the crosscountry route over the footbridge. Hedging is to your right as you follow the field boundary to the next field. Cross a ditch and then hedging to your left continues to a farm. Acres Lane leads towards The Butts, where you can enjoy further exploration before returning to the village hall.
NB. If wet, keep to Hudgin Lane to meet the A170. Turn left along the road and go left at the Cayley Arms to return.
Distance of arrowed route = 5 miles.
Refreshment: Brompton Forge on the A170.
NB. ‘Carr’ is an area of bog or fen in which scrub such as willow may become established.
The Butts is an area once used for the practice of archery.
Access: The 128 Pickering bus stops on the A170 in Brompton.
Map ref: Ordnance Survey OL27 Explorer Map. North York Moors Eastern Area. Scale: 2 ½ ” to 1 mile.
Rural Rambles Volume 15 is now available – 17 super walks plus larger maps and some illustrations, for £2.50. Entire profits to charities. For a copy send a cheque for £2.50 payable to EM Robinson and enclose an A5 sized stamped addressed envelope (a 53p stamp will cover cost). Send to Mrs M Robinson, 14 Malvern Crescent, Scarborough YO12 5QW.
Seasonal hues The green is set with magnificent horse chestnut trees
Wildlife Farms and plantations provide excellent habitats