Huggate Circular Walk: Includes The Wolds Way and Chalkland Way
Why Choose Circular Walks on the Wolds Way?
Few walkers have the time to complete our best National Trails in one go. These point‑to‑point routes are invariably long and require significant logistical planning. They often cross beautiful but remote areas, making transport to and from the trailhead complicated.
One solution is the two‑car system, where you leave a vehicle at each end. This works well for groups and was a method I used successfully to complete my own Wolds Way walk. However, it’s impossible for solo walkers and involves more driving than many people are willing to commit to.
That’s why circular walks are such a practical and rewarding alternative. Sample the Wolds Way with my Huggate circular walk below. You can also try the Wharram Percy circular, another rewarding section of the Wolds Way
Huggate: The Perfect Base to Sample The Wolds Way
Huggate is one of my favourite places on the Wolds Way. Nestled between the fantastic dry valleys that separate Millington and Thixendale, it offers several advantages:
- Ample off‑street parking
- A welcoming pub and coffee shops — a rarity this far north on the Wolds Way
- Access to both the Wolds Way and the Chalkland Way
This superb circular route takes in five dry valleys in just 10 miles, with options to lengthen or shorten the walk depending on your energy and time.
Starting the Huggate Circular Walk
Begin at Huggate and head north to join the Wolds Way. My YouTube clip (below) shows how we walked the route clockwise, though you can just as easily take it anticlockwise.
The benefit of walking clockwise is that towards the end, after Horse Dale, you have the option to return directly to Huggate or extend east to Rabbit Dale and the Chalkland Way, if you still have the time and energy.
Pasture Dale: The First Dry Valley
Heading west (clockwise), the first mile is the least exciting stretch, though still pleasant farmland walking. The reward comes after Pocklington Lane, where you reach the first dry valley of the day — Pasture Dale.
My first experience of this valley was during a point‑to‑point Wolds Way walk, with a glorious sunset to the west.
Frendal Dale and the Chalkland Way
The path stays high, rounding Jessop’s Plantation before looping north. Here you leave the Wolds Way and join the Chalkland Way. Signposting is clear, but as always, a map, compass, or GPS is advisable.
Walking north, you gain a bird’s‑eye view into Frendal Dale, a wide, sinuous dry valley. If you’re walking with a dog, be aware that cattle may be present depending on the season.
If you’re committed to the full loop and enjoy sunsets, consider walking anticlockwise — I’ve seen some superb evening skies here when heading east to west.
Tun Dale and Holm Dale Options
Beyond Frendal Dale, the route enters Tun Dale, where the scenery shifts to a more wooded feel. It’s a flat, easy stretch until you turn east towards the road.
From here you can:
- Extend the route: Continue northeast towards Wolds House Farm, bringing you out at Holm Dale before rejoining the Wolds Way south.
- Take the shorter option: Turn southeast along the hedge to reach the biggest dry valley of the day.
Horse Dale: The Hidden Gem
Horse Dale Valley runs parallel to the Wolds Way. It’s surprising it isn’t on the official trail, as I find it far more enjoyable than the farm tracks nearby.
At the end of Horse Dale, you can shorten the walk by rejoining the Wolds Way south into Huggate. But if you do, you’ll miss another serene valley.
Rabbit Dale and the Return to Huggate
Horse Dale continues past the Wolds Way junction, looping clockwise. After a short climb with expansive country views, turn right into Rabbit Dale.
Here the Chalkland Way guides you through your final dry valley before rejoining the Wolds Way. From there, it’s just half a mile back into Huggate — hopefully in time for a pint, or tea and a bun.
Sample the Wolds Way — Watch Huggate Circular & Chalkland Walk
Huggate Circular Walk | Wolds Way & Chalkland Way Route Map
©Crown copyright 2026 Ordnance Survey. Media 003/26.
Wolds Way is shown in light blue, with the Huggate circular in dark blue. On shared sections, the circular follows the Wolds Way.
FAQs for Huggate Circular Walk: Sample The Wolds Way and Chalkland Way
How long is the Huggate Circular Walk?
This Huggate Circular covers around 10 miles, with options to shorten or extend depending on energy and time.
Does the Huggate Circular include the Wolds Way?
Yes, the route begins on the Wolds Way north of Huggate and reconnects with it near Horse Dale and Rabbit Dale.
What is the Chalkland Way?
The Chalkland Way is a 40‑mile circular trail through the Yorkshire Wolds, linking valleys, villages, and historic sites.
How does the Chalkland Way feature in the Huggate Circular?
The walk leaves the Wolds Way near Jessop’s Plantation to join the Chalkland Way, guiding you through Frendal Dale, Horse Dale, and Rabbit Dale before looping back.
Where does the Chalkland Way start and finish?
The official trail begins and ends in Pocklington, looping through Millington, Thixendale, Huggate, and other Wolds villages.
What are the highlights of the Huggate Circular Walk?
The walk takes in five classic Yorkshire Wolds dry valleys — Pasture Dale, Frendal Dale, Tun Dale, Horse Dale, and Rabbit Dale — and offers varied scenery from farmland to wooded stretches.
Can I walk the Huggate Circular clockwise or anticlockwise?
Yes, both directions work. Clockwise offers flexibility to shorten or extend near Horse Dale, while anticlockwise can reward you with superb sunset views.
Is parking available at Huggate?
Yes, Huggate offers ample off‑street parking, plus a welcoming pub and cafes for refreshments before or after your walk.
Is the Huggate Circular suitable for dogs?
Yes, but be aware that cattle may be present in valleys like Frendal Dale depending on the season.