Wolds Way: Wharram Percy Circular Route – Simplifying Transport and Logistics
At just under 80 miles, the Yorkshire Wolds Way is a relatively short National Trail, walkable in four to six days. Whilst this is achievable for many long-distance walkers, others may find family or work commitments prevent them from covering the full stretch. You may also prefer to walk only the best sections—for example, the scenic highlight of Wolds Way: Wharram Percy, where history and dramatic dry valleys combine in a memorable walk.
Rather than complete the route in one go, I undertook my own Yorkshire Wolds Way walk as a series of point-to-point hikes over four weekends. This required two cars and two drivers (see my Yorkshire Wolds Way report for more on these logistics). If you want to avoid the stress of planning a multi-day walk, or don’t wish to tackle the full 79 miles, the solution is to sample the highlights — such as my Huggate Circular Walk and this Wharram Percy Circular. I hope my Yorkshire Wolds Way circular walks will inspire you with ideas.
Yorkshire Wolds Way: Wharram Percy and Dry Valleys
One of my favourite stretches of the Wolds Way is the dry valley-rich section from Millington to Wharram Percy. At well over 16 miles, it is impossible to walk this as an out-and-back day hike.
The Wolds Way takes in much of the best local scenery, but not exclusively. A serene circular route off the Wolds Way allows you to see more, at your own pace. Thixendale, surrounded by superb dry valleys, makes an accessible starting point with ample off-street parking and a pub (closed pending new ownership when we visited).
This Thixendale–Wharram Percy circular showcases six dry valleys, the Wolds, Chalkland and Centenary Ways, and—according to English Heritage—the largest and best-preserved medieval village in Great Britain, all within a 9.5-mile loop.
Setting Off from Thixendale on the Centenary Way
I have no preference for walking this loop clockwise or anticlockwise, but we chose anticlockwise. Passing the pub and leaving the small village of Thixendale, follow the Centenary Way into open and attractive Water Dale, with leisurely flat farmland walking.
A left turn into Court Dale brings a brief but gentle climb and elevated views of Water and Court Dales. It’s idyllic Yorkshire Wolds from the start, and territory you would miss if only following the Wolds Way as a through hike.
Joining the Wolds Way: Wharram Percy
Though Honey Dale to the left looks beautiful, it is private land, so the trail turns right, climbing gently through farmland along wide paths. Soon you join the Wolds Way and turn into Deep Dale, with elevated views of the dale and longer vistas north and west across arable farmland.
At certain times of year you may share the trail with cows, but they are used to people. You could follow the Wolds Way into Deep Dale towards Wharram Percy—especially if you want to shave a few miles off the loop and return from Wharram Percy to this point. We chose instead to stay on the Centenary Way, looping anticlockwise around Wharram Percy to avoid repetition.
Approaching the Medieval Village of Wharram Percy
The Centenary Way here is flat, passing more arable farming and a plantation with additional trails and shortcuts. A left turn takes you north with easy road walking past a car park, another possible start or end point.
We followed the road towards the Old Vicarage, then turned left, looping back towards Wharram Percy. With hindsight, this short stint towards Station House is not the most scenic, and if you were to shave a mile off anywhere, I’d recommend it be here.
Wharram Percy was inhabited for six centuries before being abandoned, as landlords cleared residents to make way for sheep farming. It is free to walk through the site, with multiple display boards explaining the history of the village.
Returning to Thixendale on the Wolds Way
Continuing south on the Wolds Way past Wharram Percy, with Deep Dale to your right, the trail flattens as it turns.
The Wolds Way then leads back to Thixendale via Vessey Pasture Dale and Black Dale—my favourite points of the walk. Here you find classic English rolling hills, a glorious sight, especially in sunshine.
On the descent to Thixendale, there are yet more elevated views of dry valleys, rounding off a relatively easy and very scenic walk.
Watch Wolds Way: Wharram Percy Circular Walk Highlights
OS Map Extract – Wolds Way: Wharram Percy Circular from Thixendale
Wolds Way is shown in light blue, with the Wharram Percy circular in dark blue. On shared sections, the circular follows the Wolds Way. See OS Landranger Map 100.
Wolds Way: Wharram Percy & Thixendale FAQs
Is Wharram Percy part of the Yorkshire Wolds Way?
Yes, Wharram Percy lies directly on the Yorkshire Wolds Way and is one of its most atmospheric highlights, combining history with dramatic dry valleys.
Can you walk a circular route from Thixendale to Wharram Percy?
Yes, this Thixendale–Wharram Percy loop is a 9.5‑mile circular walk that links the Wolds Way, Centenary Way, and Chalkland Way, showcasing six dry valleys and the medieval village.
Where can I start the Wharram Percy circular walk?
Thixendale is the most accessible starting point, with off‑street parking and a pub (currently closed pending new ownership). There is also a car park near Wharram Percy for alternative start/end points.
Is the Wolds Way Wharram Percy circular walk suitable for dog walking?
Yes, but livestock such as cows may be present in valleys like Deep Dale, so leads are necessary.
Is the Wharram Percy medieval village free to visit?
Yes, entry is free. The site includes display boards explaining its history as the largest and best‑preserved deserted medieval village in Great Britain.
When was Wharram Percy founded?
Wharram Percy was probably established in the 9th or 10th century, flourishing between the 12th and early 14th centuries when members of the noble Percy family lived there
Why was Wharram Percy abandoned?
By the early 16th century, the village was almost deserted due to gradual decline and forced evictions. Landlords cleared residents to make way for more profitable sheep farming, a common trend in late medieval England.
What remains can you see at Wharram Percy today?
The ruined St Martin’s parish church is the last standing medieval building. Around it lie the grassed‑over foundations of two manor houses and about 40 peasant houses with their outbuildings.
Is Wharram Percy linked to English Heritage?
Yes, the site is managed by English Heritage, which provides free access and interpretive boards explaining its history. See more on their website (Wharram Percy Deserted Medieval Village | English Heritage)