One of my strongest memories from walking the Yorkshire Wolds Way was entering Welton after the exhilarating start at the Humber Bridge. A vibrant village with well‑kept homes, flowers, a stream, a pub, and Welton Dale — the first of many dry valleys on the Wolds Way — it’s an area that deserved another look. It also forms part of the Beverley 20 Trail.
This circular walk begins and ends in Welton, taking in that dry valley, stretches of woodland, and peaceful miles on the return. The initial trail is an easy, well‑maintained path passing through the steep, grassed dale, with dense woodland on either side. It’s a great introduction to the relaxed feel of this underrated National Trail.
Map of the Welton Circular Walk and Welton Dale
Key Facts: Welton Circular Walk
- Distance: Approximately 6 miles
- Start/Finish: Welton, near the entrance to Welton Dale
- Main Features: Welton Dale dry valley, woodland, farmland, Turtle Hill, South Wold Plantation
- Trails Used: Sections of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, High Hunsley Circuit and (optional) Beverley 20 Trail
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with one short, steep ascent near South Wold Plantation
- Terrain: Well‑maintained paths, woodland tracks, open farmland, and a short stretch of road walking
- Scenery: Classic dry valley landscapes, mature deciduous woodland, open Wolds views, and distant glimpses of the Humber Bridge
- Route Options: Choice of returning via Welton Dale or the higher Beverley 20 path
- Best For: Walkers seeking a varied, peaceful loop showcasing the character of the Yorkshire Wolds
Welton Circular on the Wolds Way: Route Video
Welton Dale: A Classic Wolds Dry Valley
Lower Path Through the Dale
A mile or so into Welton Dale, I noticed a trail (The Beverley 20) running along the top of the valley. It’s inaccessible from the midpoint due to fencing, but reachable from Welton — an excellent Plan B for a shorter or alternative circular route focused on this area.
Changing Woodland Character
As you venture further up the dale, the woodland shifts from open and airy to more enclosed, but equally beautiful. Mature deciduous trees offer shade and calm.
After another mile, the woodland ends and the route briefly joins a quiet farm lane as you turn east.
Farmland, Open Views and the Beverley 20
A Short Climb to Farmland
A short incline brings you to open farmland. A left turn leads you along the field edge, with a narrow line of tall trees to your left and farmland to your right.
If you skip the left turn and head right instead, you’ll join the Beverley 20 Trail — but this reduces the walk to just two miles.
Open, Windy Walking on the Wolds Way
The trees soon fall away, giving the walk a more open feel. It’s relatively flat here, and can be windy, as the Wolds Way follows an attractive farm track to the northernmost point of this circular route.
At a trail junction, I noted a right turn towards Turtle Hill — another small, interesting dry valley worth exploring. We stayed on the Wolds Way, taking a left to head west, immediately passing a bench that makes a pleasant rest spot if the wind isn’t too strong. If you enjoy these open Wolds landscapes, my Wolds Way Millington Circular Walk explores another beautiful stretch of dry valleys and high‑ridge scenery further north.
Towards Riplingham: Open Country and Exposed Tracks
A Narrow Path and Scrubby Woodland
The Wolds Way follows a narrow maintained path along a hedge, then through a patch of scrubby woodland before emerging at the Welton–Riplingham Road. There are no real views here, but the terrain opens up. For a third of a mile, the route requires road walking before turning right onto another track.
A Track Once Lined With Trees
This track was once beautifully lined with mature trees, though these have recently been cut down — arguably making the trail less scenic and certainly more exposed to the wind. The track rises gently, offering distant views of the Humber Bridge and two more benches.
Joining the High Hunsley Circuit
Where the Wolds Way Continues
The Wolds Way continues towards Brantingham before cutting north past an attractive church on its way to finishing Stage 1 at South Cave. With few parallel paths running north, it’s best to loop south here unless you’re happy to retrace your steps. If this circular walk sparks your interest in the wider trail, my full Yorkshire Wolds Way report covers the entire journey.
Turning South Into Woodland
A left turn leads into another scrubby wooded area with glimpses of the River Humber. This section joins the High Hunsley Circuit. Thankfully, the deforestation ends quickly and the woodland regains its natural, calming feel.
South Wold Plantation and the Final Options
Two Route Choices
In South Wold Plantation, a trail junction offers two options:
- Left towards Elloughton Dale
- Right towards Elloughton (a route we’d taken previously)
We chose the left, keen to explore further.
A Short, Steep Stretch
Descending towards the road and then climbing again, it’s a short but breathless stretch — attractive, but brief. The path soon ends at the Welton–Riplingham Road once more, this time further south.
Finishing the Walk
Two Ways Back to Welton
From here, you have two choices:
- Head south along the road back to Welton to finish the walk
- Turn left and head north for a quarter of a mile, then turn right to either:
- return along the Wolds Way through Welton Dale, or
- try the higher Beverley 20 path for a different perspective
Both options make for a satisfying end to a varied and scenic circular walk. For another route that samples some of the best dry valleys on the Wolds Way, my Huggate Circular Walk offers a superb 10‑mile loop with plenty of variety.
FAQs About the Welton Circular Walk and the Yorkshire Wolds Way
Is the circular walk from Welton suitable for beginners?
Yes — the Welton circular walk is suitable for beginners. The initial section through Welton Dale follows an easy, well‑maintained path with gentle gradients. The only slightly tougher parts are the short climbs near South Wold Plantation, but these are brief and manageable.
Where does the walk start and finish?
The walk begins and ends in the village of Welton, close to the Welton Dale entrance. Parking is available in the village, and the route is easy to join from several points.
Can I walk the higher path above Welton Dale?
Yes — the higher path is accessible from Welton and forms part of the Beverley 20 Trail. It’s not reachable from the middle of the dale due to fencing, but it’s an excellent alternative loop or return route.
Is the Beverley 20 Trail part of this walk?
No, but you can join it near the farmland section, though taking it too early shortens the walk to around two miles.
Are there benches or rest spots along the route?
Yes — there are benches at the western end of Welton Dale, and two more on the rising track towards Riplingham, offering good rest points and views.
Is the route well signposted?
Yes — the Wolds Way, Beverley 20, and High Hunsley Circuit are all clearly waymarked, and junctions are easy to follow.