Wolds Way Circular: Walk 3 Trail Highlights

This circular walk packs in three of my Top 10 Highlights of the Yorkshire Wolds Way in just nine miles. It’s one of the best ways to experience the dry valleys this area is known for on a single day walk.

Huggate – Fridaythorpe Circular Trail Map

Trail map for the Huggate–Fridaythorpe circular, showing the Wolds Way in light blue and my circular loop in dark blue as it passes Horse Dale, Holm Dale, Fridaythorpe, Brubber Dale, Thixen Dale and Pluckham Dale, with overlapping sections following the National Trail. ©Crown copyright 2026 Ordnance Survey. Media 003/26. 

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Huggate to Horse Dale

Starting in Huggate (you can just as easily begin in Fridaythorpe), head north out of the village towards the Yorkshire Wolds Way. The trail follows a single‑lane track towards a farm, passing the pretty Cow Dale and the Chalkland Way.

Tree‑lined track on the Wolds Way north of Huggate, the quiet approach towards the farm before the trail drops into Horse Dale.
The Wolds Way follows a tree‑lined single‑lane track north from Huggate towards the farm, marking the start of the climb into the dry‑valley country ahead.

The route soon drops into the impressive Horse Dale — one of my favourite sections of the entire Wolds Way. Entering Horse Dale, you get scenic views west–east along the valley, and northwards where Holm Dale meets it. A bench here makes an ideal spot for a drink break.

Bench above Horse Dale on the Wolds Way, looking north‑east across the broad valley and towards the junction with Holm Dale.
Bench overlooking Horse Dale on the Wolds Way, with wide north‑east views across the sweeping dry valley where Holm Dale meets it — one of the most scenic spots on the route.

The trail descends around 60 metres to a junction with Holm Dale. Take the left turn to remain on the Wolds Way, entering a second, smaller dry valley. The path climbs steadily from the valley floor to around 180 metres — a rewarding start to the circular.

North‑facing view towards Holm Dale from the junction on the Wolds Way, showing the gate ahead and the turn into the next valley before the ascent to 180 metres.
Looking north at the junction on the Wolds Way, with Holm Dale visible beyond the gate.

Fridaythorpe: Halfway on the Wolds Way

Leaving the valley, the trail enters the small village of Fridaythorpe. Thru‑walkers may appreciate knowing there’s a campground here, as well as a pub with accomodation — The Manor Inn. Despite walking the area repeatedly, I’d never been inside until recently; although we only stopped for a drink, I was impressed with the hospitality and décor.

View along the A166 towards The Manor Inn in Fridaythorpe, showing the pub ahead and the campsite located immediately to its left for Wolds Way walkers.
Approaching Fridaythorpe on the A166, with The Manor Inn ahead and the village campsite just to the left — a welcome stop for walkers on the Wolds Way.

After deciding whether to stop for food or a drink, turn left at the T‑junction and leave the village, entering open farmland. You’re now passing the official halfway point of the Wolds Way, with roughly 40 miles remaining to Filey. In good weather, long‑distance views open up to the north.

Brubber Dale: A Quiet, Hidden Gem

The trail initially appears ordinary, but the subtle dip in the land ahead signals the approach to another superb dry valley — Brubber Dale. I’ve never seen another soul here, yet it’s a beautiful spot, with the valley meandering north to south.

Gate and north‑facing view into Brubber Dale on the Wolds Way, showing the gentle drop into the hidden valley that runs north to south.
Looking towards Brubber Dale beyond the gate as the Wolds Way turns north, the subtle dip ahead revealing the start of this quiet, meandering dry valley.

The trail gradually descends into Brubber Dale before turning left — the sign is slightly hidden under a tree. Walking the route in reverse, I’ve previously missed the turn uphill to Fridaythorpe, as it isn’t signposted from the valley bottom.

Walker ahead on the descent into Brubber Dale on the Wolds Way, approaching the valley floor where the slightly concealed left turn climbs back towards Fridaythorpe.
Descending into Brubber Dale on the Wolds Way, with my partner ahead on the path just before the left turn under the tree that leads north out of the valley.

Heading west, the trail leaves Brubber Dale all too quickly, rising through a tree‑lined section onto a farm track before passing a farm and emerging at another major Wolds Way highlight — Thixen Dale.

Tree‑lined ascent leaving Brubber Dale on the Wolds Way, showing the narrow valley rising towards the farm track before the route continues to Thixen Dale.
Climbing out of Brubber Dale on the Wolds Way through the short tree‑lined valley, rising towards the farm track that leads on to Thixen Dale.

Thixen Dale: One of the Wolds’ Finest Valleys

There are signs here for the dew ponds, but the real highlight here is the long, sinuous dry valley of Thixendale, gateway to some of the most dramatic hidden valleys in the Wolds.

View towards Thixen Dale on the Wolds Way, showing the path dropping in from the left and the tight turning point where the trail swings almost back on itself.
Looking into Thixen Dale on the Wolds Way, with the descending trail visible on the left and the sharp near‑180‑degree junction ahead marking the start of this long, sinuous dry valley.

For a full 11.5‑mile route that explores Thixen Dale, Worm Dale, Open Dale, Deep Dale, Brownmoor Dale and Water Dale, see my Hidden Dry Valleys Circular.

The trail descends into the valley with continuous southward views, while the National Trail continues north along another tree‑lined dale. For this circular, continue south before taking the left of the two tributary valleys — Pluckham Dale.

View of Pluckham Dale from the Wolds Way, showing the left of the two valleys where the circular walk turns south while the National Trail continues north.
Looking towards Pluckham Dale on the Wolds Way, the left‑hand valley ahead as the circular route leaves the main trail and continues south into the quieter tributary.

Pluckham Dale to the A166

Pluckham Dale is smaller and less dramatic than Thixendale, but still enjoyable. The trail passes through Pluckham Plantation before emerging into farmland. Here, you’ll need to find one of the gaps in the hedge to reach the A166.

Path rising through Pluckham Plantation as the route leaves Pluckham Dale, cutting between the trees before emerging into farmland on the way up to the A166.
The trail climbs out of Pluckham Dale through Pluckham Plantation, dissecting the trees on the ascent towards the farmland and the A166.

The good news: it’s only a quarter of a mile to a crossroads. Turn right (south) towards Huggate, leaving the road shortly after to follow a trail along the edge of fields for the next mile. This section follows the Chalkland Way once more, descending into the western end of Horse Dale.

Path along the field edge on the Chalkland Way, dropping steadily towards the top of Horse Dale after leaving the A166 and turning south for Huggate.
The Chalkland Way follows the edge of a farmer’s field here, descending gently towards the western end of Horse Dale on the approach back to Huggate.

Final Options Back to Huggate

From here, you have two choices:

  • Quickest option: Continue south to rejoin the Wolds Way for the final mile into Huggate.
  • Alternative option: Continue east along Horse Dale to eventually re‑emerge at the Horse Dale–Holm Dale junction encountered earlier. For more on this variant, see my Huggate Circular.

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