Yorkshire is home to some truly amazing walks – I would know, I’ve done my fair few of them! This August, I set off for my first multi-day walk in Yorkshire, hiking the Minster Way between York and Beverley. Here’s my complete guide for doing the trail!
What is the Minster Way?
The Minster Way is a 53-mile trail between the cities of York and Beverley in Yorkshire. Other reports might say it’s 50 miles – but I actually walked it and my mileage clocked in at 53 miles in total! The trail connects York Minster and Beverley Minster, so you can walk in the footsteps of pilgrims who would have journeyed between the two stunning churches. Today, the trail mainly passes through countryside, fields, farmlands, and small villages. I did this hike over 3 days. You can choose to start the trail in either Beverley or York. I chose to start in York and finish in Beverley, simply because accommodation was easier this way for the dates I was walking.
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Where is the Minster Way?
The Minster Way is in North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire. Leaving York Minster, it goes through Stamford Bridge before entering the Yorkshire Wolds. Traveling through Bishop Wilton, Millington, and North Dalton, the route visits Bainton and Lockington before finishing in Beverley. The trail crosses the boundary between North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire in Stamford Bridge.
Minster Way: 3-Day Itinerary
I split the Minster Way into three days of walking. You could possibly do it over two days, and you can certainly spend longer on the trail. Here is my mileage for walking the Minster Way in three days:
- Day 1: York to Bishop Wilton – 23 miles
- Day 2: Bishop Wilton to North Dalton – 13 miles
- Day 3: North Dalton to Beverley – 17 miles
Although this multi-day trail is rural, it’s not isolated. You’re regularly passing through villages or small towns – just keep in mind they may not have any shops or facilities. The reason I chose to break up the trail this way was mainly because of accommodation, and access to transport.
Where to Stay on the Minster Way
Although I spent two nights on the trail, I actually one stayed in one property during my walk. I was too late in booking and there was no room at the inn, so for my first night I took the bus back home to York! (I then got a ride back to Bishop Wilton the next morning, thanks Emily!) Had there been availability, I would have stayed at the Fleece Inn in Bishop Wilton, which has rooms.
For my second night, I stayed at the wonderful Star Inn in North Dalton. This is a fantastic pub! My single room was cozy, with a very comfy bed and nice view over the pond. The real highlight was the food – I had a “child’s portion” Sunday roast when I arrived, and it was massive! Breakfast the next morning was similarly excellent. I felt ready to hit the trail after that full English! It was convenient to stay in the village and to simply wake up the next morning and start walking.
How Much Does it Cost to Walk the Minster Way?
Your total cost for this multi-day hike will obviously vary depending on how many days you’re spending walking, and your accommodation and food choices. I stayed in York (for free) for the first of my two nights, and also stayed in York at the end. This meant I only paid for bus fares. I was also very lucky that my friend drove me from York out to Bishop Wilton on the morning of Day 2, saving me money on a taxi. I bought my own food, including lunch and snacks, before I left. My single room at the Star Inn in North Dalton was £75. In total, I spent £144.75. This included my food, accommodation, transport (buses), and a few well-deserved pints.
Tips for Hiking the Minster Way
While the Minster Way is a long-distance trail, it’s not necessarily well-signposted. I’m aware that most people start in Beverley and finish in York. But I started in York and didn’t see my first Minster Way signpost until 8 miles in! There were several times when the online route deviated from the signposts. Be sure to have a map of the trail beforehand. I use the OS Maps app for all of my hikes in the UK, including walking the Minster Way. You can use AllTrails, but I find OS Maps is far more detailed.
I don’t know if I had phone signal for most of the trail, as I hike with my phone on airplane mode to save battery (and avoid distractions). But there were probably some areas where I didn’t have signal, so I’d recommend downloading maps offline in advance.
You should pack plenty of snacks, and plan where to eat lunch before you go. Not every village has a pub or cafe where you can get food, and you definitely don’t want to walk on an empty stomach for hours.
The trail goes through lots of fields and farmland, which is very exposed. Be sure to have sunscreen and a hat, as well as a rain jacket, rain pants, a dry bag, and a backpack cover. I was lucky with the weather and it didn’t rain once for the entirety of my three days on the trail! It was hot in the sunshine at times, and I regularly applied sunscreen all day. Most of the terrain on this walk is fairly easy – there’s barely any elevation gain. However, I still recommend sturdy hiking boots with some ankle support (like my Scarpa Mistrals) and hiking poles. Walking long distances for several days in a row takes a toll on your body!
Both York Minster and Beverley Minster have set opening and closing times. Check these in advance if you are wanting to go inside! Beverley Minster is free, but York Minster charges an admission fee. I was racing across Beverley to reach the minster before it closed at 4pm, which I really don’t recommend after walking 53 miles, lol.
Minster Way: Day 1 Highlights
York Minster
Of course, this is one of the most beautiful churches in the entire world (in my humble, unbiased, opinion), so it’s the perfect way to start – or end – your journey. There is a lot to see inside the minster, from the spectacular chapter house ceiling and fun carvings, to the Roman ruins in the Undercroft museum. Don’t miss the Great East Window, which is the largest collection of medieval stained glass in the country.
Millennium Bridge
I’ve been across Millennium Bridge in York many times. But it’s still a great sight to see as you’re walking out of the city through Fulford! The footbridge was finished in 2001 and has been an important river crossing for pedestrians and cyclists since.
River Derwent
One of my favorite sections of the Minster Way was actually a part I’d done before – along the River Derwent, between Kexby and Stamford Bridge! This is one of the best walks to do around York. It’s a peaceful stroll along the river, and you might see some birds like herons and swans here.
Stamford Bridge
This village is known for being the site of the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, when King Harold’s English army defeated the Norwegian. The battle has often been used to mark the end of the Viking Age. Besides its eponymous bridge, Stamford Bridge has a number of cafes, pubs, and shops.
A note that the Minster Way passes on public roads around the outskirts of HM Prison Full Sutton. This is a maximum-security prison for male inmates. You can see the prison buildings from the trail, and you pass by the entrance. There is nothing unsafe about this (in fact, it’s probably the safest part of the trail due to all the surrounding security!), but obviously do not do anything stupid like trespass or leave the road around here.
Minster Way: Day 2 Highlights
The hill near Bishop Wilton
Day 2 starts with a bang – a steep climb up a hill right outside Bishop Wilton. This was one of my favorite parts of the whole trail though, because of the view! You can see for miles and miles around the countryside, including all the way across to Drax power station. It was a taste of the great scenery to come on this day on the trail!
Millington
Millington is a cute little village in the Wolds, with a steep drop between the main part of the village and the lower part. Climbing up the hill outside the village also gave amazing views across the fields and rolling hills in this part of Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Wolds Way
The Minster Way connects with the Yorkshire Wolds Way (a National Trail) at the top of the hill outside Millington. The Minster Way briefly follows the Yorkshire Wolds Way, as well as the Chalkland Way, for a few miles. This was the best part of the whole trail in my opinion! The view over Sylvan Dale was stunning. The Yorkshire Wolds are the most underrated part of Yorkshire, and are so rewarding for those that do visit.
Minster Way: Day 3 Highlights
Pond outside Kilnwick
Most of the trail on Day 3 isn’t all that exciting, as it crosses large swathes of flat farmland. There is a pretty pond outside Kilnwick, which had a few dog walkers around when I visited. It was a nice chance to see some birds and get out of the sun.
St. Leonard’s Church, Scorborough
This is a beautiful church, right on the trail in Scorborough. It was built in 1859 and has an impressive steeple, which can be seen from a distance.
Beverley Minster
Of course, the real highlight of Day 3 is the grand finale: Beverley Minster. This is undoubtably one of the most beautiful parish churches in all of England, with a stunning west front and a history that dates back 1300 years. I was so relieved and proud to touch the wall and make it to the end point of the trail! Thankfully, I made it just in time so I could see the impressive nave, quire, and stone carvings. You simply can’t miss it on a visit to Beverley.
Planning Your Trip to Yorkshire
The most convenient place to base yourself for hiking the Minster Way is York. This has the most accommodation options and transport links in the area. Hull is another option, but it’s simply not as nice as York!
Planning on staying overnight in York? I’d recommend the following places:
- Budget: Safestay York or the Fort Boutique Hostel
- Mid-range: Hotel Indigo or Galtres Lodge
- Luxury: The Grand
While Leeds Bradford Airport is the closest airport, Manchester Airport is probably the most convenient, with far more flight connections. I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Be sure to download the OS Maps app – you can get a free 7-day trial, perfect for hiking a short multi-day trail like the Minster Way. Looking for tours in Yorkshire? Check out options below!
The Minster Way was a really fun hike for me. It proves that you don’t need to go far, or have a lot of time off work, to have an adventure! While there are more exciting trails in Yorkshire in terms of scenery, history, and attractions, this is a great one to do for peace and solitude, and understated views. Besides the section on the Yorkshire Wolds Way, I rarely saw other people on the trail. Starting and ending at the minsters was such a treat!
I didn’t find much information online about this walk before I did it. I also don’t personally know anyone who has done the whole thing! So, I hope this post helps planning your hike on the Minster Way in Yorkshire.
Have you walked any of the Minster Way before?
You might also like my posts:
The Best Walks in and Around York, England
The Wonderful Yorkshire Wolds: Hiking Around Thixendale
The Best Places to Visit in East Yorkshire
Beverley: One Place You Can’t Miss in East Yorkshire
A 6-Day Itinerary for Hiking Hadrian’s Wall
All of my Yorkshire posts!
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This hiking guide makes the Minster Way sound amazing! Really inspires me to explore more of Yorkshire’s beautiful trails. Thanks for the great tips!
Thanks for reading! 🙂