This is a relatively gentle walk on paths and then roads. The first section of the walk is on field edges, the middle section through woods, and the final section to Rievaulx Abbey is on roads.
The woods
When you turn right towards the abbey, there is river access
And a glorious riverside garden. Some people are very lucky.
Most of the road section of the walk is dominated by different views of the abbey.
Whilst the Abbey is English Heritage, the top of the hill to the right is Rievaulx Terrace, a National Trust property, which has a wonderful view of the abbey. This can be obstructed by foliage in summer.
Rievaulx Abbey is one of the more imposing abbey ruins in the area.
When walking back, the view of the ruin of Helmsley Castle is visible. For the last 30 minutes of the walk, different elements of the castle become visible or are hidden by the landscape. There are very few points when it all can be seen.
