Settrington Beacon

Before you start, just note that there is a stile right at the end of this walk which, when we did some of this this route the first time, had a gate next to it that would open, but this time was firmly tied up (maybe because of sheep) but there was no way to get Bill under it so he had to go over. Luckily there were 3 of us to lift him this time. 

1. We parked along Back Lane at a point just at the end of the lane and well off the track, on which you will return at Low Bellmanear Farm. Then turn right on the road and walk up the hill.

2. After about a 1/4 mile you will come to another stony track on your right to Wardale House which you turn up. As this is part of Settringham Estate a sign on the telegraph pole advises to keep dogs on a lead. 

3. Walk up to where the track turns left to the farm house, and carry on straight ahead across the grassy field with the hedge on your right. (there is no sign)

4. At the end of the field at the fence line where there is a wooded area on your left and right. There is a stile here but also a swing gate at the side. Go through the gate. 

10. Where there is a gap in the trees and you see a gate down to your left - ignore this (not like us - we took a short detour there and back when we realised our mistake!) and just keep on straight ahead towards the farm house, Wold House, up a fairly steep slope with the scraggly trees still on your left. 

11. With Wold House on your right, walk past it up to the fence line at the top of this sloped field where you will spot a yellow way marker plus another gate and a stile. The gate is tied shut, but it is possible to go through the fence to the left of it where it joins the other fence line coming up from the left. 

12. Once you have  negotiated  this, walk up straight ahead with the trees on your left and you will come to a stony driveway on which you turn left. This brings you to a road at the top. 

13. Cross straight over the road where you see a public footpath signpost, which takes you to a field.

14. This field had been completely ploughed and planted with peas, so you could not see the footpath at all - but it is there I promise! So, walk directly across it in a straight line. You can't really see where you are heading to until you are part way across but when you do see the hedge ahead, head for the tree and the hedge running away into the next field.

20. The path goes down to the valley bottom where we walked past a mass of cowslips on our right at one point, which was really lovely, so do this walk soon if you also want to see them.  You'll then come to a swing gate which you go through.

21. There were sheep on the other side (in fact there could be sheep at any point along here) and a sign which just read 'caution tree' - make of that what you will. We also walked past what looked like a crater but what I think was just a disused pit. You are looking across to the small village of Thorpe Bassett here 

Thorpe Bassett was listed in the Domesday Book compiled for William the Conqueror in 1086. In 1066 the Lords of Thorpe Bassett were the Normans Cnut and Gamal, Sons of Karli, and Ulfkil and the property was valued at £1. 

22.  At the end of this section is a footpath sign pointing you right along the Wolds way and Centenary Way. This path heads up hill again towards some woodland. Cue pausing lots as you amble up hill and there is another bench at the top so you could take advantage of this and have a breather.

23. Enter the woods through a wooden kissing gate or the swing gate next to it and follow the obvious path through the trees.

28. Follow the track down towards the farm and walk through the farm yard straight ahead following the signs for the Yorkshire Wolds Way and Centenary Way. 

29. At Screed Plantation turn right to follow the signs and then almost immediately left to walk down the edge of the Plantation. 

30. Halfway along this section you will spot a signpost pointing straight on and right. Turn right and follow the field edge with the hedge on your left. Those that have done our Cinquefoil and Fizgig Hills Walk will recognise the route from now on.

31. The path goes past Settringham wood on your left and to a swing gate which you go through to emerge at the top of Fizgig Hill. 

From our past investigations you may know that a Fizgig is a frivolous woman, fond of gadding about in search of pleasure. A fizgig is also a type of firework that hissed rather than banged.  Gig is another word that has had many meanings; Chaucer knew it as a fickle woman but Shakespeare considered it to be a child’s top. Fizz meaning bubbly came along much later, probably as an imitative sound. It may be the same word as the obsolete fise for a smelly fart.