Sutton Woods

1.  Park in Elvington village along Main Street (near the Grey Horse pub, village green or shop - which sells various drinks or snacks that you can take with you), being mindful of access, then walk towards the edge of the village heading to Sutton on Derwent. Go through the traffic lights at the bridge. Keep to the left on the bridge and be careful of traffic; if you see something coming you can step off the road in the middle of the bridge into a safer area. Just after the bridge turn left along the far side of the river at the public footpath sign.

A bridge, which may have replaced an earlier ferry, was first recorded here in 1396. The current bridge probably dates from the late 17th century when Robert Holme, a York merchant, left money to build a new one. In the mid-19th century coal yards lay on the river bank near the bridge and the river was used as a trade route. 

2. Follow the path alongside the river and the canal barges where you will spot hand painted canal art that you can buy.  After the first field on your right go through the fence / hedge line and carry on along the river. There are lovely views of the River Derwent along here but it does sometimes become inaccessible when the river levels are high. To the right of the footpath are lovely open spaces where dogs can have a fantastic run off lead. 

3. Go through the next kissing gate at the river and cross diagonally over this next field to the woods. There are sometimes sheep in this field but usually much further up so it's generally safe to keep dogs off lead if you want to. Go through the kissing gate over the wooden bridge and go up into the woods, being careful of the sometimes-slippery surface and exposed tree roots here.

8. Follow the path the way you came in, out of the woods, diagonally back across the field and then follow the river edge path, with the river on your right, all the way back to the bridge.

9. At the bridge turn right to cross back over the river, again keeping to your right on the bridge for safety, and, just at the other side, cross the road to the footpath that runs along the other side of the river (the river now on your left). Follow this path alongside the river walking past the locks and the lock house. 

The River Derwent was improved for navigation in the early 18th century and by 1723 a cut with a lock had been made at Elvington, bypassing a new weir across the river. A lock-keeper's house had been built by 1782 but the present house, which can be seen over the river, dates from the 19th century. The Derwent was closed as a public waterway in 1932 and the lock subsequently decayed, but it was restored for pleasure craft in 1972.  

10. Keep following the path alongside the river. If you look to your right you can see the grounds of Elvington Hall, where you may spot a rhinoceros, elephant and a giraffe!  Elvington Hall was rebuilt by the Sterne family (the writer Lawrence Sterne was a member) in the later 18th century. It remained the manor-house until 1881. The house was remodelled in the 20th century but the oldest part is the north front, which may be 17th-century in origin. 

Cross over the small bridge on the stream and up, what can sometimes be a muddy path, which heads back to the road at Church Lane. 

11. Go through the gate and turn right to walk up the road past Holy Trinity Church. This road will take you back up to the village green, the shop and the Grey Horse pub. An alehouse was licensed in the village from 1754 onwards and in 1823 it was called the Bay Horse. Since at least 1840 it has been known as the Grey Horse and, as a dog friendly pub also with tables on the green in the summer, is a great place for a drink or a bite to eat before heading home.