Discover the delightful Woldian scenery of the East Riding of Yorkshire on this hike between Hull and York. Much like the famed Cotswolds, the Yorkshire Wolds offer up a spread of scenic landscapes, charming villages and cultural heritage. The cherry on top? A fraction of the crowds!

The East Riding of Yorkshire, often simply referred to as East Yorkshire, is a ceremonial county and one of Yorkshire’s historic subdivisions. It’s an area known for its coast, market towns and exquisite countryside.

The Wilberforce Way highlights the beauty of this area whilst also retracing the life of philanthropist William Wilberforce, a man celebrated for his tireless efforts to abolish the slave trade. The route starts in Hull where he was born, moves through Pocklington where he attended school, and concludes in York where he was declared MP for the county of Yorkshire.

Both cities hold high historical significance, York for its Roman and Viking history and Hull for its maritime past. The trail connects the two locations by ribbons of farmland, woodland and wetland meadows, dotted with idyllic towns and villages in between. Beverley is a particularly wonderful market town and is home to the impressive Beverley Minster, regarded as one of the most stunning pieces of Gothic architecture in Europe.

You can expect to take between three and seven days to complete the Way. My version completes the route in five. I’ve carefully crafted the walk so that each day begins and ends somewhere with accommodation options, shops, and places to eat. Hull is well-connected with a train station and various bus routes. Returning from York to Hull is straightforward, with a train ride lasting just over an hour.

Whilst some stages of the route present more of a challenge on the legs than others, there are no daunting mountains or rugged terrain to conquer, making it accessible and enjoyable for walkers of all abilities. You’ll need a good pair of boots, waterproofs (just in case), and sunscreen.