4.2
(14)
858
runners
94
runs
Jogging around Cawton offers a variety of routes through the scenic North Yorkshire landscape. The region is characterized by gentle hills, woodlands, and open countryside, providing diverse terrain for runners. Many trails traverse the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring a mix of quiet lanes and well-maintained paths. These running routes cater to various fitness levels, from easy jogs to more challenging runs with moderate elevation changes.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
5.0
(1)
5
runners
6.73km
00:45
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
runners
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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9
runners
16.7km
01:54
210m
210m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
9
runners
11.3km
01:15
160m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
8
runners
13.5km
01:36
200m
200m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
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Trails for every level
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Slingsby Banks 106.7m P18.1 (350ft) (Hill ID: 512535) [JNSA s15819] County of Yorkshire Definitive List summit. Howardian Hills National Landscape Definitive List summit.
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Slingsby Banks 106.7m P18.1 (350ft) (Hill ID: 512535) [JNSA s15819] County of Yorkshire Definitive List summit. Howardian Hills National Landscape Definitive List summit.
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A really easy track to follow from Cawton to Hovingham, and judging from others' photos, one that really ought to be visited through the different seasons. My photos are from a hot sunny weekend in May, when the countryside was a blaze of yellow with flowering rapeseed.
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Fryton Lane ends here, where it meets Fryton West Wood. Off-road parking for a couple of cars. Far-reaching views to the north across the Vale of Pickering. Great track to the east, through Fryton East Wood, which is blanketed in bluebells in Spring.
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This highlight lies on a great woodland route to follow that lasts miles if you start way west at Wath Wood just south of Hovingham, runs all the way east through Fryton West Wood, Fryton East Wood, Slingsby Banks Wood and Coneysthorpe Banks Wood, part of which is the Centenary Way. Useful off-road parking area here with room for around 5-6 cars. Great views north across Rye Dale and the Vale of Pickering, and large areas of the woods are blanketed with bluebells in spring. The route is a bit muddy in parts, but easy hiking.
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This is a lovely short stretch between Gilling and Ampleforth Abbey: some pastures (lots of sheep, always nice), along The Holbeck (a stream) and eventually lovely views of the Ampleforth Abbey from above before descending to the Ampleforth College and Abbey grounds. Warning! Take the second footbridge over The Holbeck. The first one appears to be on a waymarked local route, but if you cross over to the northern bank, you will come against an electrified fence in the field, and you cannot walk through that. Stay on the southern bank until you come across the second footbridge, and that is safe to follow.
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This segment of total of peace and quiet (and I mean pretty much total) in the countryside between Stonegrave and Hovingham is a combination of paths and wider tracks. Closer to its end (Hovingham-side), you will walk along a part of the dismantled railway that used to run between Pilmoor Junction and Malton from 1853 to 1954.
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There are nearly 100 running routes available around Cawton, offering a wide variety of options for different fitness levels and preferences. The area features a mix of easy jogs, moderate runs, and more challenging trails.
Yes, Cawton offers several easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed jog. An excellent option is the Ryedale Miniature Railway and Ampleforth Abbey loop from Park Wood — Howardian Hills, an easy 3.0-mile path with scenic views.
The jogging trails around Cawton are characterized by rolling hills, peaceful woodlands, and open agricultural land. Many routes traverse the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring quiet lanes and well-maintained paths.
Yes, many of Cawton's running routes are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. A popular choice is the Cawton and Stonegrave loop from Hovingham, a 4.2-mile trail through local villages and fields.
While jogging in Cawton, you can encounter several interesting landmarks. The Ryedale Miniature Railway and Ampleforth Abbey loop passes by notable sites. Other attractions in the wider area include the impressive Castle Howard and the historic ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and Byland Abbey.
Absolutely. For advanced runners seeking a challenge, Cawton offers routes with more significant elevation changes and varied terrain. The View from Baxtonhowe Hill – Coneysthorpe Chapel loop from Hovingham is a 10.3-mile trail leading through varied terrain including Baxtonhowe Hill, offering a more strenuous experience.
The running routes in Cawton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from more than 10 reviews. Runners often praise the scenic beauty of the North Yorkshire landscape, the variety of terrain, and the well-maintained paths through woodlands and open countryside.
While specific routes are not highlighted for cafes, many trails pass through or near local villages like Hovingham and Gilling East, where you may find opportunities for refreshments. It's always a good idea to check local amenities along your chosen route.
Access to Cawton's running routes by public transport can vary. Some routes may be accessible from villages with bus services. For detailed planning, it's recommended to check local bus schedules to nearby villages like Hovingham or Gilling East, which serve as starting points for several trails.
Many of the running routes around Cawton start from villages or designated parking areas. For example, routes like the Ryedale Miniature Railway and Ampleforth Abbey loop start from Park Wood, and others from Hovingham or Gilling East, where parking facilities are typically available.
Cawton offers enjoyable running conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also popular, though it's advisable to run earlier or later in the day to avoid the midday heat. Winter runs can be picturesque, but trails may be muddy or icy, so appropriate footwear is essential.
The woodlands and open countryside around Cawton, particularly within the Howardian Hills, provide excellent habitats for various wildlife. Running routes like The Avenue – Narrow Forest Singletrack loop from Gilling East, which goes through forest, can offer chances to spot local birds and other creatures, especially during quieter times of the day.
Many routes in Cawton offer scenic views, especially those traversing the Howardian Hills. The Slingsby Banks Summit loop from Hovingham provides elevated perspectives of the surrounding landscape, showcasing the gentle hills and picturesque countryside of North Yorkshire.


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