字幕表 動画を再生する
-
It may be getting colder but winter is a wonderful time to get outside and go exploring.
-
Winter walks are a fantastic opportunity to visit some of English Heritage's
-
most atmospheric properties at their quietest.
-
To help you make the most of your winter adventures English Heritage
-
has a selection of walks that connect some of their most beautiful properties.
-
These walks are for people of all abilities and all fitness levels
-
and are a brilliant way to explore the landscapes that surround their historic sites.
-
Today we're on the North Yorkshire Moors walking the 2.5 mile route from
-
Helmsley Castle to Rievaulx Abbey. It's a gentle walk along paths and country lanes
-
although there are some steep steps and it can get a little muddy at times. It
-
takes about an hour and a half, and allow time to visit both properties.
-
You can walk this route in either direction but today we're starting at
-
the stunning Helmsley Castle because it's easy to get to and there's easy parking.
-
Before you get going make sure you plan your route on a map so you can fully enjoy the walk.
-
And also make sure to check opening times online so you don't miss out.
-
Be sure to also check out other English Heritage sites in the area,
-
especially the smaller free ones that you can include along your route.
-
You'll want to come prepared for the weather so warm clothes, decent outdoor shoes,
-
maybe even a waterproof are recommended. It's sunny now but this is England after all.
-
Originally contructed out of wood around 1120, Helmsley Castle has evolved over the centuries
-
from a mighty Medieval fortress to a luxurious Tudor mansion,
-
a Civil War stronghold and finally a romantic ruin.
-
There's plenty to visit so when you're planning your route
-
make sure you allow enough time to see everything at your own pace.
-
It's amazing to come and stand in such a historic place.
-
You just really get a sense of how much there would have been going on here
-
and how busy it would have been. You can really imagine what it would be like in the past.
-
We're now leaving Helmsley Castle,
-
walking along the Cleveland Way to the stunning ruins of Rievaulx Abbey.
-
According to a 12th century description, high hills surround the valley, clothed by trees
-
encircling it like a crown. Sounds absolutely stunning. Can't wait to take a look.
-
One of the best bits about this walk is that it's not too long so you'll have plenty of time
-
to enjoy both the historic sites and the stunning Yorkshire landscape. Something that I love to do
-
is imagine how a place would look and feel in the past and it's amazing to think that we
-
could be walking in the same footsteps as the Medieval monks who used to live in this area.
-
Most people drive to Rievaulx Abbey but walking here for us has been so brilliant.
-
As we approach from the valley we were just struck by how the Abbey
-
stood against the landscape and it just really added to our whole day.
-
The Rievaulx Abbey ruins are some of the most impressive and extensive monastic remains in
-
Britain today. What's amazing is that it survives almost to its full height with the east end of
-
the church dominating over the ruins. You can walk through the maze of monastic buildings
-
and really start to see where the Cistercian monks lived, worked and cared for the sick.
-
English Heritage members get free access to these sites.
-
This means that you can stay as long or as short as you like and come back as many times
-
as you like. So if you don't fit it all in in one trip you can come back again and again.
-
If you want to learn more about the site it's always worth speaking to English Heritage staff.
-
They have so much knowledge and they're always really happy to share it with visitors.
-
The other great thing about this walk is that there's a cafe so you can stop and reenergise.
-
Getting outside and exploring is an enriching and soul-filling experience,
-
particularly when you have others to enjoy it with you. I'm absolutely loving seeing more
-
and more people get into the outdoors and also sharing it with their own communities.
-
I used to think that you had to get away over winter but there is so much about winter in
-
England that you can really enjoy. Whether it's the dew and the frost on the ground in
-
the mornings or crisp wintery walks. Today we've really enjoyed visiting both of these
-
English Heritage sites and the walk that connects the two. It's been great to learn
-
about the history of the country and just to spend some quality time together out in nature.