Sittenham Wood and Sheriff Hutton Castle loop

Five miles of field path and green lane out of Sheriff Hutton, past the four broken towers of the fifteenth-century castle and the earlier Norman ringwork above the village, with fifty metres of ascent spread over two hours; a moderate rather than easy walk only because of the field gates and the mud. Park on the wide village street near the church and the castle field path leaves from the southern edge of the village; the number 21 bus from York serves Sheriff Hutton several times a day. The castle ruins themselves are fenced private land seen from the path rather than entered, the going is through working arable and pasture with livestock likely, and there are stiles a heavy dog will need lifting over; there is no reliable water, so carry some.

Homely village pub on The Square below the ruins of Sheriff Hutton Castle, known for homemade pies, well-kept real ale and generous Sunday lunches. Dogs are allowed in the small bar and the large beer garden only, so book ahead and mention the dog. The Foss Walk and the castle-field footpaths start on the doorstep.