Route diagram, drawn from the recorded track — for the shape of the walk, not for navigation. Carry OS Explorer on the hill.
Three and a half miles round the edge of one of the last lowland heaths in the Vale of York, an hour and twenty minutes of nearly level walking over wet heath, birch scrub and sandy track with a railway crossing to treat with respect. Roadside parking only, in the lay-by at the Common Road level crossing or near the cattle grid where the road enters the common; the number 1 bus from York serves Strensall village half a mile away. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust asks that dogs stay on a lead on the surrounding paths and off the common itself, because this is a nationally important heath with nightjar, woodlark and other ground-nesting birds and the law requires a lead no longer than two metres on open access land between 1 March and 31 July; much of the neighbouring heath is also a live Ministry of Defence training area, so obey the red flags and signs absolutely.
A child and dog friendly village pub a few doors along from the Ship, with dogs welcome in the bar area and a water bowl always down. There is a resident pub dog to do the greeting, plus a garden and a big screen for the sport. A sensible finish to a walk along the Foss.
A family-run village pub near the River Foss that calls itself a proudly dog-friendly establishment, with well-behaved dogs welcome on the lead indoors as well as out. The spacious beer garden is the obvious spot after a circuit of Strensall Common. Real ales, homemade food and an unfussy welcome.
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