The four rail trails, Hull to Hornsea, Hull to Withernsea, Beverley to Market Weighton and Market Weighton to Bubwith are ideal routes to use either for a short stroll, family walk or as part of a long distance route. They are criss-crossed by public paths and you can use the routes to make up some excellent short circular walks.
The rail trails can be used by walkers, cyclists and horseriders, but motorbikes are not permitted. We are working towards making the rail trails public bridleways, which will legitimise the rights that exist for cyclists and horseriders. In order to ensure that everyone has a safe visit, cyclists are asked to give way to walkers and horse riders and ride at an appropriate speed for the terrain.
Dog walkers are welcome to use the rail trails but please pick up after your dog. Bylaws are in place and apply to all our rail trails and open space within the East Riding. You may be requested to put your dog on a lead, or be requested to clean up after your dog if it fouls the land, by an authorised officer.
The vast majority of the railway lines are accessible by wheelchairs, although some routes have ramps that may be difficult for some users. In the winter months, unsurfaced sections can be muddy.
The rail trails are managed for access and wildlife and several sections of the lines are very important for wildlife. We are working towards producing management plans for our disused railway lines, and leaflets that will enable to the public to enjoy and learn from them as heritage and wildlife assets.
Please visit the Walking the Riding website for more information.
Walking the Riding (external website)
Hornsea Rail Trail
Hull to Hornsea
The trail starts in the North Hull estates and crosses into the East Riding south of Swine, it then follows the line of the old Hull Hornsea railway line for ten miles to Hornsea. The route is a permissive bridleway and offers a hard surface for walkers and riders. Two areas along the trail have been recognised for their conservation value and both the South and Sigglesthorne Station local nature reserves can be discovered on the trail. These reserves are managed in partnership with Hornsea and North Holderness Countryside Society, who always welcome new members wanting to lend a helping hand.
Roadside parking is available near Swine and a car park and picnic area is situated at the Skirlaugh crossing.
Hull to Hornsea Rail Trail (map) (pdf 17.7mb)
Howdenshire Rail Trail
Holme-on-Spalding-Moor to Bubwith
The trail starts to the West of Market Weighton on the A164 at Gallymore and runs for 9 miles to Bubwith. Passing through the agricultural landscape of Howdenshire it is virtually straight and flat. Some of the sections are wide open while the majority is made up of woody scrub which is in itself a valuable green corridor for wildlife, so help keep it this way and clean up after your dogs. It is full of interest and like the other trails is full with all manner of wild flowers, shrubs and trees.
Car parking is available at Bubwith Highfields, Lincoln Flatts and Harswell Station. This trail can be wet and muddy in winter months so be prepared.
Howdenshire Rail Trail (map) (pdf 19.6mb)
Beverley to Market Weighton Rail Trail (Hudson Way)
The Hudson Way runs from Beverley to Market Weighton 10 miles through the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds. The route is a permissive bridleway for walkers and riders however, this route can become muddy in the winter months. The trail supports a wealth of flora and fauna along its length with the Hudson Local Nature Reserve running for over three miles from the Kiplingcotes car park. The route is joined for the last few miles into Market Weighton by the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail.
Car parking is available at Pighill in Molescroft, Kiplingcotes, Goodmanham Dale and in Market Weighton.
Beverley to Market Weighton Rail Trail (Hudson Way)(map) (pdf 9.9mb)
South Holderness Rail Trail
Hull to Patrington
The trail starts in East Hull and runs for 12 miles to Patrington. Leaving the urban, industrialised start it passes through Hedon on its way East and the open countryside of Holderness. The trail is like a green ribbon through the agricultural landscape, giving access to the countryside. The trails later sections are managed for their environmental value and can be difficult to use on a cycle especially in early summer when the track beds are full of wild flowers.
Car parking is available in the station yard at Hedon.
South Holderness Rail Trail (map) (pdf 9.3mb)
If you have a enquiry about any of these rail trails please email countryside.access@eastriding.gov.uk.