Image shared for Thirsk: racecourse fields, Green Lane and Sowerby circuit
Countryside Circular

Thirsk: racecourse fields, Green Lane and Sowerby circuit

North Yorkshire

Distance
3.8 mi
Est. time
2h
Difficulty
Easy
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

A level circuit from Marage car park through the fields west of Thirsk, returning along Green Lane and through Sowerby. Allow about two hours for roughly 6 km, with time for gates, road crossings and the town's history boards.

Leave Marage towards St Mary's Church, cross Kirkgate carefully and follow Cemetery Road around the church to Newsham Road. Cross the road, turn right briefly, then take Westfield Lane behind the racecourse. Follow the field edges and the narrow copse beside the railway into the station car park. There is no railway crossing on this route.

At the station entrance cross the busy A61 carefully to the Old Red House. Take the public footpath through the kissing gate beside the pub and follow the field edges south. Cross the former railway track on the footpath; the old track itself is private. Turn left into Green Lane West, then use the pedestrian crossing over Topcliffe Road to continue along Green Lane East.

Turn left along Sowerby Road and take the surfaced path across Sowerby Flatts. At Chapel Street turn right, watching for traffic on the short section without a pavement, then take the passage into Nursery Gardens car park. Cross Finkle Street to the Little 3 and follow the public footpath through its archway and garden to Cod Beck. Turn left along Riverside Mews, cross Millgate carefully and return past the public toilets to Marage.

Expect town pavements, farm tracks and grassy field paths with kissing gates. The fields can be muddy after rain. The A61 crossing is unsignalised, so choose a clear gap and do not attempt it if traffic conditions make you uncomfortable. Keep dogs under close control around livestock. Cafes and shops are available in Thirsk; pub facilities depend on opening hours.

Marage is a council public car park. Charges apply 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, with free parking outside those hours and on Sunday. Check the machine for current charges and allow enough parking time for the walk.

Route source: Thirsk Tourist Information, Ted's Walk 2, checked against the council's October 2026 public rights of way data and current notices.

Walk details

Walk type
Circular
Category
Countryside
Distance
3.8 mi (6.1 km)
Est. time
2h
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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