A mostly level circuit from Thirsk to South Kilvington, combining the Cod Beck picnic area, Whitelass Beck woodland and open farmland. Allow about two hours for the 6.4 km route, including gates, stiles and brief stops.
Start at the public Marage car park entrance on Marage Road. Follow Marage Road east to the riverside picnic path, then head north and cross the metal footbridge. Continue through the playing field, cross the small footbridge and follow the woodland path towards the weir. The Whitelass Beck path crosses several small bridges before reaching Stockton Road.
Cross Stockton Road carefully to the farm track and continue north on the field paths to Upsall Road. Turn left into South Kilvington, passing St Wilfrid's Church. Follow the signed Mill House lane, cross the mill-race and Cod Beck footbridges, then cross the B1448 carefully. Take the western field paths south towards St Mary's Church and return via Westlands Lane, Cemetery Road and Marage Road.
Expect muddy fields and livestock. Keep dogs on a lead around animals. Stockton Road and the B1448 are busy, uncontrolled crossings; wait for a clear gap. Kilvington Mill is private. Marage is a ticketless paid car park; pay on arrival and enter your vehicle registration. Thirsk has shops and refreshments.
Route reference: Thirsk Tourist Information, Ted's Walk 1 (visitthirsk.uk/pages/tedwalk1web.pdf), with a mapped Marage Road approach from the car park.