Getting There
Sat Nav: YO26 7NN
Leave the A1(M) at Junction 46 to take the B1224 signed York, northbound 3rd exit, southbound 1st exit.
At the roundabout by the racecourse grandstand, turn left signed York B1224.
Enter Bilton-in-Ainsty and turn right, signed Bilton – Village Only.
Drive into the village to find The Chequers on the right, where the road peters out.
Return to A1(M) Junction 46
Turn left out of the car park to drive through the village, turning left onto the B1224.
At the roundabout, turn right (3rd exit) signed The North A1(M)/The South A1 Leeds and return to the motorway.
Bilton-in-Ainsty – The Chequers
Walk length: 20-50 minutes, or longer.
Boots/wellies useful in very wet weather.
Leave the car park to turn right down a track.
After 30m you will see a wooden sign indicating a public footpath to the right. Ignore this, and remain on the walker-friendly bridleway (in the direction of Healaugh) as the path had been overwhelmed by a rape field (in May 2007).
The bridleway is an easy route to follow, and is a former drove road for farmers taking their produce to market. It is still a broad track, and you just stay on it.
There's plenty for dogs to do, as there is an abundance of feisty rabbit families here, which are clearly professional dog taunters.
The track opens out after a short while, giving you a good view over the fields for several miles. There are fewer rabbits here, which will save you from trying to save the crops from being flattened by your hurtling hound.
This is not a circular walk, so turn around at your own halfway point to return to The Chequers.
Facilities
Gulf petrol station on B1224, left side, before Bilton.
Parking – in PCC car park adjacent to The Chequers.
The Chequers has a good local reputation for the quality of their food but, as most of the pub is now dining space, dogs are welcome only in the large outdoor beer garden. The owners are dog friendly, with a large black lab in residence.