Dog Walks around Ampleforth Woods
Posted on September 22nd, 2025 by Sproxton Hall Cottages
Wass and Pry Rigg comprise 663 hectares of mixed coniferous and broadleaved woodland at the southwest corner of the North York Moors National Park. From the holiday cottages, they are the woodlands seen on the hillside when looking towards Ampleforth. They are a short drive or accessible via mountain bike or a longer country ramble from Sproxton Hall Cottages.
This guide covers some suggested routes. Walks comprise well made tracks or forest grassland paths, with very few dog walkers or other visitors (most often we don’t see anyone else when walking these routes), and the tranquil setting is perfect for listening to bird song whilst walking along the tree canopies – we heard 18 different species when we walked this route in September including buzzards, tree creepers, woodpeckers, and crossbills, and there’s plenty of plant life to explore throughout the seasons. You might see deer in the woods and almost certainly pheasants. In wet weather you can take a linear rather than a circular route to stay on the gravel track rather than grassy paths through the trees. The routes contain several up and downhill sections. Distances – estimated at 2 to 3 miles depending on route.
Driving
In less than a mile turn right towards Ampleforth. The road leads uphill through trees past Golden Square campsite. At the top of the hill, turn right and follow the road for about a mile. Look out for some farm storage buildings on the left set back from the road. The parking area is opposite the entrance near the Forestry England gate. It is rare to find another car parked here but if busy there are other parking spaces along this road.
Walking or Cycling from the Cottages
Turn left out of Sproxton Hall Cottages and at the top of the village turn left on the B1257. As you go down the hill out of the village take the small right hand lane (just after the cottage on the right). The lane leads through a farm yard (please keep dogs on leads) and past the farm houses. There are dogs in kennels that can be noisy as you pass. Continue uphill and the track takes you up the side of fields. At the top of the path is Ampleforth/Pry Rigg woods. There are gravel tracks left and right, and some woodland/grass routes intersecting the main route. To get your bearings, you join the track at point 5** below.
From your parked car
- Go through the gate and take the track ahead. Bear left round the corner. (On the way back you will come out through the woods straight ahead of you).
- The gravel track starts off flat before bending to the right and heading downhill. The track takes a steady route down through the trees before bearing right back uphill.
- As you reach the top of the hill you should be able to look out over the fields and see Sproxton in the distance. On a clear day you can see for miles.
- FOR A SHORTER WALK, as the track levels turn right when you see a path through a break in the trees. This takes you in a straight-ish line back to the car – pick up the directions at point 8.
- FOR A LONGER WALK, continue along the gravel track and you will pass a bridleway sign, with a track off to the left. The left hand route is to/from the cottages when approaching by bike**. Ignore this left turn to continue straight along the track (also ignore the left hand farm turning). After the farm entrance we have noticed vehicles using this route but it is still very quiet.
- Continue until you see a turning on your right and head towards the Forestry England buildings/storage. Keep straight ahead onto the grassy path between the trees. Can be muddy.
- When you reach a small clearing with an intersection of paths, head left.
- Look out for a corrugated sheet/shelter and take the right hand path. The path is narrower here through the trees. You’ll see some old machinery and fencing on your left. Continue past the fencing until you reach a small clearing – head left. You are now heading in a straight line back towards the main track/entrance gate.
Back at the car you can either continue on to the A170 junction, turn right down towards Sproxton (turn right on to the Malton Road at Duncombe Park gates) or retrace your route towards Ampleforth. If you turn right and head into Ampleforth there are two pubs, Hearts cafe and the cafe at Ampleforth Abbey. Heading back from Ampleforth to Sproxton Hall Cottages, pause to admire the views – can you spot the cottages?
PLEASE NOTE: ALTHOUGH WE CONSIDER THESE DIRECTIONS TO BE ACCURATE, WE ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEM. PLEASE FOLLOW THE COUNTRYSIDE CODE.