York Has Medieval Walls Which I Learned One Can...

York, United Kingdom

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Posted:  Thursday, January 4
Runner:  Caitlin Adams

York has medieval walls which I learned one can walk on. I decided to run them instead (there were no water fountains I noticed; there are bathrooms - I believe they cost something - just south of Bootham Bar; and the run is about 2.5 miles on the walls themselves - though I started a mile away - making it about 3.5 miles). I started early - 7am to 8 am - because I didn't want to run down the walkers. I started a mile away from the city (because I was staying there) and ran south along the east bank of the River Ouse. I turned left at Marygate Street (for about 400 meters) and then right on Bootham Street (for about 150 meters) to Bootham Bar (the medieval gate which you can not miss). I ran up the steps to the right of the gate and was on the wall. I stayed on the wall until the section ended at Peasholme Green Street, ran down the steps, stayed a little left, over Layerthorpe Bridge, then right on Foss Islands Road for about 450 meters, and the walls start again to the right (after Navigation Road). The wall continues to Fishergate Postern Tower. Then I turned left off the walls and turned right almost immediately to follow Tower Street. Then I ran over the Skeldergate Bridge to rejoin the walls at Bishopgate Street & Cromwell Road. Then followed this longest section of the walls to the end at Lendal Bridge, ran over Lendal Bridge to Museum Street, made a left into the Museum Gardens, ran around the ruins of Saint Mary's Abbey in the Gardens (just running around the paths provided until I emerged from the trees and saw the ruins) and cooled down there, stretching and all. Then I explored the city a bit before I walked the mile back to where I was staying. It is a beautiful and fun run to do. I hope my description is not too involved (I know it is long!). One can buy a map of York, and even a map of the walls specifically, from the Travel Information Center inn York. Have fun!

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