A former railway line, the Foss Islands path was originally built to bring workers to the Rowntrees chocolate factory as well as goods to a gasworks and a power station. After the railway line closed the path was converted into a very useful off-road route through the city which has proved to be very popular with cyclists and walkers. The route crosses the River Foss and is has wooded areas and flowers along its length. The route also features several unusual industrial metal sculptures along its length.

In 2014 a series of three wildflower meadows were created along Poppleton Road by a group of keen volunteers. The intention was to create a colourful tribute to those who had died during the First World War. The meadows remain and the colourful flowers and planted trees and shrubs attract a good range of wildlife. On the northern site a large metal sculpture is known as the Carriage Workers Memorial and this was built in honour of all those who worked in the nearby railway carriage works.

In 2014 a series of three wildflower meadows were created along Poppleton Road by a group of keen volunteers. The intention was to create a colourful tribute to those who had died during the First World War. The meadows remain and the colourful flowers and planted trees and shrubs attract a good range of wildlife. On the northern site a large metal sculpture is known as the Carriage Workers Memorial and this was built in honour of all those who worked in the nearby railway carriage works.

Railway to Greenway Project

For hundreds of years, the favoured route from Selby to York was by boat or barge along the River Ouse. Then, in 1871 the railway line was opened. It remained the East Coast Main Line from London to Edinburgh until the creation of the Selby Coalfield forced its diversion in 1983. Today you can follow the route on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.

The Railway to Greenway project charts the history of this route, exploring the impact of the changes on local communities. Its an ongoing project with regular new additions. We will shortly be adding some fascinating history of the impact of the railways on the City of York.

Comments or additional material always welcome.

​Watch our Greenway video and York TV interview about the project, or visit the Railway to Greenway website for more information.

​Askham Bar Access

Works to the access near the Askham Bar Park and Ride will go ahead in March as part of the council’s Tadcaster Road contract. 

Apart from improvements to the access from Tadcaster Road the tunnel will be cleaned up and the surface renewed as far as the new football pitches. After that York Greenways intends to put a new sign facing the road and install a mural under London Bridge.

WildYork map is unable to show the extent of the Solar System Greenway cycle and walking route. Please visit the Greenways website for more information about the route.

This green space is comprises an off-road route through Rawcliffe with lots of grassy areas suitable for play and hedgerows attractive to wildlife along one side. There is also a wooden tower where fires are lit during national celebrations.

Cared for by:
City of York Council

This small site is off Fulford Road, past the Steiner School. A path from the Millennium Bridge runs through the allotments, so this site is easily accessible from the South Bank area by foot or bike.
The allotments are located between the river and the Fulford Cross nature reserve, so there’s birdsong and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a friendly site with a mix of new and long-established gardeners.

Cared for by:
York Allotment Charitable Incorporated Organisation (YACIO)

This is a large open area of grassland, with a few stands of mature and younger trees. There are several access points around the perimeter allowing to cross it as a route in various directions including connecting to other foothpaths through open grassland to the north. The remnants of the historic Monk Stray are divided into four distinct areas: The grassy parkland known as Heworth Stray, two areas of rough grazing land to either side of the Malton Road, and the privately leased golf course.

Cared for by:
City of York Council

A golf course since 1906, with an avenue of Lombardy Poplars, several mature trees and areas of scrub, and denser more extensive woods toward the southern end. There is a chance of seeing deer and barn owls. The road which runs lengthways along the eastern edge is a public right of way and takes you over the ring road, beyond which point it becomes a track bordering farm fields leading up to Heslington Tillmire. There are several other footpaths leading off this route which loop back towards Heslington and Fulford.

Cared for by:
Fulford Golf Club

A long riverside footpath and cycle track leading from the city centre all the way out to Skelton. This section goes between Scarborough rail and bike bridge to Water end, and has a large flood plain with levy banks. There are many mature and young trees including, Lombardy Poplar, Willow, Lime, Maple and Walnut. This area regularly floods in the winter.

Allotment site within the area of Halifax college with access via a footpath from Main Street, Common Lane, and paved access from Holmefield Lane. Plot holders are not restricted to the university.

Cared for by:
University of York