This scenic riverside walk is accessed via Church Lane, Nether Poppleton and then a track which passes through Nether Poppleton Medieval Moated Site. The track leads to a railway bridge and after passing under the bridge leads to a series of flower-rich meadows and the River Ouse. It is possible to walk through several fields and then follow a track on the opposite site of the fields in order to return to the starting point.

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.

Churchfield is a public open space of approx. 3.5 acres with an enclosed dog walk area, children’s play area, an enclosed younger children’s playground and an open space of grass and trees known as Willow Garth.

Cared for by:
Local volunteers – Churchfield Open Space Committee (COSC)

A large grassy open space adjacent to Eighth Avenue is a great place for walking a dog, exercising or playing ball games.

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 ‘village green’ appears to have no official name, but is characterised by the presence of a large fruiting pear tree and a well hidden seasonal pond.

A green space in the heart of Woodthorpe, the site of the annual Woodthorpe Carnival. The field has a couple of goal posts. A good place for relaxing or playing ball games.

Cared for by:
City of York Council