YWT Strensall Common — Attraction in Strensall with Towthorpe

Stunning heathland/pine woodland area. Quite boggy in winter even on footpaths so bring wellies. Beautiful range of wildlife: lots of rabbits, squirrels, birds and even some deer! Be wary that flocks of sheep freely roam some areas. Car parks at either end are both fairly small but they're often empty, so chances are you'll be fine. Earlier in the morning it's less busy but there are many dog walkers. Some real, true beauty spots here. Some paths are so untravelled that exploring can feel like a true adventure. Be wary that parts of the common are MOD territory and are in the vicinity of firing ranges. When shooting is being done, these areas - which make up the largest part of the common - are not accessible. Shooting is done on specific days of the week, you may be able to find out their rota online, but I don't remember.

Have...

When I first came across the common,walking along this track, there laid prone out half on the track half on the grass . I said what are you doing , he’d marked out a grid using string like a checkers board ? His reply was I’m investigated these micro flowers and went on to give there Latin name . These flowers he said are attracted to vibration hence near the track and Strensall common is the only place in the country where they can be found . Amazing. The common is that huge I couldn’t tell you where that track is now . What a great place. Take food and drinks . Oh and don’t get lost. Oh yes , look out for the Christmas tree with fairy lights hidden in the wood in winter . People so...

What a lovely place to both exercise and walk the dog. Apparently it's the largest common in England. Everyone I met whils walking my dog was both informative helpfull and friendly and I had a most refreshing coffee from the local shop at Strensal and the staff there were also friendly...