Walks from Hessle

An urban route with more green space than expected and much of it following a surfaced cycle path. Generally easy going. Follows National Cycle Route 1 for much of the way; bus and rail options at both ends. Easier to follow with a GPX track as the urban setting makes navigation tricky.

Lunch: Plenty of shops along the way in this built-up area.

1 end-of-walk reward: the Old Lamp Room

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Across the Humber Bridge, then estuary path.

Walk details: Railwalks.

A largely off-road riverside route on a well-maintained tarmac path with views over the Humber and passing derelict dockside buildings; the path degrades to single earth-and-stone track in places. A grassy/wetland patch is densely overgrown with nettles and thorns (wear long trousers); exposed and windy by the river. Set to become part of the King Charles III England Coast Path. The overgrown section near Hessle is cut back some years to protect an insect that lives in the undergrowth. Achieves a largely traffic-free route into the city centre.

Warnings: A long section runs right alongside the busy A63 / Clive Sullivan Way dual carriageway, separated only by a flimsy wooden barrier, which is loud and feels unsafe; an overgrown nettle-and-bramble section near Hessle (wear long trousers); the area around the derelict St Andrew's Docks has broken glass, torn metal and debris, and the dock crossing/bridge at the end may be closed, forcing an inland diversion.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Reverse direction: Railwalks.

A varied route along the Humber Estuary, mostly a single riverbank path on grassy flood-defence track, with a beach-and-large-stones section at Ferriby Foreshore. It can be very muddy and tide times are critical: at high tide a long inland diversion via the Yorkshire Wolds Way through Long Plantation woodlands is needed. A step up near the Humber Bridge. The high-tide alternative follows the Yorkshire Wolds Way; the Transpennine Trail offers a route for wheels and pushchairs. Sturdy boots or wellingtons with gaiters advised; tide times available via BBC Look North. A Bronze Age boat replica outline and information board are at North Ferriby. Toilets by the Black Mill.

1 end-of-walk reward: the Country Park Inn

Warnings: Tide times are essential to check. The Ferriby Foreshore section is only passable at low tide and involves walking on the beach and large stones, unsuitable for less mobile walkers; storms can leave debris. At high tide a major diversion via the Yorkshire Wolds Way (poorly signposted, with road walking) is required. Very muddy after rain. Few rest stops or shelter. The pedestrian walkway disappears by the pub under the Humber Bridge, so watch for cars.

Walk details: Slow Ways.