Easby Abbey Circular: Racing Storm Dave

It was a wild, windy morning with Storm Dave looming on the horizon, but I wasn't about to let a bit of gusty weather ruin the plan. I’ll be honest: outside of the historic sites at the start and end, this walk is a bit of a quiet one, consisting mostly of farmlands and road stretches. However, if you're a history buff, the start of this trail makes the whole loop worth it.

The Abbey of St. Agatha (Easby Abbey)

You start the journey at the magnificent ruins of Easby Abbey. Founded in 1152, this was a Premonstratensian abbey—home to the "White Canons." Unlike many other abbeys that were tucked away in total isolation, Easby sits right on the banks of the River Swale. The highlight is the refectory, which is still incredibly imposing today. It’s easy to imagine the canons dining there nearly 900 years ago while the wind howls through the stone arches just like it did today!

The Church of St. Agatha

Right next to the ruins is the Church of St. Agatha. While it looks modest from the outside, it is a hidden gem of North Yorkshire. It dates back to the 12th century and contains some of the most famous medieval wall paintings (frescoes) in the UK. These paintings were covered up during the Reformation and only rediscovered in the 1800s. They depict scenes like the Creation and the life of Christ, and seeing them in person is a genuine "wow" moment.

The Route Reality

Once you leave the history behind, the trail heads through farmlands before joining a rougher path as you skirt past Richmond. There is a fairly long stretch that winds beside a busy A-road, which isn't the most relaxing experience,especially with the wind picking up. The loop eventually brings you back through more fields to the start.

Verdict: Great for a history fix or a quick blast of fresh air before a storm hits. Just bring sturdy boots for the rougher paths and keep your wits about you on the road sections—many don't have pavements!