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Improving access for all to Ormesby Hall estate

A dog in foreground walking through woodland with a family in distance
Connect with nature and enjoy a stroll through Pennyman Wood at any time of the year | © National Trust/Andrew Davies

Ormesby Hall’s new 3.1km (just under 2 miles) multi-user trail is now open, offering a free-to-use, accessible loop around the wider estate.

The route links parkland, farmland edges and woodland paths, including a beautiful stretch through Pennyman Wood, with an all-weather surface designed to be welcoming all year round. It’s open 7 days a week, and sits outside the pay-to-visit areas of the house and garden, so you can simply turn up and enjoy it.

Jointly funded by the National Trust and Sport England, the trail has been created to make it easier for more people to spend time outdoors close to home - whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll, a regular loop, or a simple way to explore nature as the seasons change.

What you need to know

A free, accessible all-weather loop for everyday use.

The multi-user trail is family-friendly and suitable for walkers, runners, wheelchair users, prams/pushchairs and cyclists.

Because it’s an all-weather surface, it’s designed to be comfortable in all seasons, from muddy months to summer evenings.

Check out the map before you visit.

Final touches still underway

While the main construction works are now complete, the trail will continue to settle over the coming weeks. You may still see our team and contractors carrying out small tweaks and finishing touches, which may include:

  • tidying woodland edges and verges

  • minor surface adjustments as it beds in

  • adding additional features such as benches in key resting spots

Thank you for bearing with us while we complete those final improvements.

It’s been brilliant to see people already making the trail part of their week. From families and dog walkers to runners, cyclists and wheelchair users. This is a place to slow down, take in the seasons and enjoy the wider estate at your own pace. We’re finishing the final touches now, but the trail is ready to be used and enjoyed.

A quote by Gail BuzzardNorth Yorkshire Coast and Tees Valley, National Trust General Manager
Front loader filled with gravel being driven in front of woodland
Construction has been ongoing throughout the autumn and winter, ready for spring 2026 | © National Trust/Andrew Davies

Why we’ve made these improvements

Following local consultation in 2022, we developed plans to improve access, accessibility and safety across the wider Ormesby Hall estate, and to open up more green space for people to enjoy.

The trail also helps strengthen links with surrounding routes and public rights of way, making it easier to build the Ormesby estate into a longer walk, run or cycle.

We hope these improvements will:

  • improve local connectivity between the site and freely accessible paths

  • make it easier for people to enjoy a safe, simple outdoor loop

  • create more opportunities for community groups and local partners to get involved

Improving natural habitats at the same time

Creating the multi-user trail isn’t just about access, it’s also been planned carefully to support nature across the estate.

The design has been guided by our specialists in ecology, wildlife and countryside management, helping to:

  • minimise vegetation clearance where possible

  • introduce root protection zones for trees

  • improve drainage and reduce erosion along key sections

As the trail settles in, it will continue to be a place to notice wildlife through the seasons, from winter woodland textures to spring birdsong and summer butterflies.

This is just the start

Now the trail is open, we’ll be sharing more ways to enjoy it through the year - from simple family-friendly ideas to community moments with local groups and partners.

Keep an eye on our channels for updates and seasonal inspiration as the estate changes week by week.

Latest updates

February 2026

Trail now open!

We’re really pleased to say the main construction works are now complete and the trail is open for everyone to use.

After one of the wettest January's on record, the path (and the surrounding woodland edges) still need a bit of final tidying. Over the next few weeks you may see our contractors and team carrying out small tweaks as the surface settles. Thank you for bearing with us while we finish those final touches.

This is just the start. More ways to get involved on the trail will be shared through the year, from simple family activities to community moments and gentle wellbeing-focused ideas.

Family enjoying trail during February half-term
The accessible all-weather surface loop that is family friendly and suitable for walkers, runners, wheelchair users, prams and cyclists. | © National Trust/Andrew Davies

Our partners

Sport England

Established by Royal Charter in 1996, Sport England's vision is to transform lives and communities through sport and physical activity.

Visit website 

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