Hardy Guide rambling
page 16 A Guide to the Driffield Navigation Peter Hardy 1983.
Driffield is a good centre from which to undertake a ramble along the canal towpath and environment. Also by careful use of public transport a walk may be varied in length without returning by the same route. East Yorkshire Bus route No. [blank] serves the canal but times are irregular so check before leaving. Although the towpath is easy going, strong shoes are recommended, as is wet weather clothing. The walk described follows definitive recognised footpaths.
Leaving Canal Head by the new flats walk over the grass to the first lock. From here continue south of the canal and cross the Driffield Trout Stream by a small occupation bridge. Note the clear water of the Trout Stream springing from the chalk based Wolds. Continue across the fields to the Wansford-Skerne road and cross the canal at Wansford Bridge, a walk of just over 2 miles. This walk is described in a County Leaflet, "The Rudston Roam" available free from public libraries and information centres.
The rambler wishing to follow the towpath more closely should cross the canal at Whin Hill lock and continue along the opposite bank to Wansford. This small canalside village is attractive with a good inn/restaurant. Catch a bus from here back to Driffield.
From Wansford to Brigham the towpath is rougher underfoot but the countryside is peacecful and pleasant with views towards the Wolds in the west. At the small hamlet of Brigham, 1½ miles further the waterfront is particularly attractive. There are no facilities at Brigham but a half mile walk to the main road will meet the bus returning to Driffield.
Unfortunately the towpath is incomplete between Brigham and Bethel's Bridge. However a bridge over West Beck, demolished some years ago will be replaced by the Highway Authority now that the towpath is designated a public right of way. Wide open views, typical of East Yorkshire, reward the rambler on this section, a complete contrast from our claustrophobic cities. There is no public transport from either Bethel's Bridge or Struncheon Hill Lock, 3½ miles from Brigham.