The Wold Rangers Way

Distance: 44-miles (circular)
View Map: The Wold Rangers Way
Download Map: The Wold Rangers Way Map
Purchase Maps: Here on our website and also available from The Little Book Emporium, Driffield (see Partners page for details)
Download GPX File: The Wold Rangers Way GPX  
(You may need to right-click this link to download)

You can walk the 44-mile route in any direction and start and finish wherever you like along the trail, however, it was originally planned to be walked in a clockwise direction starting from Market Place in Driffield and our maps and walking guides reflect this.

A multi-day walk (eg over 4-days): 
Using the QR codes on our map, or by looking for places to stay on our website, you may want to walk the Wold Rangers Way (WRW) over a few days, taking your time to appreciate the stunning Wolds scenery and beautiful historic villages that you pass by. We recommend breaking down the WRW into 4-legs and walking 10-12 miles/day over 4-days.

The WRW Challenge ('The Wold Rangers Way in a Day'): 
The 44-mile Wold Rangers Way (WRW) is quickly becoming an iconic challenge walk with individuals and groups taking on the challenge of completing it within a day.  For more details and useful support information please read on....

Planning your challenge:
Below, we focus on providing useful information for those who intend to tackle the WRW in a day. Please emember, we are here to help and give you advice - so please get in touch when you start planning your challenge (email nowthen@woldrangersway.org)

FITNESS - Have a Training Plan: We are able to supply a training plan which may help you prepare for the challenge. Of course, it doesn't guarantee you'll be able to complete the WRW: mental training, facing and dealing with adversity, pushing through being tired, all will help contribute to a successful attempt.  Also the physical challenge of carrying a rucksack for 44-miles needs to be considered and trained for too. Walking our Trods is a great way to train - they are all circular and progressive in distance, so an ideal to build the miles in your legs.  There are also many LDWA events which are worth doing, for example the 'Woldsman 30' in April (from Driffield Show ground) which is excellent preparation for walking long distances and it's on the Wolds). 

KIT: This kit list obviously varies depending on the time of year you are walking the WRW and how much support you have - for example, our guided WRW 'in a day' provides ample support with a drop-bag containing your extra kit moved between checkpoints.  That said, this is is our recommended kit list:
- Waterproof Boots/Walking Shoes, Waterproof Coat, Waterproof Trousers, Gaiters, Spare Layers, Warm Hat/Sun Hat, Gloves.
- Head Torch (spare batteries), Battery Bank (for recharging phone, torch etc.), What3Words App loaded to phone, OS Map (see below), Compass, (GPX File), Whistle, Emergency Blanket/Bag
- Personal First Aid Kit, Personal Medications, Sun Cream
- Water/Liquids, Dehydration Tablets, Energy Snacks, Food - sufficient for the walk
- On our guided walk we ask you to bring a drop-bag with spare kit that is made available at Checkpoints throughout the day. The drop-bag needs to be labelled with your name and mobile number. The walk leader will also ask for details of your next of kin/friend should you need to be uplifted from the event at any time.

Map. We recommend you get yourself an OS map. You will actually need three to cover the whole route but we recommend going on the OS Website and order Custom Made Personalised Maps - this way you will have the entire 44-mile route on a single sheet map. If you use the Grid Reference SE9387 6083 or Postcode YO253EZ this will centre the map. You can even add your own photo to the map cover! 
 

Compass. We recommend that you carry a traditional compass and know how to use it.  We know that most smartphones has a compass but they rely on having battery power. There's no substitute for knowing how to use a map and compass to navigate, especially in poor weather.  It's easy to stray off the right path and then find yourself somewhat 'lost' - having good map reading skills and the ability to orientate yourself is essential for any long distance walk   We no longer recommend the use of What3Words as a primary way of identifying a specific place and blue-light services don't recommend it either (as words can often be misread or misheard).  We recommend the use of grid references using your OS map or by using the GPS OS App on your smartphone.

Checkpoints: We have a tried and tested spreadsheet showing each location where the WRW crosses a road (Grid ref and What3Words) which simplifies the task of planning any support you might need. It also gives the distance between checkpoints and timings based on average walking speeds.

Are you ready? We challenge you to answer these 4 simple questions...
1. Do I have the right FITNESS ? - physically and mentally to walk 44-miles in a day (therefore at a reasonable pace)
2. Do I have the right KIT ? - the WRW terrain is varied
3. Do I know what the WEATHER will be like? over 44-miles the weather can change several times in a day
4. Am I confident that I have the KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS for the day?

After your challenge:
Completion Medal. After a well deserved rest, for those who complete the WRW in under 24-hours there is a unique medal available. You can claim your completion medal by contacting us (via email or Social Media) providing details of your walk from your favourite walking App (Relive, Strava, MapMayWalk etc.) - plus, we always like to see a few photo's too. Medals cost just £3.00 each (plus P&P or can be collected in Driffield by arrangement).

Still Need Inspiration? 
Here are some thoughts from people who have completed the WRW challenge...

Tanya says "WRW in a day, what a challenge, what an experience. It’s not easy, but it is so amazing. I signed up for the first WRW in 2021. I soon realised that, despite being fit enough to run, bike, swim and go to the gym, I was not fit enough to walk 44 miles in a day. I had not walked enough and I pulled out four weeks before to let someone on the waiting list have the opportunity to do it.

In 2024 I walked it for the first time, in 2025 for the second time, and if I can obtain a place I will be back in 2026 and beyond. However, for both 2024 and 2025 I trained so I would be walk-fit. Short walks between three and nine miles before breakfast. Weekend walking, starting at five miles and ending with one weekend when I did 20 miles on the Friday, 20 miles on the Saturday and 16 miles on the Sunday. It is amazing how far I can walk while singing along to cheesy pop songs! I also realised that if we wanted to finish in 15 hours, we needed to walk at 20 mins a mile, for 44 miles with no break. This means that round Driffield I needed to be walking at 15 mins a mile to allow for breaks, and the different challenge of walking on the Wolds at the speed needed. For 2026 I intend doing more evening walks: stamina is needed when it’s 7pm, having been on your feet hiking for 14 hours, with several miles still to go………

The WRW fits in with my life, it is one of the things I like to do to encourage me to stay fit and healthy. If you can walk 20+ miles and rise the next morning to do it all over again, then give it a go. But it is a mental and physical challenge and can’t be done without training for it!"

Georgina says "What can I say about the WRW. Well, the words epic, amazing, hard long and challenging spring to mind. I have walked the 44 miles every year since the launch 4 years ago. Every year I sign back up again and then question my sanity. I am however ready to sign up again. 

This walk is not for the feint hearted and requires physical ability and a level of mental strength as it an endurance challenge. The last several miles are simple mind over matter. I am a walker anyway, it is one of my passions in life. To achieve the 44 miles in one day you do need to train even if shorter walks but more often. I am a gym goer as well and regular attend 4 or more classes a week.

The WRW is one the most amazing things I have achieved in my life, the comradery and friendships forged in one day over the long walk are a wonderful thing. I have met friends for life on this walk and built relationships with like minded people I would otherwise never have met. 

However, it is a challenge and one that even though I have completed it 4 times, I still feel the need to prepare mentally and physically for. It is to be enjoyed though and I fully intend to enjoy it for as long as my body allows."

Liz says "The Wold Rangers Way walk is one of the most incredible walks I have ever done, set in a beautiful location and not to be taken lightly.

I'm an experienced walker, walking predominantly in the Lake District but with most walks there it means long steep hills! The Wold Rangers Way isn't as hilly in comparison but this does not mean it is easy.  It's not! You need a very good level of fitness, the ability to be on your feet all day and a strong mental attitude to finish. At the start its lots of friendly chit chat, meeting new people etc but after 35/40 miles its heads down to complete the task ahead. 

I've completed this walk 4 times now. Each time being completely different but gorgeous in every way. I like to do it as part of the walking festival as its well supported and through this I've made friends for life. 

To complete this walk you need to be fit and used to walking long distances with the determination to get through it. The walk is very remote in parts so bear this in mind before you set off. If you plan to do it in one day you'll need a very early start and the ability to keep up a decent pace. Usually covering 3 miles an hour.  Always let someone know your plans, carry the correct kit and enough food for 24hrs. 

Put in the training prior to taking on this epic walk and the sense of achievement will literally make you feel on top of the world!"

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