How to explore The Snickelways of York, the narrow medieval passageways with the most delightful name!
One of York’s many charming features is its collection of small, sometimes downright tiny, footpaths and alleyways.
In fact, most of them you have to explore on foot because they are too small for vehicles. Yep!
With names like Nether Hornpot Lane, Lady Peckett’s Yard, and Finkle Street, you’ll feel like you’re exploring another world. Exploring them is absolutely one thing you should do on your next trip to York.
Earlier this year, I spent two days in York, as part of a 9 day trip to Scotland and England. Where I found one of the most delightful, engaging, and unexpected adventures I’ve had while traveling in a long time…The Snickelway Trail.
If you like wandering at a leisurely pace and taking in the details all around you, this is the perfect experience for you. Or if you’re curious by nature and just want to feel like a kid again, keep reading to learn a bit more about The Snickelways of York.
Exploring The of Snickelways of York
The first time I read the word Snickelway, it just about made me giggle. It seemed like something right out of the magical world of Harry Potter.
The word crossed my path while doing research for my spring break trip. Yep, I’m a planner. As a wellness travel coach, I’ve learned that intentional planning helps you better align with your well-being needs and travel dreams, making travel that much more awesome!
My curiosity was peaked.
So, the first stop after dropping my bags at the hotel, was the local bookshop. Where I was actually able to buy a book. Then I settled into my favorite self-care ritual, a leisurely afternoon coffee, to learn what The Snickelways of York were all about.
Snickelways are a collection of small streets and footpaths.
While the word seems like something out of an olde English story, it turns out that Snickelway is a blend of three words:
- snicket (meaning a passageways between walls or fences)
- ginnel (a narrow passageeway between or through buildings)
- alleyway
The word was coined in 1983 by local author Mark Jones in his book, A Walk Around the Snickelways of York. That was when he actually devised the walking trail that meanders the fifty snickelways within the city walls.
One of the things to love about the book, is that is completely handwritten and full of illustrations, making it an engaging read. Honestly, I found that the book matches the mood of the walk…it was fun.
I did the route in two chunks over two days, only because the weather turned from flurries to rain…guess that’s April for you! Not that I mind getting wet, but I was walking around with my book in hand, so stopping for a cozy and relaxing tea seemed like a much better idea than attempting to keep the book dry.
In fact, the walk is only 3.5 miles. Yet, stopping to appreciate the details and capturing the magic could easily turn it into a daylong adventure. With all of the cafes, restaurants and shopping along the way, it’s easy to mix the trail with other fun pursuits.
And of course, don’t forget to factor in time for some photography!
There are quite a few beautiful facades and Georgian doors along the way (of which I’m a cult kinda fan) so there are photographic opportunities at every corner.
Since it was early and snowing, there were very few people around. The unpopulated feel made it much easier to imagine what these spaces were like in a bygone era.
In fact, exploring old alleyways and period architecture, are some of the most interesting things to do in England. It’s the reason why London is always on my travel list too. So many layers of historic beauty and awe, so little time.
Wandering The Snickelways of York is an idyllic way to get a sense of the city’s history. Especially if you like exploring on foot, like me.
Really, who knew that meandering these small passageways could be so much fun!
The longest Snickelway is known as Coffee Yard and is 220 feet long. Getting lost on this long stretch felt like being a kid again.
Of course, the darling of the trail is the historic Shambles, one of the oldest streets in England.
The path winds smack dab through the photogenic timber frames, so be sure to take in the details. All of the lines and textures make it a dream spot for mindful photography.
Wandering this part of the city transports you to another place and time, which is pure bliss.
It would be easy to walk right by many of these hidden lanes without noticing a thing. Yet, exploring the trail and reading the book brought this little piece of history to life.
Wandering off the beaten path will reveal the nooks and crannies of secret York while giving you some breathing room from the tourists. And that kind of solitude is priceless in our modern day life.
I highly recommend following the entire trail mapped out by the author. But, you can also find a simple map on his website and go with the flow.
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience a sense of place in York, this is the ticket! Especially if you’re interested in tapping into photography as self-care when you travel.
Whether you capture the magic with your camera or smartphone, it will be an exploration of kid-like joy.
Happy wandering.
until the next time…
…live well – travel well – be well
More Inspiration…
- York: 5 Places to Wander with Mindful Photography in Mind
- 7 Wellness Inspired Things to Do in York
- Mindful Edinburgh: 8 Places to Find Travel Bliss
- 5 Beautiful Places for Leisure Walks in London
- 7 Places to Experience Venice’s Coffee Culture
