Despite having lived in the Acomb area for more than three years, there are still some lovely spots I’m only just finding out about by speaking to local residents and through my role on the Neighbourhood Forum.

Here’s a nice little walk we did with the kids and dog. There’s free parking along the whole route, and lots of places to eat and drink – full route map at the bottom.

Acomb Front Street: loads and loads of shops, cafes and points of interest, including the new Greengrocers and the excellent Chill Cafe. On the Saturday lunchtime of our walk the pedestrian area was buzzing with families and foot traffic.

Our first destination was Batchelor Hill, a little oasis hidden in a housing estate. As it’s name suggests, it’s a great viewpoint, with sight of the Water Tower, York Minster and Terry’s. Couple of negatives about this area – lots of broken glass in the little quarry areas, and no seating. We took a picnic but had to eat on the move. Great for dog walking, and a couple of little bike trails for the kids.

Next destination was Acomb Green, with it’s excellent play park. Great fun and well used on the first mild day of 2018!

We nipped to the Tea on the Green cafe to grab a couple of coffees to drink whilst the little one played. Lovely little place with a good selection of cakes and plenty of seating.

From the Green, we went to find Fishponds Wood, heading up Danebury Drive, Rosedale Avenue, then cutting into the Wood opposite St Stephen’s graveyard. Apparently this used to be three fishponds that fed the village of Acomb. It’s now a small piece of woodland surrounded by housing. It’s pretty small, but very pleasant, and rumour has it fox and mice are common sightings (but not on our visit sadly). It can get boggy here, so boots recommended to fully explore. Here’s the Council leaflet

Distance: 2 miles
Time: 2 hours, inc. lunch and park stop
Terrain: mostly paths
Parking: free along route, Morrison’s has a public car park.
Food and Drink: regular cafes, pubs, bakers, delis along the route