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Jervaulx Abbey
By Nicky Walks
Yorkshire, UK
A Southerner now based in Edinburgh, Nicky has recently discovered the life-changing benefits of the outdoors on her physical and mental health, providing her with a sanctuary from the daily struggles of endometriosis. She organizes group hikes across the UK, tailored as support groups for women navigating their own journeys with endometriosis. These hikes serve as more than just physical exercise; they are opportunities for connection, understanding, and empowerment.
Route:
The Jervaulx Abbey and Thornton Steward circular is an 11.6-km loop near Middleham, North Yorkshire. Enjoy this moderately difficult countryside trail as you wind through the farmlands and along the water's edge from Jervaulx Abbey, out to Thornton Steward, and back along the River Ure.
Follow The Route On ALLTRAILS >
2.5 hours going at a good speed
Moderately challenging
Don't forget your water, hot drink, and snacks
Hiking Key
The Look
The ideal shoe for this hike! The colour makes me happy, the high upper provides great ankle support, and the GORE-TEX ensures my feet stay dry.
Moab Speed 2
Field Notes:
I'm quite the history geek, having earned a degree in archaeology, so hikes that feature still-standing, visible history are perfect for me. There's so much to explore at the abbey, allowing for a good amount of time to potter around. The route has very little elevation gain, making it suitable for me, especially on days when I'm in too much pain for steep hills (or for anyone with knee issues on descents—I understand!). There are lots of open spaces and farm animals, and the stroll past Danby Hall is particularly lovely. Plus, there's a handy pub near the route's end.
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Good To Know
The abbey is open year-round, from dawn to dusk, but it also serves as a wedding venue; please check the website for any closure dates before your visit. The route passes through farmland with livestock, so dogs should be kept on leads in these areas. Additionally, there are numerous stiles along the way.
"For me, hiking is more than just a hobby; it's a lifeline that offers me respite from the realities of chronic illness, where the sense of freedom helps to overshadow my struggles."
When To Visit
For the best chance of having the abbey to yourself to explore, go early in the day.
Q&A:
How did you get into hiking?
Before the end of 2020, hiking wasn’t part of my life. When COVID-19 became a part of our lives, it coincided with a drastic decline in my health, whereby my endometriosis pain became unbearable; daily and constant. The endometriosis had manifested in a way that meant sitting down was excruciating. I began doing 8-mile walks to and from the supermarket and spent hours cooking or baking to remain standing and active. I was signed off from my NHS desk job for a total of 6 months; everything felt hopeless. One day, feeling claustrophobic in my own body, I realised I needed some open space; I headed out to the Peak District for a walk, but I was nervous. Nervous about where to park, what to wear, getting lost. But on reaching the top of a steep hill, alone, surrounded by nothing but nature, winter sun and with a burn in my thighs and lungs, I experienced a swell of pure joy. I knew from that point that the outdoors would change my life.
Why do you love hiking?
For me, hiking is more than just a hobby; it's a lifeline that offers me respite from the realities of chronic illness, where the sense of freedom helps to overshadow my struggles. Not only does it help me to manage my physical pain, but it offers my mind some space away from the chaos and stresses of daily life; the views, smells and sounds work to lift my spirits, reorder my jumbled thoughts and restore my resilience. And let’s not forget that endorphins are nature’s painkiller… Another, and equally important part of hiking for me, is the friendships that have been cultivated from it, which have become a source of strength, solidarity and belonging. I now have friends all over the UK who love the outdoors as much as I do – each one with their own reasons for why it’s such a big part of their lives. We support and encourage each other, teach each other new skills and share a lot of laughter, conquering both literal and metaphorical mountains along the way.
What has been your favourite thing about the hikes you organise now for other women with endometriosis?
I’d attended ‘regular’ endometriosis support groups in the past, but it just wasn’t for me. When I organised my first endometriosis group hike last year, it was a coming together of 12 strangers, united by a condition which affects their lives in so many ways, and I was astounded by the honesty and openness of conversations. That’s one of the things I love so much about hiking as a form of support group; you’re not sitting across a table staring at people, waiting for your turn to speak, or feeling foolish if you don’t want to speak. On these hikes, you can talk as much or as little about endometriosis as you want to, but more often that not, once someone kicks off a conversation about it, everyone starts to chime in with their own similar experiences, showing that we are not alone in the way that we feel. What I’ve really loved to see is friendships that have been formed on the hikes, which have continued afterwards, with some of the woman organising their own hikes together.
What the one non-safety-essential always in your bag?
I can't leave for a hike without ensuring I have enough snacks. Aside from my sandwich ingredients, it’s rare to find me without a pack of M&S Phizzy Pigtails…
What is your motto?
Hiking through pain, powered by passion and sandwiches. Embrace the journey and relish every bite.
HIKING TIPS
- Be safe and plan your route ahead
- Be weather wise, check the forecast
- Take the correct clothing and provisions
- Check if dogs/ camping/ BBQs etc are allowed
- Take your litter with you
- Leave gates as you find them
- Have fun!