Introduction
New Walk is a public promenade along the banks of the river Ouse in York. It is a tree-lined walk and runs about 1.2 kilometres in length.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Access contact details
www.friendsofnewwalk.org.uk/find.php
- History
New Walk was first laid out in the early 1730s to try and promote York as a leading social centre within England. It originally stretched from Skeldergate Bridge to the junction where the river Foss meets the river Ouse. The walk proved very popular and in 1738 it was extended. The original 'Blue Bridge' was created over the entrance to the river Foss in 1738 but has been replaced many times. The current bridge dates back to 1929.
The original walk had parallel rows of elm trees but these were later interspersed with other varieties. There were also hedges planted along the sides of the walk. During the 1980s the elms were removed completely following an outbreak of Dutch Elm Disease.
In 2001 the Millennim Bridge was completed. This has allowed members of the public to cross the river, outside of York city centre, for the first time on foot.
- Features & Designations
Features
- Gate
- Description: Iron gates near Blue Bridge which mark the second part of the walk.
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- Well House
- Description: Pikeing Well.
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- Ornamental Bridge
- Description: The current Blue Bridge was created in 1929. The bridge was originally created in 1738 and was made of wood. In 1767 this bridge was replaced with one of stone. When vessels were allowed up the river Foss in 1801 the bridge was replaced with an iron structure which could open.
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- Ornamental Bridge
- Description: The Millennium Bridge.
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- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Recreational/sport
Survival
Part: standing remains
Hectares
15
Open to the public
Yes