I walked from Brough to North Ferriby but it wasn't as straightforward as I'd hoped

A pleasant section of the walk from Brough to North Ferriby along the Humber Estuary in East Yorkshire
-Credit:Hull Live


We've had some beautiful weather so far in 2025 and on a particularly bright January day I decided to take a walk along the Humber Estuary.

I previously did the North Ferriby to Hessle leg of the Yorkshire Wolds Way which was easy and pleasant, thanks to a well-maintained and signposted path. What could go wrong if I tried the same again, but from Brough to Ferriby?

It turns out a lot. From confusing signposts, abruptly ending footpaths, loud industrial noises, and stinky smells, this walk near Hull was anything but simple. And while there were plenty of beautiful views, it wasn't quite worth the struggle.

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The walk began at Brough railway station. I like to get the train; it avoids having to double-back on yourself on non-circular routes.

Unlike at Ferriby, there was no signage guiding you towards to the footpath so I just walked in the general direction of the Humber Estuary down Saltgrounds Road. There is a lot of housebuilding activity going on in Brough at the moment and plans for another 250 new homes have recently been announced.

The section of the walk by Hull Asphalt before it disappears
The section of the walk by Hull Asphalt before it disappears -Credit:Hull Live

On the corner of Baffin Way, where a shiny new housing estate has just popped up, I took a muddy path towards the River Humber. There were no 'keep out' signs but it didn't feel very welcoming due to several sections being completely underwater.

I eventually gave up and jumped the fence to walk on the raised bank that ran alongside. Judging from the footprints I saw, it looked like many people frequently did the same.

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I later learned it would have been wiser to start from Brough Haven Viewpoint which has a car park and an information sign about the trail and wildlife - make sure you do this if you want to keep your feet dry.

Having survived the mud and water, I made it onto the path that runs along the Humber. This was much better - a raised grassy mound that wasn't too wet.

In about a kilometre, I reached the border of Welton Water, a large boating and watersports lake. The views of the lake were obscured by a fence and thick shrubbery a lot of the time, but nonetheless I saw a swan and a robin.

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Next on the walk was the section adjoining Hull Asphalt and it here was where the walk (literally) fell apart. There were no signs about where to go next, the path just ended abruptly so I walked along the shoreline since the tide was low, but this was precarious due to washed up litter and driftwood.

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By the time I reached Capper Pass, the path had returned which would have been great if not for a horrible, sulphurous smell that appeared thick in the air. I walked as quickly as possible to get away.

I then reached Brickyard Lane, which sadly appeared to be a popular destination for fly-tippers. It was really difficult to find and rejoin the path - again there were no signs - but I eventually saw a little trail in the woods which was fine aside from some dog poo.

For another three quarters of a kilometre the walk was pleasant and there was a beautiful copse on the outskirts of Ferriby full of birdsong. Unfortunately, the footpath abruptly ended again with a sign saying "no access - private gardens".

Long Plantation Wood in North Ferriby
Long Plantation Wood in North Ferriby -Credit:Hull Live

There was a sign for the Transpennine Trail back the way I came, but no sign for how to go onwards. I ended up walking north through Long Plantation Wood, which was quite noisy due to the industry in the area, until I reached the A63.

At this roaring junction where HGVs thundered past, my walk ended. It was not ideal, and I'll definitely stick to the Ferriby to Hessle route and other trusted walks from now on.