It is 2 miles long and takes you round seven animal statues in the city centre. Spot a sheep, owl, squirrel, unicorn and more. You can see a map with the position of the animals (and a few bonus ones not on this trail) all marked on our special Google map.
This is the short version of the route. There is an alternative long route of 15 miles which includes 13 animals. There is also an alternative medium route of 6 miles which includes ten animals.
All routes start and finish at the Minster.
Remember that you're only allowed to cycle in the 'footstreets' – the city centre, in other words – before 10.30am or after 5pm. Inside that period you're better off walking the trail rather than pushing your bike.
SHORT ROUTE
Length 3km / 2 milesTime required 30 mins–1 hour
From the Minster, head left down High Petergate to where Stonegate/ Minster Gates crosses.
Owl
To your left, on the corner of Minster Gates and Petergate, is the owl (pic). It's sitting behind Minerva, which seems very wise.
Almost immediately after it, on the left hand side of Petergate, is the blue door of No 40.
Elephant
The knocker on the door is in the shape of an elephant's head, complete with mahout riding it.
Carry on down Petergate, across King's Square, and down the end of the lane, where it reaches Stonebow. Turn right.
Sheep
A large golden sheep statue hangs off the sign for the Golden Fleece pub (pic) on your left.
Slightly above it is a cat. Or rather, half of one. It's white, and is a ghost cat coming through the wall, because the pub is haunted. It's one of two dozen cat figures adorning buildings round the city centre. They are described separately elsewhere on the internet, for example at York Cat Trail.
Carry on straight across at the lights up Coppergate. At the junction go straight ahead down King St. Turn left at the bottom to go along the riverside. At Tower Gardens, turn left and cross the road to get to Clifford's Tower.
Unicorn
A large carved statue of a unicorn decorates the roof of the County Court building to your right, in the Eye of York. The best view is from up the steps to the top of Clifford's Tower.
Make your way across the car park on the right of Clifford's Tower and turn right to go through the shopping precinct. Go across Coppergate down the passage on the church's left and turn left down Ousegate. Follow the line of the road surface right on to Spurriergate. Carry on to the corner with Market St on your right.
Squirrel
The coat of arms above the entrance to Nat West Bank on your right, at the corner with Market St, has two squirrels. We think they're probably red squirrels. The roses are white, though.
Carry on up Spurriergate, which becomes Coney St, until the corner with New St on your right.
Boar
The coat of arms above the Starbucks on the corner of New St has two boars, and the head of another one (pic).
Carry on down Coney St to the corner of St Helen's Square to you right. On your left is Mansion House.
Lion
The decoration of the splendid facade at first-floor level has two small lion figures (pic).
Turn right across St Helen's Square, and continue down Stonegate to the junction with Petergate. You see the owl and the elephant again. Carry on across along Minster Gates. Carry on straight up Minster Gates and turn left in front of the Minster to get back to where you started.
Congratulations! You have collected all seven animals.
No comments:
Post a Comment