KIRKHAM Priory was built in memory of the son of Walter l’Espec who was killed when his horse threw him near Kirkham.
In fact, Walter financed two more, one at Rievaulx, the other in Bedforshire.
Kirkham was founded around 1122 as an Augustinian order but was soon converted to Cistercian.
There is little left of the priory today except the fine gatehouse, an interesting piece of architecture built in 1320.
The weather-worn figures in the niches are thought to have been of Pontius Pilate, David and Goliath, St George and St Peter.
A cross erected in memory of Walter’s son is understood to have been near to the Stone Trough Inn which was once a cottage.
The base of the cross is thought to have been nearby and looked like a stone trough, hence the name of the cottage and later the inn. Who knows?
Another interesting feature connected with Kirkham was the bird fair which was conducted on the bridge over the River Derwent in the Middle Ages.
The event, the exchanging and bartering of pet birds, started at two in the morning and ended at sunrise.
After that there was much feasting, drinking and merriment for the rest of the day.
There are two excellent churches along the ride, one at Leavening the other at Westow. The tiny church at Leavening was originally the village school and in 1965 was dedicated to the Venerable Bede.
The church of St Mary in the Westow countryside started life as a house for a monk in charge of a travellers’ beacon as Westow was on route for Kirkham Priory from Beverley Minster.
The first church was operating in 1304 and the township of Westow and its church was given to none other than Walter l’Espec who founded Kirkham.
Your route
Leave Malton Market Place and head for the traffic lights in the centre of town and take the Norton and Beverley road. Cross the River Derwent, then bear left over the railway crossing.
In a couple of hundred yards, turn right at the mini roundabout.
Continue straight ahead to leave the town past racing stables and into open countryside.
Uphill for a short time, then descend to a crossroad. Go left here signed to North Grimston and Driffield. Cycle along through an avenue of horse chestnut trees, then a short climb and shortly a T-junction.
Just a few yards, before the Tjunction, turn right onto a narrow road past the telephone exchange and the old railway station.
This is a single track road leading into open, unfenced countryside.
Enjoy the views as you climb to the top of Grimston Brow.
Cycle along, soaking up more grand views, before bearing right at the farm entrance and eventually reaching a fork. Take the right fork here signed to Birdsall, then keep right away from the farm track.
Soon the road descends rather steeply. Take care on this loose surface and watch out for sharp corners.
Eventually you arrive at Birdsall village. Go left here signed to Leavening and Pocklington.
Continue following signs for Pocklington, then start to ascend a steep hill. About half-way along, turn right signed to Leavening and Pocklington.
Once again there are grand views on your right, a vista to take your breath away. Enjoy the scenic ride, then start to descend a long, steep hill. Beware, there are very severe corners along the way. At the bottom of the hill nestles Leavening village. Cycle along the main street and when you reach the crossroads, you can turn right to visit the Venerable Bede church which is on your immediate left.
To continue your journey, keep straight ahead at the crossroads signed to Howsham and York. The road descends through the village, then as you leave the village, start a serious ascent. At the top you continue your enjoyment of fine views.
In a couple of miles, turn right signed to Westow. In a couple of hundred yards, go left signed to Kirkham Abbey and Westow. Not far and you arrive at the village of Westow.
If you wish to visit the church turn right at the memorial and follow the sign for church. It is about a mile.
Then continue along through Westow signed to Kirkham and Malton past The Blacksmith’s Inn.
Just past the inn, turn left signed to Kirkham and York.
A short rural ride now through country lane past the Stone Trough Inn and you descend to Kirkham Abbey.
After visiting the abbey leave Kirkham on the road you came on, then take the first turning on the left signed to Firby, Langton and Malton.
Cycle along to a T-junction to go left signed to Langton and Malton, then in less than one mile turn left signed to Menethorpe.
Enjoy this quiet, country lane as it twists and turns, then go left over a small bridge through Menethorpe.
Continue along all the way to the main road. Go left here signed to Malton. At the level crossing junction, go left to return to the Market Place.
The facts
Distance - 25miles/40km
Terrain - Easy
Best map - OS Landranger 100 Start/grid ref - Malton Market Place, grid ref:784717
Refreshments - The Blacksmiths Inn at Westow, The Stone Trough Inn at Kirkham and lots of choice in Malton
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here