York's snickelways are a network of medieval alleys, ginnels and passageways threading through the city centre - a hidden pedestrian world that offers one of the most atmospheric and rewarding ways to explore York on foot.

Snickelways of York | Walking in York

• Opening Hours: Accessible on foot at all times as public rights of way
• Location: Throughout York city centre - the classic route begins and ends in the heart of the city
• Suitable for: Walkers of all ages - note many snickelways are narrow, cobbled or stepped and may not be suitable for pushchairs or wheelchair users
• Booking: Free to explore - no booking required. The official guidebook, A Walk Around the Snickelways of York by Mark W. Jones, is available to purchase online
• Website: http://snickelways.co.uk

A snickelway, as defined by York author Mark W. Jones, is a narrow place to walk along leading from somewhere to somewhere else - usually in a town or city, and especially in York. The word is his own invention, coined to describe the network of medieval alleys, ginnels, snickets and passages that thread through the historic core of the city in ways that no road map can quite capture. York has more of these hidden routes than almost any other city in England, and exploring them is one of the genuine pleasures of a visit.

Jones published his celebrated guide A Walk Around the Snickelways of York as a self-guided walking route through the city's medieval fabric, taking in passages tucked between ancient buildings, ginnels leading to quiet courtyards, and short-cuts that have been in use for centuries. The route links many of York's most interesting streets and landmarks while also revealing corners that the average visitor never sees. The book remains in print and is available via the official website and online retailers.

Following the snickelways requires no special equipment or prior knowledge - just curiosity and comfortable shoes. The best approach is simply to set off into the city centre with the guide in hand and allow the route to unfold at its own pace. Many of the passages are unsigned and easy to walk past, which is precisely what makes finding them so satisfying. The snickelways offer a way of experiencing York that no coach tour or open-top bus can replicate.

Photo credit: York Civic Trust