Name: Barker Tower
Rating: 2

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Yorkshire And The Humber

Barker Tower

Yorkshire And The Humber

York

Barker Tower

Recommended by 22 hikers

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Location: York, Yorkshire And The Humber, England, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to Barker Tower

4.8

(51)

834

hikers

1. York City Walls – York Minster loop from York

7.98km

02:04

40m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.9

(42)

718

hikers

2. York City Walls – York City Walls loop from Leeman Road

7.39km

01:54

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.6

(14)

283

hikers

3. York Millennium Bridge – York Minster loop from York

10.4km

02:40

50m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

RichD

June 7, 2025

North Street Postern Tower is first mentioned in 1376 as 'the tower on the water of Ouse behind the tannery', and in later centuries as Barkertowre. Here one end of the chain blocking the river was secured. It was usually let to the ferryman operating the ferry across the Ouse to St. Leonard's Landing (discontinued after the opening of Lendal Bridge in January 1863). The tower was used as a mortuary from 1879, was restored in 1930, and until further restoration in 1970 served as a store for the Parks Department.

mkirby

May 11, 2024

Built in the 14th century, Barker Tower stands alongside the River Ouse in York. It's a well-preserved example of the city's medieval riverside defenses. The tower's original purpose was to control access to the city center. Together with Lendal Tower on the opposite bank of the river, Barker Tower supported a large iron chain that stretched across the Ouse. This chain served two purposes: defense and toll collection. Boats coming up the river had to pay a fee to pass the chain. Records show a position called "keeper of the chain" existing as early as 1380, indicating the tower's importance in managing river traffic and generating income for the city.

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Elevation 70 m

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Monday 13 October

15°C

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Max wind speed: 2.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: York, Yorkshire And The Humber, England, United Kingdom

Barker Tower

1. York City Walls – York Minster loop from York

2. York City Walls – York City Walls loop from Leeman Road

3. York Millennium Bridge – York Minster loop from York

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