Snickets, ginnels and snickelways again...

I like the fact that I have three choices of route from Greencliffe Drive to the centre of York. I can walk past the Green, along Clifton Road and Bootham to Bootham Bar. This is the comparatively busy and 'urban' route - tall buildings, schools, cars... noisy but always interesting.

Then there is the river route. Down to the end of Greencliffe Drive, across the ings to the river path which follows the Ouse into town. This way is open, quieter, the preserve of dogs and their owners. It is also the best way to the Railway Station and to Lendal Bridge.

The third way is what an ex colleague would term 'up the middle'! And this is the one that employs the snickets, ginnels and snickelways (I doubt anyone calls them that but I like the words, all of which basically describe narrow alleyways). This route runs behind Clifton Preparatory and St Peter's Schools, around St Olave's School and along Marygate Lane to emerge at the Museum Gardens. I first walked this route in the snow with Maggie and Don. It too is surprisingly quiet, known, I imagine, only to locals.

I choose according to destination but also to frame of mind.