The Eskdale Way
The peaceful River Esk flows from the heart of the North York
Moors to its mouth at Whitby. Never straying far from the
valley, this enjoyable circular trail samples riverside paths and
sections of the surrounding moorland on a week of great
walking and superb scenery.
Detailed information
| Detailed itinerary |
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82 miles with 12 to 15 miles (18 miles on the last day which
can be shortened) and up to 2,800ft of ascent in a day. |
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival day
Day 2: Larpool Hall to Goathland
Distance: 19km (12 miles), 640m (2,100ft) of ascent; walking time 5½hrs
From the House we make our way to stand high above the River Esk. We then join the Eskdale Way and make our way to the village of Ruswarp, and on to the villages of Ugglebarnby and Iburndale, passing Tinkler Hall. Fine extensive views are to be enjoyed. Turning south, we travel alongside Iburndale Beck before heading west, up to and over the A169 and across Flat Howe, pausing at the Bride Stones to enjoy the view into the valley. Downhill brings us to Crag Cliff Wood and a pleasant walk south above the River Murk Esk and the valley of the North York Moors Railway. On reaching the road above the delightful hamlet of Beck Hole, we turn east, then south again passing Darnholme and onto Goathland Station and up to the picturesque village of Goathland, home to the TV series Heartbeat.
Day 3: Goathland to Egton Bridge
Distance: 21km (13¼ miles), 500m (1,640ft) of ascent; walking time 5½hrs
We resume our walk at Goathland and pass Heartbeat's Scripp's Garage on the way to the station, then journey south and north west to turn off the Goathland road to head out over the wild open moor and reach the footpath on Two Howes and on to the ancient burial mound of Simon Howe. Turning west onto the Lyke Wake Walk track we make our way to Wheeldale Lodge and the Roman Road, thought to date from AD80. We continue on moorland, road and through woodland descending to Beck Hole with its tiny pub. We then climb out of the valley and cross In Moor to begin our descent to Egton Bridge and take in the fine views of the Esk valley before us. Exiting on the Delves road, we make our way to the pub at Egton Bridge and our coach.
Day 4: Egton Bridge to Old Margery
Distance: 21km (13 miles), 850m (2,790ft) of ascent; walking time 6hrs
From our drop off on the Delves road we head off uphill to breathe in the clear fresh air! On reaching the moor we turn off to head down through Bank House Brow Plantation and make our way into Glaisdale, pausing to enjoy the panoramic views. Our route follows the quiet meandering road through Glaisdale for about two miles before climbing out of the valley, onto the Rosedale road. Look back at the impressive Glaisdale! We soon pick up the Coast to Coast, Cut Road path and walk along the edge of Great Fryup Dale before descending into the Dale. This is one of the most beautiful parts of the Moors. A short, steep ascent takes us back onto a wide, open moors road for our walk to the White Cross, known as Fat Betty. A short walk over the moor on the Lyke Wake Walk track and we reach Old Margery, a large flat standing stone, and the end of our third day.
Day 5: Old Margery to Kildale
Distance: 21½Km (13½ miles), 475m (1,560ft) of ascent; walking time 5½hrs
Returning to Old Margery, we continue across another Flat Howe before descending into the Esklets, and upper Westerdale, regarded as one of the finest Dales in the whole of the North York Moors. We follow the Esk, only a stream at this point, and travel downstream until Little Hograh Moor is reached. Here we cross Great Hograh and Baysdale Moors to reach Armouth Wath, a broken down sheepfold with stone bridges, set in truly wild moorland scenery. A ridge track and a picturesque descent brings us to Baysdale Abbey Farm, the site of a Cistercian nunnery. A climb up onto Warren Moor, the source of the River Leven, and a fine road descent leads to the village of Kildale, the finish for our fourth day.
Day 6: Kildale to Danby
Distance: 20km (12½ miles), 465m (1,525ft) of ascent; walking time 5¼hrs
From Kildale we follow the Cleveland Way, and divert away from the Esk valley for the extensive views offered at Highcliff Nab, looking north over Guisborough and beyond. We continue along the ridge path and through Guisborough Woods, then leave the Cleveland Way. After crossing delightful moors, we return to the Esk valley at Commondale, a village with unusual red brick houses, and follow the Commondale Beck towards Castleton and the River Esk. Gentle walking takes us downstream, along the line of the present railway, passing through the wooded Danby Park, and on to the popular village of Danby. Good views across to Danby Dale can be enjoyed. Our day's walk finishes at the Duke of Wellington Inn in Danby.
Day 7: Danby to Larpool Hall
Distance: 29km (18 miles), 730m (2,395ft) of ascent; walking time 7½hrs
Our final and longest day of walking, starting in Danby, continues along the Esk valley, east towards Whitby. We set off and ascend to Danby Beacon, intended to be used to signal the arrival of Napoleon. Great all round views, including out to sea, can be seen on a clear day. Our route then takes us through the typical Yorkshire Moors villages of Lealholm, Glaisdale, Egton Bridge and Grosmont. St Hedda's Church in Egton Bridge, with its connection to Father Nicholas Postgate, may be viewed. An ascent to Aislaby gives yet more extensive views across the valley towards Sleights, Iburndale and Ugglebarnby, before we descend to the River and on to Ruswarp. We make our way up onto the disused Whitby to Scarborough railway line and complete our circular route high above the River Esk once more. A short walk returns us to Larpool Hall and a well deserved rest. You will have walked at least 82 miles. Well done!
Day 8: Depart after breakfast
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| Dates and prices |
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The Eskdale Way
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Sat 28 June 2008 |
7 |
£609 |
Premium single & twin room supplement: £5 per person, per night
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| Average temperatures |
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Where you'll stay
You'll stay in
Larpool Hall our friendly Country House accommodation in Whitby on the North York
Moors.
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