Guided Trail on the Eskdale Way

82 miles. 12-16 miles per day and up to 2,800 feet of ascent in a day

Day 1: Arrival day

Day 2: Larpool Hall to Goathland - From Larpool Hall 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, which was home to the TV series Heartbeat. Distance 12 miles with 2,100 feet of ascent

Day 3: Goathland to Egton Bridge - 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. Distance 13¼ miles with 1,640 feet of ascent

Day 4: Egton Bridge to the Lion Inn - 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. Here, we 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 itself. 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. A short walk along the road takes us to the famous Lion Inn where we may take refreshment while awaiting our coach. Distance 14 miles with 2,790 feet of ascent

Day 5: The Lion Inn to Kildale - Returning to the Lion Inn we walk along the trackbed of the old Rosedale Ironstone Railway 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. Distance 14 miles with 1,560 feet of ascent

Day 6: Kildale to Lealholm - 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. Our final ascent of the day takes us to Danby Beacon, intended to be used to signal the arrival of Napoleon. There are great views all around, including the sea on clear days. We now descend into the pretty village of Lealholm where the popular Board Inn can provide us with welcome refreshment. Distance 16 miles with 2,200 feet of ascent

Day 7: Danby to Larpool Hall - Our final day of walking, starting in Lealholm, continues along the Esk valley, east towards Whitby. Our route takes us through the typical Yorkshire Moors villages of Glaisdale, Egton Bridge and Grosmont. St Hedda’s Church in Egton Bridge, with its connection to Father Nicholas Postgate, may be viewed and a there is the option of a short diversion to view the steam trains at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway at Grosmont. Continuing eastwards we pass the outskirts of Sleights, eventually arriving at the riverside village of 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! Distance 13 miles with 1,390 feet of ascent

Day 8: Departure day