Detailed Description

This walking route is based upon Mark Reid's walking guidebook 'The Inn Way... to the Yorkshire Dales'.

Starting/Finishing Point: Helmsley

The attractive market town of Helmsley - the ‘gateway to the Moors’ is a fantastic place to start your walk. Arrive early and take time to enjoy its picturesque old shops and bustling market place before setting off on your walk. Helmsley is easily accessed by public transport. Trains go via Leeds to Thirsk or Malton - approx 3h from London and 2h from Manchester. From Malton you can catch a local bus to Helmsley (approx 45m).

Helmsley to Hutton-le-Hole - 14 miles

Leaving Helmsley you will follow quiet riverside paths, country lanes and forest tracks to the unspoilt villages of Fadmoor and Gillamoor. Get your first taste of the North York Moors as you head into a small area of open moorland before arriving in the one of the prettiest villages in England, Hutton-le-Hole. You cannot fail to be charmed by this delightful little town with its picturesque stone cottages and quaint village green. You can also enjoy your first pint of Real Ale at the traditional village pub, The Crown.

Hutton-le-Hole to Levisham - 13 miles

You follow woodland paths and enclosed green lanes for most of today. This is broken up by the a slight detour to the fascinating ruins of Roman Forts at Cawthorn Roman Camps where you can take in breathtaking views over the North York Moors. You will also pass Levisham Station, a stopping point for the charming North York Moors Railway and it’s delightful steam trains. Levisham is a quiet little village with a lovely location. Sit back, relax and take in the stunning views!

Levisham to Egton Bridge - 15 miles

As you head out across the open heather moorland today you will really begin to appreciate the beauty of this area. It is not only beautiful but also fascinating with plenty of archaeological sites to explore. The views are just stunning on this part of the walk - from the view of the impressive Newton Dale Gorge from Killing Nab Scar, to the sight of the beautiful Esk Dale valley as you come into Egton Bridge. The village of Goathland - famous for the TV programme ‘Heartbeat’ is also worth a stop with it’s numerous pubs offering perfect lunch stops. Egton Bridge is a quaint little village in the heart of the beautiful Esk Dale valley.

Egton Bridge to Rosedale Abbey - 15 miles

Experience exposed open moorlands, undulating paths and quite woodland and riverside paths on this varied day of walking. Pass through traditional English villages such as Glaisdale and Lealholm and then the beautiful Rosedale Valley with its stunning 12th century priory in the village of Rosedale Abbey. Rosedale Abbey has a surprising number of inns for such a small village so you will not be short of places to enjoy evening refreshments.

Rosedale Abbey to Hawnby - 16 miles

Today’s walk will take you across five moorland ridges, offering some exposed and exhilarating walking. You will also pass through one of the most famous valleys in the North York Moors, known as ‘the valley of the daffodils’, Farndale Valley. Sheltered by the Tabular Hills, Hawnby is a quiet and peaceful little village. The award-winning Inn at Hawnby is a fantastic place offering delicious home-cooked meals and real ales.

Hawnby to Helmsley - 16 miles

A walk along the escarpment of the Hambleton Hills and a visit to Rievaulx Abbey are highlights today as your walk draws towards an end. Rievaulx Abbey is a really breathtaking sight and one of the most atmospheric of England’s abbey ruins. Not long after visiting the Abbey you will be back where you started in Helmsley, where you can enjoy one last night before heading home from this wonderful walking adventure.

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