Walks in Thornton Dale
From easy city strolls to challenging trails, discover the best of Thornton Dale on foot.
Walk: Steam Train Walk from Pickering
Climb abroad the steam train from Pickering to Levisham station and return on foot. The walk follows the line from Levisham village back the 8 miles to Pickering. The Route what3words for start point: ///rift.firelight.successor Start Point: Pickering Train Station Finish Point: Pickering Town Centre Distance: 8 Miles GPX Route Map steamtrainfrompickeringDownload Walk Description Start by taking the steam train to Levisham from Pickering. Always take the train (or bus) first on one way walks to avoid any stress and time constraints on your return. From Levisham station a steep climb takes you to the attractive village of Levisham. From here the walk is (nearly) all downhill as it follows the valley south through Levisham Woods to Farwath meeting Pickering Beck. From here forest tracks follow the river for 4 miles on the return to Pickering. The sound of steam trains passing is just one of the many pleasant experiences on this walk.
Walk: Pickering and Ings Bridge
Pickering and Ings Bridge is a 8.7 kilometer loop trail located near Pickering, North Yorkshire, England that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and trail running. The Route what3words for start point: ///fragment.reap.regrowth Start / Finish Point: The Ropery Car Park, Pickering YO18 8DY Distance: 5 Miles GPX Route Map pickeringandingsbridgeDownload Walk Description A circular walk (which can be shortened to 3 miles) from the market town of Pickering in Ryedale. The route heads south and west following the line of the idyllic Pickering Beck through meadows and pastures to reach the pretty stone Ings Bridge before returning either via quiet lanes for the shorter version or via peaceful fields and pastures for the longer version. The walk is relatively flat with only a couple of gentle gradients. The paths across the flood meadows, pastures and fields can get very muddy at times and so this walk is NOT recommended after long periods of rain, nor when Pickering Beck is in flood. You will need to negotiate some gates, footbridges plus 9 stiles for the shorter version (or 12 for the longer version) including a few stiles with tight fence surrounds so dogs will need a lift over. You will be sharing some of the pastures with cattle and some of the pastures with sheep, so take particular care with dogs. The waymarks for the footpaths are very intermittent meaning that navigation needs care. In addition to missing waymarkers and footpath signs, you may also came across a number of electric fences across the paths and missing stiles (meaning some fence climbing and ducking under wires was required). Most of these access problems can be avoided by following the shorter route. Allow 3 hours. There are public toilets in The Ropery car park (at the start of the walk). If you are looking for refreshments, there are plenty of pubs and cafes centred around the Market Place in Pickering at the end of the walk. OS Map: Explorer OL27 North York Moors Eastern Area. This walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private and public land. Please respect people's privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code.
Walk: Thornton-le-Dale
A wonderful jaunt around the lovely countryside to the north of Thornton-le-Dale - accessed by the bus stops for Coastliner in the middle of the village. The Route what3words for start point: ///bombshell.folk.speeding Start / Finish Point: Chestnut Ave, Thornton Dale, Pickering YO18 7RR Distance: 7 Miles GPX Route Map walkshirethornton-le-daleDownload Walk Description From the bus stops in Thornton-le-Dale, head towards the traffic lights with The New Inn on the corner. Depending on which direction you’ve come on the bus, either cross Maltongate then over the A170 to be opposite the pub or stay on this side by crossing over Whitby Gate; then continue to walk alongside the A170 Pickering Road. After crossing over Greengate Lane on the right, take the stile set back on the right and follow the clear path into another field, and then another. Here the path cuts straight across another field before reaching a track on the left of an isolated tree. Turn right, but then left to follow the boundary of the field. The path enters the thin shape of Hagg Wood, only to emerge almost straight away on the far side, and then takes a left to go around the grounds of High Oaks Grange. Don’t turn left down the access road, but continue around the grounds on the clear path towards the trees. Enter the wood, and follow the path as it turns to the right. The path becomes more of a track as it enters Howl Dale Wood, and here, follow the track all the way through the entire length of the wood. Eventually, the track splits towards the end of the wood - and you take the left fork on the path which leaves the wood on the left side. Follow the path around to the left and to a collection of buildings, which you turn right and walk through at Low Kingthorpe. Follow the footpath as it turns sharp left, but then via to the right at the split of paths and follow the clear path on the ground to the trees in the far corner. Turn right and follow the line of the trees to reach the road. Cross over the road and turn left, taking care with fast vehicles, but you turn off to the right over a metal stile very soon. Follow this path alongside the line of trees of Pexton Moor, then straight through a line of trees into a more overgrown field. At the junction of paths, turn right, and follow the line of trees on your left to reach Dalby Forest Drive on the left just after Pexton Moor Farm. Turn right, and follow the drive until it turns to the right. Here, head for the track which looks to almost carry straight on, and then turn right to follow the marked public footpath through the wood to eventually go past St Hilda’s Church at Ellerburn. Cross the road and the beck, and turn right following the side of Thornton Beck; crossing over it via a bridge later on. Follow the path all the way to Thornton Mill, and turn left onto Priestman’s Lane, with the beck in front of you. Follow the road and when the beck turns to the right, cross over it using the bridge. Follow this path to the A170, and then turn right to return to the bus stops.
Walk: Fox and Rabbit to Pickering Walk
Fox and Rabbit to Pickering Walk is a 9.2 kilometer point-to-point trail located near Pickering, North Yorkshire, England that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. The Route what3words for start point: ///reference.inserting.retrieves Start Point: Pickering Finish Point: Fox and Rabbit, Lockton Distance: 6 Miles GPX Route Map foxandrabbittopickeringwalkDownload Walk Description A linear walk from the village of Lockton (home to the Fox and Rabbit Inn) to the market town of Pickering in Ryedale. Begin by catching the bus from Pickering to Lockton where you can enjoy lunch before beginning the linear walk back into town. Along the way you will enjoy the hillside pastures of Cross Dale, the haunting woodland of Haugh Wood and an idyllic stretch of the river, Pickering Beck. The walk has several climbs and descents throughout, including a couple of steep sections near the start. The sections of paths through woodland and pasture can be very muddy, slippery and rutted at times so good boots are a must (or wellingtons with grips in the winter months). You will need to negotiate several wide field gates, a couple of kissing gates, a few footbridges, one stone wall stile and one fence stile. (The wall stile is well built and should be easy for dogs to cross and the fence stile has a field gate alongside which is often unlocked. Even if this gate is locked, there is a gap beneath the gate that most dogs should be able to squeeze through). Many of the fields will be holding sheep and at least one field is used to graze cattle at times so take particular care with dogs. You will need to cross the railway twice, both at unsignalled crossing points so take great care to look and listen for trains before you proceed at these points. Allow 3 hours. There are public toilets in The Ropery car park (close to Pickering Market Place) and also in Eastgate car park (near the Pickering bus stop). If you are looking for refreshments, the Fox and Rabbit Inn at Lockton is at the start of the walk, you will find Lowther Place Tea Gardens in Newbridge (just after waypoint 3) and there are plenty of pubs and cafes centred around the Market Place in Pickering at the end of the walk. OS Map: Explorer OL27 North York Moors Eastern Area. This walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private and public land. Please respect people's privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code.
Walk: Dalby Forest
Enjoy yourself getting lost in the miles of paths and trails to follow in the wonderful forest. The Route what3words for start point: ///mountain.preheated.glaze Start Point: Dalby Forest Finish Point: Dalby Forest Distance: 5 Miles GPX Route Map dalby-forestDownload Walk Description All walks start at the visitors centre and there is ample parking for cars, although there is a charge for parking. The woodland is an absolute delight and you will often find deer, squirrels and various bird and plant life around each twist and turn in the path. The paths are varied so please check the information boards before setting so that you pick and appropriate route. Our favourites include a visit to the stunning Staindale Lake and Elleburn Beck. The longer trails have hidden gems such as the sandstone sculptures at Bridestones.
Walk: Pickering Castle and Newbridge
Pickering Castle and Newbridge is a 3.4 kilometer loop trail located near Pickering, North Yorkshire, England that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running. The Route what3words for start point: ///scorched.zest.pans Start Point: The Ropery, Pickering YO18 8DY Distance: 2 Miles GPX Route Map pickeringcastleandnewbridgeDownload Walk Description A circular walk from the market town of Pickering in Ryedale. The route heads north through quiet lanes and pastures to the railway crossing at Newbridge before climbing into woodland to visit Pickering Castle on the return leg. The walk has a few climbs and descents throughout. You will need to negotiate one stile, several kissing gates, a footbridge and two flights of steps. The stile has wooden fencing surrounds suitable for medium-large dogs to pass through. The paths through woodland and pastures can get muddy. One field is used to graze cattle at times so take particular care with dogs. You will need to cross the railway at an unsignalled crossing point so take great care to look and listen for trains before you proceed at this point. You will have good views of Pickering Castle from the public paths, but should you wish to enter the grounds, these are managed by English Heritage and entrance fees apply. Allow 1.5 hours. There are public toilets in The Ropery car park (at the start of the walk). If you are looking for refreshments, you will find Lowther Place Tea Gardens in Newbridge (just after waypoint 3) and there are plenty of pubs and cafes centred around the Market Place in Pickering at the end of the walk. OS Map: Explorer OL27 North York Moors Eastern Area. This walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private and public land. Please respect people's privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code.
Ryedale Market Towns Trail: Part 4 Rillington to Pickering
Ryedale Market Towns Trail: Part 4 Rillington to Pickering is a 23.5 kilometer point-to-point trail located near Rillington, North Yorkshire, England that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options. The Route what3words for start point: ///revise.inspected.forwarded Start Point: Rillington Finish Point: Pickering Distance: 15 Miles GPX Route Map ryedalemarkettownstrailpart4rillingtontopickeringDownload IMPORTANT NOTE This is a linear route that forms part of a long-distance trail. If you intend to walk this stretch as a stand-alone route, there is a bus suitable for the return leg which runs Mon-Sat only (with NO SERVICE on SUNDAYS). A linear walk from Rillington village to Pickering in North Yorkshire, forming the fourth part of the Ryedale Market Towns Trail. The route begins by crossing two historic parkland estates, with views of Scampston Hall and Knapton Hall and a reminder of times gone by. The middle stretch crosses the typical landscape of this part of the Derwent Valley, crossing vast expanses of flat arable land via quiet lanes and field tracks. Arriving in Thornton-le-Dale, there is time for a quick pit stop to enjoy the picturesque village setting, before crossing farmland with lovely views to reach Pickering. ABOUT The Ryedale Market Towns trail is a 67 mile (108km) long-distance circular trail, created to allow walkers to enjoy the highlights of Ryedale, visiting each of the five market towns along the way. It is published through a collaboration with the Ryedale District Council. ACCESS The walk follows a mixture of pavements, quiet lanes, farm tracks plus paths that cross several crop fields and four sheep pastures (so take care with dogs on this stretch). You will need to negotiate several kissing gates, some flights of steps plus 4 stiles. The majority of the route is relatively flat, but there are a couple of very long steady climbs as you pass through Thornton-le-Dale. You need to cross the railway at an official but unsignalled crossing point, so make sure you look and listen carefully for trains at this point. The middle stretch is easy-going, level walking, with simple navigation, following some quiet lanes and simple farm tracks across the bottom of the Derwent Valley. Allow 6-7 hours. LOGISTICS If you are completing the whole 67 mile trail, there is no accommodation in Rillington at the start of this point. You can arrange accommodation either in Malton (a 15-minute bus journey from Rillington) or at the Providence Inn in Yedingham and there are plenty of choices in Pickering at the end of the route. If you are walking this stretch as a stand-alone walk, there are bus connections to take you from Pickering (via Malton) back to Rillington, running Monday to Saturday (with no usable connections on Sunday). You would need to catch Bus 840 from Pickering to Malton (a 30-minute journey) and then Bus 843 from Malton to Rillington (a 15-minute journey). Check connections before you travel but, with waiting times in Malton, you can expect the journey to take between one and two hours. FACILITIES There are public toilets in Thornton-le-Dale and in Pickering at the end of the walk. If you are looking for refreshments, there are two pubs (The Fleece Inn and The Coach and Horses) in Rillington at the start, the popular Farmhouse Bakery and Coffee Shop in Scampston (open 10am Wed-Sun), the Walled Garden Cafe in Scampston Hall estate (open Easter to October, 10am Tues-Sun plus Bank Holidays, free entry), the Providence Inn in Yedingham (check opening times), lots of pubs and cafes in Thornton-le-Dale and you will be spoilt for choice in Pickering at the end of the walk. OS Maps: Explorer 300 Howardian Hills and Malton and OL27 North York Moors Eastern Area. This walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private and public land. Please respect people's privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code.
Ryedale Market Towns Trail: Part 5 Pickering to Kirkbymoorside
Ryedale Market Towns Trail: Part 5 Pickering to Kirkbymoorside is a 21.6 kilometer point-to-point trail located near Pickering, North Yorkshire, England that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. The Route what3words for start point: ///assurance.relating.samples Start Point: Pickering Finish Point: Kirkbymoorside Distance: 13 Miles GPX Route Map ryedalemarkettownstrailpart5pickeringtokirkbymoorsideDownload A linear walk from Pickering to Kirkbymoorside in North Yorkshire, forming the fifth part of the Ryedale Market Towns Trail. The route heads north through the simple landscape of woodland belts, quiet lanes, arable fields and pastures giving you chance to visit Cawthorn Roman Camps, with its earth remains of Roman fortifications and spectacular views across the moors. Turning west, you pass through the pretty North York Moors villages of Cropton and Appleton-le-Moors (with an obligatory stop at one of the inns or the brewery) before joining peaceful tracks that lead you through two steep-sided valleys, crossing Hutton Beck and the River Dove, with far-reaching views. Climbing out of the Dove valley, there is one final descent to reach Kirkbymoorside. ABOUT The Ryedale Market Towns trail is a 67 mile (108km) long-distance circular trail, created to allow walkers to enjoy the highlights of Ryedale, visiting each of the five market towns along the way. It is published through a collaboration with the Ryedale District Council. ACCESS The walk begins with a gentle but very long climb and then has several shorter but steeper climbs and descents throughout. Some of the paths can get very muddy at times so good boots are a must. You will need to negotiate two stiles (one of which has a tight fence surround so dogs may need a lift over) plus several single gates, kissing gates and footbridges. The vast majority of the fields are arable, but you will cross two sheep pastures plus a couple of other pastures that may be holding livestock, so take particular care with dogs. There is a total of about 3 miles of road walking, so take care of traffic on these stretches. Allow 7 hours. LOGISTICS If you are completing the whole 67 mile trail, you can arrange accommodation at both ends of this stretch, in Pickering and in Kirkbymoorside (there is also accommodation in Cropton's New Inn and Appleton-le-Moor's Moors Inn should you wish to break the walk into two stretches). If you are walking this stretch as a stand-alone 13.5-mile walk, you can catch a bus for the return leg. Bus 128 will take you from Kirkbymoorside Market Place to Pickering Library, taking just 21 minutes. The buses usually run hourly Mon-Sat and every two hours on Sundays. FACILITIES There are public toilets at each end of the walk. If you are looking for refreshments, there are lots of shops in Pickering if you want to buy picnic supplies, you will pass The New Inn (home of Cropton Brewery) in Cropton (6 miles into this stretch), The Moors Inn in Appleton-le-Moors and there are several pubs and cafes in Kirkbymoorside at the end of the walk. OS Maps: OL27 North York Moors Eastern Area and OL26 North York Moors Western Area. This walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private and public land. Please respect people's privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code.
Walk: White Rose Way
From Leeds to Scarborough across the Vale of York and the more rugged North York Moors the final 2 miles of the White Rose Way was once voted the world's most romantic walk. The Route what3words for start point: ///poet.tries.jars Start Point: Black Prince Statue in Leeds City Centre Finish Point: South Bay, Scarborough Distance: 104 Miles GPX Route Map whiterosewayDownload Walk Description Take as long or as little as you want (somewhere between 4 and 10 days but 7 would be sensible) as you walk 'Across Yorkshire' from Leeds to Scarborough. The walk was created by local author Paul Brown. Starting in Leeds the route follows many existing sections of long distance footpaths and linking them with lesser known paths. It is a walk where you need to be alert to the map reading challenges of lesser used paths and the exposure of the high moors. However at the end you will have a much greater appreciation of the fine county of Yorkshire. From Leeds the route heads north to Harewood House before following the River Wharfe in to Wetherby. Continue east through attractive villages to the brewery town of Tadcaster and join the Ebor Way towards York. Passing the city to the south the walk turns north to follow the River Derwent past villages and the battleground of Stamford Bridge to the abbey ruins at Kirkham. Eden Camp and the town of Malton are next before arriving in the North York Moors at Thornton-le Dale. From here enter the spectacular Dalby Forest and continue via the pretty Moors valley of Harwood Dale to the coast at Heyburn Wyke. Follow the coast south for the last few miles to Scarborough South Bay and the finish.