The Hole of Horcum Circular Walk

in North Yorkshire in York

The Hole of Horcum is a popular walking destination in the North York Moors and it is easy to see why. A huge natural ampitheatre and landscape views galore. The walk starts and ends at Saltergate Car Park and as soon as you get out of the car you get a panoramic view of this natural phenomenon.

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The Route

  • what3words for start point: ///hazelnuts.cheaply.eruptions
  • Start Point: Saltergate Car Park, A169, Lockton, Pickering YO18 7NR
  • Finish Point: Saltergate Car Park, A169, Lockton, Pickering YO18 7NR
  • Distance: 5 Miles

GPX Route Map

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Walk Description

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The Mystical Odyssey Around the Hole of Horcum: A 5-Mile Circular Adventure

From the moment you step out of your car at Saltergate Car Park, you’re greeted by a sweeping panorama of the Hole of Horcum—a natural wonder that appears as a gargantuan bowl sculpted into the earth. Measuring a staggering 400 feet deep and approximately three-quarters of a mile across, this spectacle defies imagination.

Locally referred to as the “Devil’s Punchbowl,” legend has it that this enigmatic depression was formed when a giant named Wade hurled a clump of earth during a spat with his wife. While the science behind its formation might be less dramatic—erosion caused by water seeping up the hillside over thousands of years—it doesn’t make the experience any less magical.

This 5-mile loop offers a holistic experience of the Hole of Horcum. Begin your trek by tracing the rim of this natural amphitheater, absorbing its awe-inspiring vastness. A short walk brings you to a gate where the journey continues; push through it and venture into Levisham Moor. Blanketed in heather and offering elevated views over the hole, this wide pathway extends for roughly two miles.

Upon reaching a signpost, make a left as indicated by the sign that reads ‘Hole of Horcum.’ Here, the scenery undergoes a transformation. Rows of trees and a babbling stream become your companions, and keep an eye out for the regal Highland Cattle that roam these parts.

Further down, another signpost marks the confluence of the river and stream. Take another left, and from this point, you’re delving into the heart of this geological masterpiece. The trail meanders through pastoral fields and past the remnants of an old farmstead, a once-bustling community now relegated to grazing cattle and sheep.

Your ascent back up to the summit isn’t a long one, but the climb offers opportunities for reflection and moments to savor the uniqueness of the landscape. Finally, upon reaching the top, you’ll loop back to your starting path. A right turn guides you back to Saltergate Car Park where a refreshment van tempts with treats, or venture into Pickering for more substantial dining and lodging options.

This trek is more than a walk; it’s an exploration of nature’s marvels, a passage through time, and a feast for the senses.

Leave a comment below if you’ve done this walk – or a similar nearby walk – and please feel free to ask questions or offer tips and advice to others taking the same walk in the future.

Related Accommodation

The accommodation below is nearby - and has been updated recently.

Picture of The George Country Inn

The George Country Inn

The George Country Inn Main Street, Wath, HG4 5EN, United Kingdom

The Phoenix Guest House

157 Columbus Ravine, Scarborough, YO12 7QZ, United Kingdom
Picture of Buttercup With Hot Tub

Buttercup – Lodge with Hot Tub

Amotherby Lane, Little Habton, YO17 6UP, United Kingdom

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