Danby Beacon Walk: Scenic Route From Lealholm to Danby Castle

Discover Stunning Vistas on the Danby Beacon Walk in the North York Moors

Begin your Danby Beacon walk in the picturesque village of Lealholm, located in the North York Moors, where you’ll find free parking available in the village centre. Start by heading north, crossing the railway bridge and continuing uphill on the road. Near the top, veer off the main road to continue your journey north along the Esk Valley Walk. This path crosses the moors, leading you to a stone track that guides you westward across Lealholm Moor towards Danby Beacon. Here, amid stunning vistas, take the perfect opportunity for a coffee break.

Continue on the Esk Valley Walk from Danby Beacon, following a road south-west and descending gently before leaving it to head south. This path leads you to a byway beneath Oakley Side. Proceed west, passing Park House, until you join the route to the Danby Lodge National Park Centre. After visiting the centre, cross the River Esk and traverse the fields. Cross the railway line to reach another country lane, then head east towards Duck Bridge. Stay on this lane as you journey south towards Danby Castle.

Press onward southward on Castle Lane, then veer off the country lane to follow a public footpath heading south-east towards Forester’s Lodge. Subsequently, navigate a public bridleway, initially moving north-east, then east through Crag Wood. Exit the wood near its eastern tip and head north to reach a lane. After crossing the River Esk again and the railway line, follow the lane into Houlsyke. Turn east here, before leaving the lane to follow a public footpath across the fields, completing your circuit back to Lealholm.

This 11 ¼ mile walk around Danby Beacon presents a glimpse into the North York Moors’ varied landscapes and historical sites. Beginning and ending in Lealholm, it provides a straightforward yet rewarding exploration of the region’s natural beauty and heritage.

Danby Beacon Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics

About Danby Beacon

The Danby Beacon dates back to the 1600s when the country was living under the threat of invasion from France. It was the duty of a soldier and his wife to watch for the expected French fleet and, if spotted, light up the beacon, which would be the first inland fire of warning.

Over the years, the old wooden beacon aged so much that it eventually disintegrated and fell down. This new beacon was designed by Don Watt and manufactured by M & C Construction of Middlesbrough. It stands over five metres high and is made from Corten and stainless steel.

For more information about the beacon, you can read my article: Danby Beacon: A Symbol of Resilience in the North York Moors.

Recommended Ordnance Survey Map

The best map to use on this walk is the Ordnance Survey map of the North York Moors Western Area, reference OS Explorer OL26, scale 1:25,000. It clearly displays footpaths, rights of way, open access land and vegetation on the ground, making it ideal for walking, running and hiking. The map can be purchased from Amazon in either a standard, paper version or a weatherproof, laminated version, as shown below.

North York Moors Walking Guidebooks

The North York Moors, by Paddy Dillon, describes 50 walks of 4 to 14 miles across the Tabular Hills, Hambleton Hills, Cleveland Hills, high moors and Cleveland coast, plus the Lyke Wake Walk in four stages, with Ordnance Survey mapping and notes on transport and refreshments.

North York Moors Short Walks Made Easy, published by Ordnance Survey, brings together 10 accessible routes of 2.5 to 4.5 miles, each taking around a couple of hours, ideal for families or anyone short on time. Both books can be purchased from Amazon, as shown below.

Danby Beacon Walk: My Photos

The Esk Valley Walk across Lealholm Moor.

Cross (remains of) on Brown Rigg Howe.

The view west from Brown Rigg Howe towards Beacon Hill.

Toposcope on Beacon Hill, roughly one-quarter of the way round this Danby Beacon walk. The plaque reads:

DANBY PARISH COUNCIL 1894-1994
To celebrate their centenary year this viewfinder was erected by the Parish Council with assistance from the North York Moors National Park Authority.
It was unveiled by Lord and Lady Downe on 22nd October 1994.

Danby Beacon on Beacon Hill.

Triangulation pillar on Beacon Hill, height 299 metres (981 feet).

The view west from Oakley Side towards Danby and Castleton.

The Moors National Park Centre on Lodge Lane to the east of Danby.

Time for coffee at the visitor centre.

The Moors National Park Centre gardens.

Duck Bridge just to the north of Danby Castle.

Danby Castle, built in the fourteenth century by Lord Latimer, whose family members included some of the most powerful nobles of medieval England. The castle, about halfway round this Danby Beacon walk, replaced an earlier building located in Castleton which was destroyed by fire.

Forester’s Lodge in Little Fryup Dale.

Little Fryup Dale, about two-thirds into the Danby Beacon walk.