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: Maps and Tools
Visit either the OS Maps website or the Outdooractive website to view this walking route in greater detail. Both platforms offer a range of features, including the ability to print the route, download it to your device, and export the route as a GPX file. You can also watch a 3D fly-over and share the route on social media.
Danby Beacon Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics
Distance: 11¼ miles
Distance: 18 kilometres
Duration: 5¼ hours
Ascent: 1391 feet
Ascent: 424 metres
Type: Circular walk
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.
Danby Beacon Walk: My Photos
The Esk Valley Walk across Lealholm Moor.
Cross (remains of) on Brown Rigg Howe.
Walking in the Yorkshire Dales with 43 Circular Routes
AD This Cicerone guidebook includes 43 circular walks exploring valleys, hills, and moors between Kirkby Stephen and Pateley Bridge. With OS maps, local highlights, and routes ranging from 3–11 miles, it is a year-round companion for walkers of all abilities.
The view west from Brown Rigg Howe towards Beacon Hill.
Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots
AD The Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots are crafted in Italy with a durable waxed leather upper, Spotex breathable lining, and a reliable Track-on rubber sole. Waterproof and weighing just 1120g, they offer comfort, resilience, and dependable performance on demanding trails.
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.
Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots
AD The Grisport Unisex Adult Peaklander Hiking Boots are crafted in Italy with a durable waxed leather upper, Spotex breathable lining, and a reliable Track-on rubber sole. Waterproof and weighing just 1120g, they offer comfort, resilience, and dependable performance on demanding trails.
Danby Beacon on Beacon Hill.
Fifty Walks Across the Beautiful North York Moors National Park
AD Discover 50 routes across the North York Moors, from short easy strolls to challenging high-level hikes. With OS maps, route descriptions, and local highlights, it also includes the legendary 40-mile Lyke Wake Walk, described in four accessible stages.
Triangulation pillar on Beacon Hill, height 299 metres (981 feet).
The view west from Oakley Side towards Danby and Castleton.
Fifty Walks Across the Beautiful North York Moors National Park
AD Discover 50 routes across the North York Moors, from short easy strolls to challenging high-level hikes. With OS maps, route descriptions, and local highlights, it also includes the legendary 40-mile Lyke Wake Walk, described in four accessible stages.
The Moors National Park Centre on Lodge Lane to the east of Danby.
Osprey Hikelite Unisex Backpack for Comfortable and Lightweight Hiking
AD The Osprey Hikelite backpack combines lightweight design with practical features, including a breathable mesh back panel, soft webbing straps, and stretch mesh water bottle pockets. With zipped storage and an organiser compartment, it is ideal for day hikes and outdoor use.
Time for coffee at the visitor centre.
The Moors National Park Centre gardens.
Osprey Hikelite Unisex Backpack for Comfortable and Lightweight Hiking
AD The Osprey Hikelite backpack combines lightweight design with practical features, including a breathable mesh back panel, soft webbing straps, and stretch mesh water bottle pockets. With zipped storage and an organiser compartment, it is ideal for day hikes and outdoor use.
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.
Peak Bagging Wainwrights with Routes to Complete All Fells
AD This comprehensive guide offers 45 circular routes linking all 214 Wainwright fells. With maps, GPX downloads, elevation profiles, and practical advice, it provides efficient yet inspiring ways to complete this classic Lake District challenge at your own pace.
Forester’s Lodge in Little Fryup Dale.
Little Fryup Dale, about two-thirds into the Danby Beacon walk.
Peak Bagging Wainwrights with Routes to Complete All Fells
AD This comprehensive guide offers 45 circular routes linking all 214 Wainwright fells. With maps, GPX downloads, elevation profiles, and practical advice, it provides efficient yet inspiring ways to complete this classic Lake District challenge at your own pace.