Esk Valley Walk: Two Key Sections, Danby Dale and Westerdale

Experience the Esk Valley Walk Long Distance Path in the North York Moors

This circular walk features two distinct sections of the Esk Valley Walk Long Distance Path (LDP) in the North York Moors. Initially, the route commences in Castleton, journeying south through Danby Dale to Danby Head, before ascending to Westerdale Moor. Subsequently, the path resumes from the Esklets area, situated at Westerdale valley’s southernmost point, and meanders northward back to Castleton.

Begin the first leg of your journey by parking in High Castleton, where roadside parking is available on High Street. There is also a car park just off High Street on the minor road called Birk Field Road. From here, join the Esk Valley Walk, heading south-east then south across diverse fields and farmlands. This route will take you past several farms such as Plum Tree Farm and Blackmires, leading you to Honey Bee Nest at Danby Head.

Continue along the Esk Valley Walk, ascending from the valley to the moorland road. Proceed south across the moors until you reach another road, cross it, and then head south-west to encounter yet another road. Here, you will leave the Esk Valley Walk, venturing west across the moors on a trail descending into Westerdale valley’s southern extremity.

For the second section, reconnect with the Esk Valley Walk and navigate north through the valley. This path extends all the way to Hawthorn House, located just west of Westerdale village. Maintain a northerly then easterly direction, still on the Esk Valley Walk, which will lead you back to High Castleton.

It’s important to note that this walk does not encompass the entire 37-mile Esk Valley Walk LDP but rather a 12½-mile segment within the North York Moors, covering two key sections of the route. I’ve written about the LDP further down the page.

Esk Valley Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics

About the Esk Valley Walk Long Distance Path (LDP)

Overview of the Esk Valley Walk

The Esk Valley Walk is a long-distance footpath located in North Yorkshire. Initially, it forms a circular loop on the North York Moors, just south of Castleton. Subsequently, it follows the River Esk to its estuary in the North Sea at Whitby. The path is easily identifiable by waymarking that features a leaping salmon symbol, with footpaths marked in yellow and bridleways in blue.

Route Description

Starting from Castleton, the path heads south through Danby Dale to Danby Head. It then ascends out of the valley towards Rosedale Head, passing the Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge. Turning north-west, it crosses High Blakey Moor, skirts Esklets, and descends into Westerdale’s head. It proceeds through the Westerdale valley, returning to Castleton.

The journey then continues eastwards, tracing the River Esk to Whitby. From Castleton, the route passes through Danby Park to Danby village. It includes a visit to the North York Moors Danby Lodge National Park Centre. The path climbs to Danby Beacon, then heads east across Lealholm Moor and south past Lealholm Side into Lealholm village.

Moving south-east, it follows the river past Thorneywaite to Glaisdale. The route then descends to Carr End, weaves through East Arncliffe Wood to Delves, and continues along a road to Egton Bridge. Following a track roughly parallel to the Esk Valley Railway, it skirts north of Grosmont. The path goes through Esk Dale to Sleights, then to Ruswarp, and finally north-east to Whitby. The total length the Esk Valley Walk from Castleton to the North Sea at Whitby is approximately 37 miles.

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.

Esk Valley Walk: My Photos

West Green Farm on the Esk Valley Walk in Danby Dale.

West Cliff Farm on the Esk Valley Walk in Danby Dale.

Embden geese at Blackmires.

Peacock by the side of the Esk Valley Walk at Blackmires.

Honey Bee Nest at Danby Head.

Looking down on Danby Dale from the Esk Valley Walk above Danby Head.

The uphill path out of Danby Dale.

Just visible between the gap in the trees is the village of Botton, situated near the head of Danby Dale. It is one of nine Camphill Village Trust communities across England which provide homes for people with learning disabilities.

White Cross on Danby High Moor.

Grouse butts on Westerdale Moor.

Westerdale Moor, where three streams called the Esklets merge to form the River Esk in the valley below.

The scenic Westerdale valley.

Footbridges across boggy areas on the Esk Valley Walk.

The Esk Vally Walk through Westerdale.

Wood End.

It’s Spring, and the farmers’ fields are full of cute baby lambs.

Countryside and farmland in the Westerdale valley.

The Esk Valley Walk near Dale View Farm, leading to Dibble Bridge.

Looking up to the houses of High Castleton near the end of this Esk Valley Walk.