Around the northern tip of the disused railway line at Rosedale Head, then dropping down into the dale and heading over to Dale Head Farm. South-west to Hollin Bush Farm, then south-east along the bridalway (Daleside Road) to Thorgill. Continuing through the village of Rosedale Abbey, before climbing up to Spaunton Moor and doing a U-turn at Redman Plain to walk to Ana Cross. Continuing north-west to Bank Top, then following the disused railway line back to the starting point. A 14-mile walk 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.
The dismantled railway above Rosedale.
Looking south over Rosedale.
Lovely self-service cafe at Dale Head Farm, Rosedale.
A rest and a bite to eat at Thorgill.
The Church of St Mary & St Lawrence, Rosedale Abbey.
A Cistercian Priory once stood on this site at Rosedale Abbey. All that is left today is a staircase turret, a sundial and a single stone pillar. Founded in 1158 or earlier, the priory was inhabited by a small group of nuns who are credited with being the first people to farm sheep commercially in the region.
Looking north over Rosedale.
The climb out of Rosedale at the southern end of the dale.
The dismantled railway above Rosedale.
