South from Castleton on the Esk Valley Walk through Danby Dale, then out of the valley to meet the moorland road which runs across Blakey Ridge. West via paths and tracks to the southernmost area of the Westerdale valley. North through Westerdale, again on the Esk Valley Walk, all the way back to Castleton. A 13-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.
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 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.
