Farndale Daffodils Walk: Church Houses to Low Mill Circular Route

Experience the Charm of the Farndale Daffodils Walk in the North York Moors

Embark on the Farndale daffodils walk by setting out from the picturesque North York Moors village of Church Houses in Farndale. The most direct route to Church Houses is from the main road traversing Blakey Ridge, turning off just south of the Lion Inn. Find parking at the Church Of St Mary on Mackeridge Lane, slightly east of the village centre.

From the church car park, proceed down the lane to the minor road, turning left. Then, ascend eastwards along this tranquil road to Mackeridge House. Here, turn right and follow the public footpath leading to Bragg Farm. Continue through the farm heading south until you reach Bitchagreen. Pass through this farm, following the path south across fields and farmland, where you’ll be rewarded with splendid views of Farndale and the enveloping countryside.

Upon reaching High Wold House, persist along the footpath. Cross a quaint footbridge over a stream, then proceed to another bridge to cross the River Dove, entering the charming village of Low Mill. Here, depending on the season, refreshments might be available, along with a visit to the North York Moors National Park Authority information van in the car park.

After exploring Low Mill, retrace your steps to the River Dove and follow the well-maintained path beside it. Walking north, this path runs parallel to the River Dove, offering a prime vantage point to admire the daffodils blooming in spring.

Continuing northwards, you’ll arrive at High Mill, home to the renowned Daffy Caffy where refreshments await. Proceeding further north, encounter a minor road, Mill Lane, leading directly to the Feversham Arms in Church Houses. Turn right here, and Mackeridge Lane will guide you back to the church car park.

Farndale Daffodils Walk: Distance, Duration, Statistics

About Farndale

Farndale, a valley in North Yorkshire, is celebrated for its springtime daffodils along the River Dove. This dale, bordered by wild moorland, lies between Bransdale to the west, Rosedale to the east, and Westerdale to the north. Blakey Ridge, to the north-east, rises over 400 metres above sea level, while Cockayne Ridge to the north-west ascends to 454 metres, marking some of the North York Moors’ highest points. The southern edge of Farndale is bordered by the Gillamoor to Hutton-le-Hole road. South of this road, the dale extends as Douthwaitedale towards Keldhome and Kirkby Mills near Kirkbymoorside.

The community in Farndale is sparse and agricultural, framed by traditional Yorkshire dry stone walls. It attracts walkers, especially in spring when wild daffodils bloom along the River Dove. To preserve these flowers, a section of Farndale north of Lowna was designated as a local nature reserve in 1955. Church Houses and Low Mill are Farndale’s two villages, with Low Mill becoming a focal point for tourists during the daffodil season due to the famous Farndale daffodils walk.

The River Dove originates on Westerdale Moor, north of Farndale, and flows south-east past Church Houses. It meanders south past Low Mill to Lowna, veers south-east by Gillamoor and Hutton-le-Hole, then heads south again past Ravenswick and east of Kirkbymoorside. Beyond Keldholme and Kirkby Mills, it journeys to Great Edstone, finally joining the River Rye near Salton in the Vale of Pickering. Several tributaries join the River Dove throughout Farndale.

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.

Farndale Daffodils Walk: My Photos

St Mary’s Church on Mackeridge Lane in Church Houses serves as an excellent starting point for the Farndale daffodils walk.

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The view to the west from the path that stretches between Bitchagreen and High Wold House captures the beauty of Horn Ridge, situated on the Farndale valley’s western flank.

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The track leading to High Wold House is a notable feature encountered on the Farndale daffodils walk.

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A footbridge crosses a small stream between High Wold House and Low Mill, adding charm to the route.

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The Old Chapel in Low Mill, Farndale, has been transformed into a significant four-bedroom residential property.

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Low Mill in Farndale becomes particularly busy as tourists flock to the area, drawn by the renowned Farndale daffodils. This picturesque location turns into a prime attraction, with the daffodils’ mass blooming captivating visitors from across the region.

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A footbridge over the River Dove in Low Mill facilitates the thousands who opt for the linear version of the Farndale daffodils walk starting from Low Mill.

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The River Dove, meandering through the Farndale valley near Low Mill, flows southwards to merge with the River Rye, which then joins the River Derwent.

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On the western bank of the River Dove, daffodils flourish, their origins steeped in legend. Although some tales attribute their planting to monks from Rievaulx Abbey in medieval times, it is more plausible that these daffodils are a natural phenomenon, thriving due to the valley’s isolation and unique environmental conditions.

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The pathway alongside the River Dove, connecting Low Mill and Church Houses, is predominantly flat and accessible, accommodating pushchairs and wheelchairs. Although several gates along the path require opening and closing, they present minor obstacles, making for an easy and inclusive journey.

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The profusion of daffodils each spring in Farndale is the result of dedicated conservation efforts by the North York Moors National Park Authority and local volunteers. Visitors are urged to stay on the paths and avoid picking the flowers or disturbing the habitat, helping preserve this delicate ecosystem for future generations.

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The northern entry to High Mill, a former water-powered corn mill, introduces a touch of historical intrigue.

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The Daffy Caffy at High Mill offers a delightful stop for refreshments during the Farndale daffodils walk.

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Mill Lane leads to the Feversham Arms in Church Houses, marking a picturesque route.

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The quaint village of Church Houses provides a charming conclusion to the Farndale daffodils walk.

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St. Mary’s Church and its churchyard on Mackeridge Lane, Church Houses, Farndale, boast historical significance, being a Grade II listed building since 13 July 1955.

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