North from the village of Lealholm to join the Esk Valley Walk on Lealholm Rigg, then west to the site of Danby Beacon on Beacon Hill. Generally south-west via Oakley Side and Park House to Danby Lodge and The Moors National Park Centre, before heading south by way of Kadelands House to Danby Castle. South-east across Little Fryup Dale to Forester’s Lodge and north-east through Crag Wood below Danby Crag. Finally north along paths and minor roads to Houlsyke and east across farmland back to the starting point. A 12-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 Esk Valley Walk across Lealholm Moor.
Cross (remains of) on Brown Rigg Howe.
The view west from Brown Rigg Howe towards Beacon Hill.
Toposcope on Beacon Hill. 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.
Danby Beacon on Beacon Hill
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.
Triangulation pillar on Beacon Hill, height 299 metres (981 feet).
The view west from Oakley Side towards Danby and Castleton.
The Moors National Park Centre on Lodge Lane to the east of Danby.
Time for coffee at the visitor centre.
The Moors National Park Centre gardens.
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 replaced an earlier building located in Castleton which was destroyed by fire.
Forester’s Lodge in Little Fryup Dale.
Little Fryup Dale.
