Head south from the car park at Newgate Bank, along the B1257. Then, turn north-west and descend into Newgate Plantation before continuing on to Shaken Bridge via Broadway Foot. Follow the minor road north-west to Hawnby and begin a northerly climb to the top of Hawnby Hill. From there, head downhill and north-east to Sportsman’s Hall, make a U-turn, and continue in a southerly direction to Ladhill Beck Bank by way of Low Banniscue. Proceed east along Easterside Lane to Wass House, cross farmland, and go over the River Seph. Finally, head south to Fair Hill Farm, Broadway Foot, and back up through Newgate Plantation to the starting point. A 9-mile walk in the North York Moors.


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.

Looking north-west towards Easterside Hill from the car park viewpoint at Newgate Bank.


The forestry track through Newgate Plantation.


Easterside Hill comes into view as we make our way down through Newgate Plantation.


Easterside Hill as seen from the minor road between Shaken Bridge and Hawnby.


Hawnby Hill is visible in the distance as we walk along the minor road towards Hawnby.


Hawnby Bridge which crosses the River Rye, just south of Hawnby village.


The River Rye near Hawnby Bridge. The river rises in the Cleveland Hills at an elevation of 200 meters, just south of Osmotherley. It flows through several towns and villages including Hawnby, Rievaulx, Helmsley, Nunnington, West and East Ness, Butterwick, Brawby, and Ryton before eventually meeting the River Derwent near the town of Malton. The total size of the River Rye’s basin is 330 square miles, and it forms part of the River Derwent’s larger river system in Yorkshire.


The lower area of Hawnby, home to Hawnby Stores & Tea Room.

Find out more at http://www.hawnbytearoom.co.uk


Gypsy pony in Hawnby.


The Owl, Hawnby, a 19th-century country pub and restaurant with ensuite accommodation.

Check out their website at https://www.theowlhawnby.co.uk


The view south towards Hawnby from the southern slopes of Hawnby Hill.


Cairn at the top of Hawnby Hill, height 294 meters (965 feet). Across the valley to the east is Easterside Hill.


Looking west from Hawnby Hill across the River Rye valley towards the tree-covered Coomb Hill.


Time for a coffee on Hawnby Hill and a chance to admire the scenery.


The path across the Hawnby Hill ridge. The highest point is at the northern end of the hill, at 298 meters (977 feet).


Lovely views across the River Rye floodplain during the descent of Hawnby Hill. Arden Great Moor can be seen behind North Moor to the north-west.


The track across the moorland to Sportsman’s Hall is easy to spot from Hawnby Hill.


Footbridge across Ladhill Beck.


Ancient woodland at Low Banniscue.


An old barn by the side of the path between Wass House and Fair Hill Farm.