10.6 miles.

Expolorer Maps OL26, - North York Moors (Western Area)

On paper this appears to be a relatively straightforward circular walk, taking in moorland paths, shooters tracks, and farm footpaths.
However, we found that there were one or two parts where we had a surprisingly difficult time navigating, and found that use of the 1:50000 Ordnance Survey Map (together with a satellite navigation aid) was absolutely essential. Be warned, therefore, that unless you pay very close attention to the route using your map and compass, it IS possible to find yourself significantly off course.
There is one steep ascent (from Fangdale Beck), and two steep descents (Hill End Wood, and the path back to Chop Gate) which you need to be aware of.
We used the footpath to cross Bilsdale West Moor, which proved to be very heavy going. It is possible to use shooters tracks instead, and you may prefer to do this.
As with all moorland walking, you MUST be prepared for weather closing in. Bilsdale West Moor could prove to be very treacherous indeed for the unwary.

For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)

Start from the Car Park by the Chop Gate Village Hall (SE55916 99342).
Take the road South, towards Helmsley, for a short distance (CARE, traffic!) and where the track to William beck Farm is signposted follow the track to beyond the farmhouse. Continue along the footpath in an Easterly direction to ascend to Nab End Moor. Shortly after passing through the gate in the boundary wall at the top of this path, turn right along the shooters track.
The shooters track now takes you South along Nab Ridge, past the Bride Stones. Continue South to the woods of Nab End, and on to Hill End Farm.
At Hill End Farm find the footpath that takes you across a field South East to Hill End Wood. The track through this wood is VERY steep and can be slippery when wet. Cross the footbridge over Ledge Beck, and follow the footpath to High Cowhelm Farm.
Turn right at the farm, and take the track that leads in a Southerly direction to Low Bracken Hill Farm.
Here there is a footpath at a gap in a wall (you need to watch out for the finger post) which takes you towards High Crossett Farm. This footpath crosses the Kyloe Cow Beck by a footbridge. Once over the beck, the next part of the footpath is somewhat hidden and you need to keep a very sharp eye out for it. If you are not paying close attention, it is only too easy to miss it.
From High Crossett Farm, head in a Westerly direction to meet the Stokesley Helmsley road. There is no gate for the footpath onto this road, and you will need to do a bit of creative climbing to get out onto the road.
Turn left on the road, and after a hundred yards or so take the footpath down into Fangdale Beck.
From Fangdale Beck take the clearly marked footpath North West up to Bilsdale West Moor. Parts of the path ascend quite steeply to the moor.
The path eventually takes you to some drystone walling enclosing a pasture up on top of the moor. At this point, now head North to cross Bilsdale West Moor, - heading for Cock Howe.
At Cock Howe, follow the clearly defined track back to Chop Gate.