10.4 miles.
Explorer Map OL26 - North York Moors, Western Area
A figure of eight walk using Forestry Commission tracks,
minor roads, and a limited number of farm footpaths.
The walk is very straightforward, and presents NO navigational difficulties
whatsoever. There is a fairly steep ascent up Newgate Bank at the end
of the walk, but otherwise gradients are gentle.
The walk is ideal for conditions which would otherwise make for heavy
going underfoot, - e.g. after wet weather.
If possible, do the walk in fine conditions with high visibility as the
views are highly rewarding.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
The start of the walk is from Newgate Bank Car Park, SE56417
88979.
Near the entrance to the car park is a signposted footpath along a forestry
track that heads North East along the edge of Rievaulx Moor.
At SE59337 90379 the forestry track crosses the minor road that leads
to Helmsley Bank. At this point there are a couple of picnic benches for
the view over Helmsley Moor.
Continue along the Forestry track in a South Easterly direction until
you come to the car park at Cowhouse Bank, SE611 887.
Here take the minor road South until you come to the track leading to
Carlton Grange Farm at SE61267 87579.
Head West along the track and footpath until you come to the minor road
at High Baxton's Farm, SE59807 87894.
Follow the minor road North to return to the head of Helmsley Bank.
Descend Helmsley Bank, and at SE59022 90779 take the Forestry track West
towards Newgate Bank.
Just before you reach the main road at Newgate Bank, there is a signposted
Bridleway which returns you to the Newgate Bank car park. This Bridleway
appears to be new, and is not clearly shown on the Ordnance Survey map.