7.0 miles.
Explorer Map OL27, - North York Moors (East Area)
A short walk by the standards of the Grey Panthers. The
other "novelty" of this walk was that it was structured so
that the Birch Hall Inn at Beck Hole was at the approximate half-way
point, - enabling lunch of a pie and a pint.
The first part of the walk, from Egton Bridge to Beck Hole is very straightfowards,
following well maintained tracks that are essentially flat.
Returning from beck Bole, theroute uses farm footpaths. After rain these
paths will be wet and very muddy.
There is a moderate ascent up a lane from Murk Esk Cottage, and then
a fairly steep descent down a muddy track immediately before returning
to Egton Bridge.
Otherwise,this is an enjoyable walk, of modest length, suitable for
any ability.
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 small car park by Egton Bridge Station.
NZ80456 05357.
Turn right out of the car park, and about 100 yards on your left is
the minor road which becomes the track (Branard's Road, - an ancient
toll road) to Grosmont. Follow the track all the way to the road.
Tirn right on the road, and over the Esk road bridge, and follow the
road into Grosmont.
Immediately over the railway crossing, turn right along the footpath
signposted "Engine Sheds".
Where the path forks, take the left track which now takes you to the
Beck incline track footpath signposted for Goathland.
Follow this braod and well surfaced track all the way until you come
to the footpath sign for Beck Hole.
Enter the village of Beck Hole and walk along the road to the Birch
Hall pub.
Past the pub, there is another footpath which returns you to the Beck
valley incline track footpath.
Now turn right to retrace your steps to a point shortly before the footbridge
across the River Murk Esk.
Here turn left and follow the footpath to Murk Esk Cottage, and then
past the cottage (ascending uphill) until you come to a minor road.
Turn right on this minor road, and take the second signposted footpath
on your right. Follow this footpath (which become a farm track) to the
minor road and High Burrows Farm.
Just before the farm, a signposted footpath on your left takes you to
Low Hollins Farm.
Turn right on the road at Low Hollins Farm, and when you come to the
T-junction at Blue Beck Cottage, take the footpath back to Egton Bridge.
Turn right on the road, cross the River Esk on the road bridge, and
return to the Station Car Park.