8.75 miles
Explorer Map OL26, - North York Moors (Western Area)
A walk which provides some superb views of Gower Dale and Ryedale,
together with a visit to All Saints' Church, Hawnby.
The countryside is "classic North York Moors", and given
good visibility the walk is one of the best.
The view of Gower Dale, and beyond to Eastersides Hill, is a real
pleasure.
There is one very steep descent, which needs a bit of care, -
especially after wet weather.
The route described here goes up Stoney Gill Hole, which is not
recommended unless you are sure of your footing. Stoney Gill Hole
can be avoided by taking the minor road that leads from Arden
Hall to Kepwick.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the
above link.
(Overlay made with Version 5 of Memory
Map)
Some new mapping software is now available which you may want to try, - QUO mapping. You can download the software for free from the link below, complete with demonstration maps. Having installed QUO, you can import and export Memory Map overlays. Thus YOU DON'T NEED Memory Map to use any of the overlays provided on the Grey Panthers website, - just use QUO!!
Start from the parking area at Sneck Yate (SE 50956
87711).
Walk Northwards along the Hambleton Street Road until you come to
the gate opposite the track leading to High Paradise Farm.
Here head due East until you come to another gate. Pass through the
gate and continue along the field footpath keeping the wall on your
right.
You eventually come to a very steep drop down into Gower Dale.
Continue along the footpath to reach Gower Dale House.
Here, cross the small beck and keeping the beck on your left continue
until you reach a field gate at SE 535 887.
Head steeply up the bank and follow the footpath to Sunnybank Farm.
When you reach the farm track, follow this to the road that leads
into Hawnby.
Cross Hawnby Bridge, then take the road through Lower Hawnby village
to All Saints' Church.
Leave the church by the gate at its rear and continue along the road
to Church Bridge.
Cross the bridge then take the footpath that skirts Coomb Hill.
Where bthe footpath emerges from the woodland of Coomb Hill, head
downhill to the farm track.
Here you can decide whether to continue along the footpath up Stoney
Gill Hole, or take the easier footpath / road to Dale Town Common.
To ascend Stoney Gill Hole, simply head up the obvious valley in front
of you.
This ascent starts off easily enough, but you need to be very sure
footed as you progress.
At the top of Stoney Gill Hole, turn left through the gate, to head
Southwards over Dale Town Common.
When you reach the Hambleton Street Road, retrace your steps to the
parking area at Sneck Yate.