9.0 miles.

Explorer Map OL26, - North York Moors Western Area

This walk starts out from near Murton Grange Farm, and after descending into Gower Dale heads for Hawnby before returning to Murton Bank.
The Ordnance Survey map indicates a car parking area near Murton Grange. However, we couldn't find a safe area as such, and and chose another patch of ground that was off the road and wouldn't inconvenience the farmers. Because of this difficulty in parking, you may decide to start the walk from an alternative part of the route (e.g. Hawnby itself).
The footpaths in Gower Dale, although marked, are not all that clear and careful attention to the map is needed.
There are a couple of steepish ascents and descents, and some of the ground was very muddy and slippery after what had been wet weather.
Otherwise, the route was highly enjoyable, and in fine weather would provide some superb scenery.

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

Start from SE53828 88309, on the Peak Scar Road to the East of Murton Grange Farm (but see note above).
From the footpath immediately opposite the road leading to Murton Grange Farm, take the track through the field gate that heads down to Peak Star Wood and Peak Scar Gill.
At SE52945 88652 there is a footpath that leads to Gowerdale House (now ruined).
From Gowerdale House head in a North Westerly direction along the waymarked footpath into Gower Dale.
At SE52870 88897, the footpath leaves the broad track to drop down onto the dam that forms a small reservoir. Follow the footpath across this dam, and the waymark signs, until you come to the broad track through Gower Dale. Follow this track in a Westerly direction to leave Gower Dale for Dale Town Common.
Here, head due North, following the broad grassy track, until you come to the minor road at Arden Bank.
Descend along this minor road ("Not Suitable for Motor Vehichles") until you come to the road leading to Arden Hall. Here, follow the track past some cottages to the West of Arden Hall, and then North to cross a beck by a bridge. Where the track comes to the edge of the woods, head East for Mount Pleasant Farm. Continue East through Mount Pleasant farm for a short distance, before taking the track South to New Hall.
From New Hall, take the road to Church Bridge, Hawnby, and continue to All Saints' Church.
From the Church, take the road, first North, and then East to upper Hawnby village.
Descend South down into lower Hawnby village to cross the River Rye at Hawnby Bridge.
Once over the River Rye, take the footpath on your left to just past Ristbrow Farm. Then take the waymarked footpath South West to Cliff Wood.
Return to Murton Grange by the path at the top of Cliff Wood.