10.0 miles.

Explorer Map OL27, - North York Moors (East)

An easy, year round walk, using Forestry tracks, woodland paths, and well signposted farm footpaths.
We didn't complete the full 10 miles, as wet weather was making life less than pleasant. We managed to find an "escape route", whereby a farm track led us onto the Whitby road leading into Thornton-le-Dale and cut 2 miles off the walk. (Not recommended, though, due to the heavy traffic).

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

There is a North York Moors Car Park, with toilets, to the South of the centre of Thornton-le-Dale centre at SE8354683000.
Walk from this car park to the cross roads in the village centre, then turn right and walk along the main Scarborough Road for about 100 yards.
Just before the bridge over the Thornton Beck, take the path beside the beck (past the thatched cottage). Turn left when you reach the minor road.
A footpath beside the beck is signposted by Thornton Mill.
Follow the footpath to Ellerburn, and its Church.
At the Church, turn right along the farm track which leads to Low Dalby, though Dalby Forest. (Take the track that runs SOUTH of the fish ponds, not the Northerly track).
At Low Dalby village, take the minor road that leads West and then South out of the village.
At SE85355 86214 there is a footpath off this road (on your right) that leads West through the forest to Kingthorpe Common.
At the minor road, turn left, and almost immediately take the footpath on your right to Low Kingthorpe. The footpath is well signposted.
At Low Kingthorpe, take the signposted footpath South to Howl Dale, and Howl Dale Wood.
Return from there to Thornton-le-Dale.