9.8 miles.
Explorer Map OL26, - North York Moors (Western Area)
This circuit of Bilsdale is a relatively low level one,
and yet affords some spectacular views of the valley.
The photos shown on these pages were taken on a clear, snowy day in
Winter and provided opportunity after opportunity for stunning landscape
photography.
However, choose a clear day in Spring, Summer, or Autumn and you will
be just as well rewarded.
The route makes use of farm tracks and farm footpaths, and navigation
is reasonably straightforward (though it helps to use the 1:25000 scale
map and check field patterns).
There are some relatively steep ascents and descents, with somne of
the descents being over steep and uneven ground.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Start from Clay Bank car park (NZ57217 03601).
Walk South along the B1257 road for a short distance (CARE, - traffic)
until you see a farm track with a footpath sign on your right at NZ572
032. Follow the waymarked footpath above Hasty Bank Farm and Garfitts
Farm, heading North Westawrds to meet the Cleveland Way footpath just
West of the Wainstones.
AT NZ554 034 there is a footpath sign that points to Chop Gate.
Follow the waymarked footpath to Broadfields Farm and North Woods Farm.
From here take the track to Bank House Farm, then the waymarked footpath
to Cold Moor Lane.
Head Southwards down Cold Moor Lane for a short distance, and then take
the field footpath on your right at NZ557 001. Follow this footpath
first Westwards, then Southwards, to the Village Hall at Chop Gate.
Here you will find toilets and a picnic table.
Leave the Village Hall for the B1257 road, and follow the road for a
short distance until you see a footpath sign by Esp House.
Here follow the waymarked footpath to Seave Green.
When you meet the lane at Seave Green, turn right and walk along the
lane to Bilsdale Hall.
Turn right through the gate at Bilsadle Hall, and follow the farm track
until you come to a gate at NZ568 006.
Take the track to the right of this gate to East Bank Plantation.
There is a gate at the entrance to East Gate Plantation which states
"No Access". This sign is incorrect and access is permitted.
Continue along the lane in East Bank Plantation until you come to the
signposted lane heading Eastwards (and upwards) at NZ572 003. Head up
the track to Urra Moor.
Once on Urra Moor, follow the track Northwards.
Above Medd Craggs, take the track left for a short distance and then
follow the footpath Northwards.
At NZ575 018 there is a track which descends fairly steeply to the village
of Urra.
In Urra, turn right and follow the lane for a short while. At Urra Farm,
follow the waymarked footpath back to Clay Bank.