9.68 miles.
Outdoor Leisure Map No OL27 - North York Moors (East)
This walk takes in sections of the North Yorkshire Moors,
and the walker should therefore be fully prepared in that respect. There
are two steep descents, where the path is hidden by bracken and heather.
These descents proved to be surprisingly difficult, and we felt that
in poor visibility they could be quite hazardous.
Using a map is absolutely essential on this walk, especially in recognising
field patterns.
In clear weather, this walk is highly rewarding as regards views.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Start from Glaisdale village (NZ7746505556).
Leave the village from the North, taking the lane marked Hall Lane.
This lane opens out onto Glaisdale Rigg, which is followed for the next
couple of miles.
From the Trig Point (NZ7405904152), take the footpath that heads South.
It is essential to use a compass, with your map, to follow this footpath
properly. The descent becomes quite steep, and in summer is covered
in bracken.
Initially the path down follows a clear track. But where this track
meets a water tank and pipe, you need to follow your compass. The path
is over rough ground, with only the faintest of tracks to guide you.
However, once you are down at the field boundary wall, the footpath
becomes clear again.
Aim for Yew Grange, via Red House (no longer even a ruin, - just an
area where a farm had once stood). The footpath meets a minor road at
NZ7418603029 just before Yew Grange.
Follow the minor road to Mountain Ash Farm, where you then ascend onto
the moors again using the well marked footpath. This footpath is clearly
marked and well trodden, - easy to follow.
Continue in a southerly direction on this footpath until you come to
the ruins of Wintergill at NZ7557101437.
Here, continue onto the minor road. Turn left on the minor road and
follow it until the footpath down into Glaisdale is reached at NZ765022.
Follow this footpath in a Northerly direction, using your compass. In
parts the footpath is very indistinct, whilst in other parts the heather
covers up some unexpected pot holes. Be very careful. Follow the footpath
down to Low Gill Beck Farm (NZ759033).
From this farm return to Glaisdale along the way-marked footpath. Again,
it is important to use your map to recognise field patterns along this
path, as there are some sections which are not well marked.