12.3 miles
Explorer Map No OL26 (North York Moors Western Area)
Although the walk is a bit longer than our usual walks, the fact
that much of it is on easy ground helps somewhat.
However, although 80% of the route could be classified as "easy",
there is one section that could prove to be quite challenging.
This section is the bridleway between the Bloworth Crossing and
Farndale. A waymark indicates the start of the Bridleway, but
for the next mile or so you are on open moorland with VERY rough
going. There is no marked way forward and you must rely on your
compass or sat nav,
Once you are down in Farndale, the going is easy and the views
superb.
To return to Blakey Ridge, you have one moderate climb although
the gradient isn't too steep.
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 availabe 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 car park on Blakey Ridge, South of the
Lion Inn and opposite the road descending to Church HOuses in Farndale
(SE68330 99014).
Cross the road and almost immediately you will see the old railway
track bed and the the finger post indicating this to be a right of
way.
Follow the old railway track bed for the next several miles until
you come to Bloworth Crossing.
Bloworth Crossing is fairly obvious, and is indicated by a couple
of information boards.
Here turn South South East to initially follow Rudland Rigg.
However, after about 1/4/ mile, a waymark sign on your left indicates
the bridleway to Farndale.
Set a bearing of 95 to 100 degrees East and follow this over unmarked
and very rough ground. DO NOT be tempted to take the tracks by the
grouse butts. This will only take you off course.
Continue on your bearing until you see a field wall. Just North of
this field wall the footpath suddenly becomes obvious.
Pass through the field wall at a gate (open at the time we used it,
but strung with wire at a height of about 7 ft, - to stop horses?
on a bridlway?
Follow the now waymarked footpath to Daleside Road and continue past
Elm House and Ash House farms.
The footpath back up to the railway track bed is signposted on your
left.
When you rejoin the railway track bed, return to Blakey Ridge.