9.2 miles.(*)

Explorer Map OL26 - North York Moors (West)

A circular walk starting in the village of Westerdale that starts in an agricultural valley before climbing up to the moorland of Castleton Ridge, Danby High Moor, and Westerdale Moor.
The climb up to Castleton Ridge follows a clear path, and offers no particular difficulty (other than being a reasonably stiff climb).
Once up on the moorland, visiting the crosses described in the walk is fairly straightforward.
However, the main difficulty of this walk comes on the descent from the high moorland, where not only is the descent over a steep and rough heather clad hill, but navigation needs to be watched.
Later on, the Esk Valley Way follows a very narrow path over more rough ground, which can be quite taxing.
Apart from the above difficulties, if you have a fine day there are some spectacular views and the walk is well worthwhile.

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 available 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 web site, - just use QUO!!

Start from the road just outside Christ Church in Westerdale village. (NY66516 05828).
Head Southwards up the road for about 100 yards, then turn left along the narrow road. Where this meets Broad Gate Road turn right and follow the road to Broad Gate Farm, then continue on the Bridleway to Dale Head Farm.
From here, continue on the BRidleway up to Castleton Ridge.
Up on the ridge, follow the road Southwards (there is plenty of space to walk beside the road) until you meet the finger post directing you to the Esk Valley Way that continues Southwards over moorland.
This footpath arrives at the White cross (Fat Betty).
From here, head Westwards beside the road to the Young Ralph Cross.
Follow the narrow moorland footpath Westwards to the Old Ralph Cross.
Return to the Young Ralph Cross and then follow the road Southwards to the Margery Bradley Stone.
(If you cross the moorland directly between the Old Ralph Cross and the Margery Bradley Stone you will find it very rough and uneven.)
From the Margery Bradley Stone follow the shooters' track Westwards to the edge of the moorland. To find the footpath down you will find this to the left of the shooters' track. A marked stile shows where this footpath can be found.
The footpath down is very rough and should be taken carefully.
Once down in the valley bottom, follow the signposted Esk Valley Way. Initially this follows a farm track, but a waymark then directs you to a rough footpath that crosses heather and bracken clad land.
Continue on the Esk Valley Way until you come to a farm road on your right, past New House Farm.
THis returns you to Westerdale village,