8.5 miles
Outdoor Leisure Map OLS26, - North York Moors (West Area)
A route that is straightforward to navigate, and that
mostly uses clear tracks and minor roads. The walk described here was
followed in poor weather, but would be even more enjoyable in sunshine.
Two gradients are involved, - a fairly long descent into Hawnby using
a farm track, and a long ascent along a minor road.
In fine weather there is a variation of the route which may be preferred.
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 parking area at Sneck Yate (SE509 877). Take
care that you don't obstruct farm traffic.
Head Northwards along the Hambleton Road (a farm track).
Opposite the gate that leads to High Paradise Farm, there is a gate that
takes you on to Dale Town Common.
Follow the track beside the field wall that runs due East.
Where this track comes to a corner, turn sharp left and follow the track
Northwards. Past Sunny Bank Wood there is a small plantation. Just past
this plantation take the field footpath that takes you almost due East
to High Buildings Farm. Continue past this farm on the track to Sunny
Bank Farm, and onwards to the road that leads into Hawnby.
In Lower Hawnby, take the road until you come to All Saints' Church, Hawnby.
Continue through the churchyard to Church Bridge.
At Church Bridge, you can take the field footpath that skirts Coomb Hill
via Nags Head Wood. This footpath eventually brings you out onto the road
between Hawnby and Kepwick.
Alternatively, continue along the road from Church Bridge. This road runs
past New Hall and the entrance driveway to Arden Hall.
Following the road involves a long ascent. When the road begins to level
out a footpath is indicated (by a waymark) on your left.
This footpath heads Southwards across Dale Town Common, where you then
retrace your steps back to the Sneck Yate car park.