The Grey Panthers

Explorer Map OL26, - North York Moors (Western Area)

This walk uses well-trodden paths and tracks, and poses no navigational difficulties.
There are some ascents and descents, but these use paths which are well defined.
The countryside covered by this walk is deservedly popular, and offers some great views.

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 centre of Osmotherley village. Parking can be difficult, - please show consideration for the residents of Osmotherley.
In the centre of the village, close to the War Memorial, is a archway with the sign "Osmotherley Methodist Church 1734" above it. Through this archway is an alleyway (and the actual entrance to the church). This is part of the Cleveland Way footpath.
Head along the alleyway, and then take the footpath almost straight ahead. This footpath takes you to some woodland. Descend on a fairly steep path (though with steps) to cross the stream by a bridge at the bottom of the valley. (This stream is the outfall from the Cod Beck Reservoir).
Continue uphill on the footpath until you come to a Green Lane. Turn right to meet the Osmotherley-Hawnby minor road. After a few yards, turn right into the lane leading to Oakdale.
Continue past the Oakdale Reservoir, then take the footpath up to Square Corner.
At Square Corner, follow the road back in the direction of Osmotherley, past Chequers. This road is quiet, but CARE traffic.
Past Chequers take the lane that heads due North
After about 3/4 mile, take the gated track on your left, and follow the track down to the Cod Beck Reservoir.
Cross the reservoir dam, and take the footpath along the shoreline until you come to the car park at Sheepwash.
Continue on the minor road in a Northerly direction (CARE traffic).
When you reach a farm track on your left, take this track and then continue along the Cleveland Way footpath until you come to a gate at the entrance to Arncliffe Wood.
Here turn sharp left and take the track, and then minor road, back into Osmotherley.