Hole of Horcum - Levisham Moor - Dundale Pond

Sam Roebuck

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The Hole of Horcum is a huge natural amphitheatre lying in the heart of the North York Moors national park, to the north of Pickering. Legend has it that it was formed when a giant (called Horcum) scooped up a handful of earth to throw at his wife during an argument. He missed and the handful of earth now forms Blakey Topping (a distinctively shaped hill to the east).

You'll find ample free parking at the Hole of Horcum. Our walk starts by skirting around the top edge of the Hole, giving you a good feel of its sheer size. We then head away from the Hole over the nature reserve of Levisham Moor. Keep an eye out for curlew, lapwing, merlin and golden plover.

We drop off the moor at a locale known as Dundale Pond and descend into the delightful valley of Levisham Beck. We follow the valley through pastureland right into the Hole of Horcum, before a short climb back to the start.

For longer versions of this walk, see Walks 3765 and 3766.

Dog-walkers please note the presence of sheep, cows and some dog-unfriendly stiles. Please also control your dog on Levisham Moor to protect ground-nesting birds.

England - North England - Yorkshire - North York Moors