Thornton le Dale - Ellerburn - Shoulder of Mutton - Back

Phil Catterall

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Thornton le Dale - Ellerburn - Shoulder of Mutton - Nabgate - Thornton le Dale

Leaving the village of Thornton le Dale, we pass the most photographed thatched cottage in Yorkshire. We soon leave the tarmac and make for Ellerburn via field-paths. At Ellerburn is the famous St Hilda's Church (1050AD) situated in the quiet valley. The church (unusually) houses four species of bats. The church is left open during the daytime should you wish to look inside. We then proceed along a track beside Welham Park Trout Farm and edge into the south-western corner of Dalby - The Great Yorkshire Forest, as it is now known. Continuing now on a forestry track, we climb to reach Shoulder of Mutton; the name can only relate to the lie of the land above the valley. At this farthest point from Thornton we double back on another track over Nabgate to reach Outgang Lane, which takes us back to Thornton. After crossing the A170 at the east end of the village we walk by some prestigious properties to reach the curiously named Dog Kennel Lane. The last section of public footpath delivers us back into the North York Moors National Park car park, where there are public toilets. All village facilities are then a two-minute walk away.

England - North England - Yorkshire - North York Moors