Newton Dale

Robert Maud

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This circular walk traverses both sides of one of the most picturesque dales in North Yorkshire, taking in deciduous and conifer woodland and a stretch of the North Yorks Moors (hereafter abbreviated to NYM). The ridges provide a fantastic view of the NYM Steam Railway line as it meanders through Newton Dale. Tracks are generally good, but there is the odd boggy patch in the winter months.

The route starts at the village green in the village of Newton-on-Rawcliffe. The first section meanders through light deciduous woodland and after crossing a stream, eventually arrives at the ridge above Newton Dale. The kind Yorkshire folk have placed a bench here; sit and have your coffee and enjoy the wonderful view.

The walk now passes through a section of conifer woodland, emerging at a forest road; now enjoy a long and level saunter along a good forest road which eventually arrives at Newton Dale Halt, one of the stopping points for the NYM Steam Railway. Another bench suggests it's time for lunch before making the short but strenuous trek out of the dale to emerge on the opposite ridge and the return journey.

Now for a decent, high-level ridge walk that tracks the side of the dale; look out for Skelton Tower, a good place for afternoon tea and another spectacular view. Skelton Tower was built by the Rev Robert Skelton, curate of Levisham (1814-19) and was originally a shooting lodge.

The walk continues along the ridge and eventually descends to cross the railway and meet the forest road again. A short walk follows before you turn to make another short but strenuous climb out of the dale, but you may want to visit Levisham Station before returning to climb and return to Newton-on-Rawcliffe, where the walk emerges through the rear yard of the White Swan Inn – what luck! But its closed Monday and Tuesday.

England - North England - Yorkshire - North York Moors

Features

Ancient Monument, Great Views, Moor, Pub, Woodland

7/1/2016 - Maggie Hudson

After Waymark 5 when reaching the newly constructed forest road TURN RIGHT and continue to follow this road until Waymark 7 is reached. At Waymark 12 Skelton Tower we were unable to find the path parallel to the wall as conditions were very boggy.We took the wide grass path to the left and continued on this until we met the road.Turn Right and walk down the steep hill to Levisham Station.

3/23/2014 - Sarah Unsworth