The moors have neen a national park since 1954, one of the earliest, and covers
an area of over 500 square miles, being about 40 miles at its widest.
As yet I haven't covered
too much of the moors, though I hope to remedy that this Summer, providing time allows.
The coast has been done in some
detail and can be found in its very own section.
So until I get round to covering the rest, here's a one-page guide to the
major attractions and towns.
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Sutton Bank is the steep hill that for many is their introduction to the moors.
An incredible climb, it goes from the Plain of York to the top of the moos twisting
and turning as it goes. Most people just pass through, but it should be teated as
a destination in its own right as there's fabulous walking around the escarpment,
through the forests, and around the beautiful and peaceful Lake Gormire |
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In the middle of the North York Moors, Rosedale is an amazing hidden place. Originally an Iron Ore
mining community, it's now a picture postcard little village, but the real joy is in the
surrounding countryside. Running along the sides of this incredibly steep dale are two old railway tracks,
allowing a fabulous walk around the dale. Totally unspoilt. Unfortunately the wonderful Rosedale Chimmney that used to dominate
the landscape was destroyed in the 1970's in an act of unforgiveable vandalism.
Nowadays the chimney is just a memory but the road up to it is still one of the
steepest in the UK. |
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Located on the very edge of the North York Moors, and not quite on the Cleveland
Way, it's easy to overlook Mount Grace Priory. That's a great mistake, as
these are the most interesting monastic remains in the North. A Carthusian monastry,
the monks had a unique, and rather luxurious lifestyle. It's also the best place
in Yorkshire to see a Stoat, as they use the mediaeval drains to sneak about hunting
rabbits. If you don't see one in the abbey grounds, try the woods behind. |
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Hidden away between Sutton Bank and Ampleforth, Newburgh Priory, is one of the
great estates of North Yorkshire, and fortunately it's still in private hands. This is the place where Olver Cromwell's
headless corpse is supposed to be buried - and as one of my great historical heroes that makes it
well worth a mention. Very limited
opening times. |
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Tucked away near Ampleforth, there's not an awful lot left of what was one of the
richest Abbey's in the North. It doesn't have the idyllic setting of Reivaulx either,
but it is in nice gentle walking country, and is also within spitting distance of
two excellent pubs; the Wombwell Arms at Wath and the Abbey Inn, which is directly
opposite the gates. The Abbey's in the care of English Heritage, who seem to spend
more money building fences round their properties than conserving them. |
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Helmsley
On the edge of the moors, Helmsley is one of the historic gateways, complete with
a lovely ruined Norman castle and a great market place. It's also the start (or end) of
the Cleveland Way, and has a selection of the best eateries and pubs for miles.
Ideal walking country (Rievaulx and back being a great little walk) and a great
place to spend a weekend. |
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Pickering
Another traditional gateway to the moors, Pickering is another delightful mediaeval town
with a ruined castle, a market square and great pubs and shopping. It even has a shop selling nothing but "green men", a
very large example of which adorns my kitchen wall - it's opposite the railway station and is well worth a visit. It's also the Southern terminus
of the North York Moors Railway, which is the best private railway in the UK.
And now they even run trains all the way to Whitby. Fantastic. |
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The most beautiful, peaceful setting for any abbey in the UK, Rievaulx is an absolute
gem. Apart from the abbey itself, there are the splendid Rievaulx terraces above
which are well worth a visit - but they're not walkable from the abbey. Do go during
proper opening hours, as the absolute highlight of the terrace is the inside of
the Ionic temple. Ideally the abbey is best visited by walking from Helmsley, which
is a fantastic place to visit or even stay for a weekend. |
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The Hole of Horcum, also known as "The Devil's Punchbowl" is an amazing geological feature just off the Whitby to Pickering Road. It's a
great place to break a journey with fabulous views down into it, and it's a really great place to walk into,
either from the top, or far better down the valley heading to Newtondale. |
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The area around Newtondale is one of the very best walking areas in North Yorkshire.
It's bisected by the North York Moors Railway, but offers both great lowland and
upland walking. Throw into the mix some quite deligtful villages, great pubs, the
odd historic remain or two, and you have an ideal area to visit. |