Walks in the Esk Valley

The railway makes this ideal walking country: walk between stations and ride back. Distances are approximate. Take a map, decent footwear and check the weather on the tops.

4 km · 1 to 1.5 hours · Easy · Linear

Glaisdale to Egton Bridge by Beggar's Bridge and Arncliffe Wood

A short riverside walk over the famous packhorse bridge and along medieval stone trods through ancient oak woodland.

Start: Glaisdale station

5.6 km · 1.5 to 2 hours · Easy · Linear

The Rail Trail: Goathland to Grosmont

An easy 3.5-mile walk along the trackbed of Stephenson's original 1836 railway, through Beck Hole, with a steam train back.

Start: Goathland station

60 km · 3 to 5 days, or in sections · Strenuous · Linear

The Esk Valley Walk

The valley's long-distance route: 37 miles from the source of the Esk to the sea at Whitby, waymarked with a leaping salmon.

Start: Castleton (Castleton Moor station)

3 km · 45 minutes to 1 hour · Easy · Linear

Whitby to Ruswarp riverside

A level stroll up the Esk from the harbour to the boats and pub at Ruswarp, with a train back.

Start: Whitby station

5 km · 1.5 to 2 hours · Easy · Circular

Falling Foss and May Beck

An easy woodland walk beside Little Beck to a 30-foot waterfall and a tea garden in the trees.

Start: May Beck car park, near Littlebeck

5.5 km · 2 to 2.5 hours · Moderate · Circular

Mallyan Spout and Beck Hole from Goathland

Waterfalls, a wooded gorge and a tiny pub on a circular walk from Goathland.

Start: Goathland village (Mallyan Spout Hotel)

10 km · 3 to 3.5 hours · Moderate · Circular

Danby Beacon and Danby Castle from The Moors Centre

Moorland views from the Beacon, then down the dale past a medieval castle and packhorse bridge.

Start: The Moors National Park Centre, Danby