The Esk Valley Walk

The Esk Valley Walk follows the river from the high moors to the harbour at Whitby. It begins with a loop round the head of the dale from Castleton, over the moor into Westerdale and back down Danby Dale to Danby, then follows the valley east through Lealholm, Glaisdale, Egton Bridge, Grosmont, Sleights and Ruswarp to the sea.

The route is waymarked with a leaping salmon symbol. It mixes riverside paths, ancient stone trods, quiet lanes and open moor, with plenty of pubs and tea rooms along the way.

Doing it in sections

Because the Esk Valley Railway shadows the route, the walk breaks neatly into day sections between stations:

• Castleton to Danby (via Westerdale): about 11 miles, the moorland loop
• Danby to Glaisdale: about 7 miles via Lealholm
• Glaisdale to Grosmont: about 5 miles via Egton Bridge
• Grosmont to Whitby: about 8 miles via Sleights and Ruswarp

The national park authority publishes a route guide, and leaflets are available at The Moors Centre in Danby.