Experience the Moors Join NYMA's friendly guided walks, visits to places of cultural and environmental interest, and other stimulating events about what matters in the Moors. The walks and events are free (unless otherwise stated). They are principally for NYMA members, with non-members welcome too if space permits.
Most walks are 4-7 miles long and include a picnic stop and opportunities to admire the view.
Dogs are normally welcome, but please check with the walk leader.
We're always keen to add more walks and events to our programme, so please get in touch if you have a special place you'd like to share!
Walks 2025
Saturday 5 July - Ladhill Ghyll and Hawnby Hill
Meet 10.30 at 'Summer Seat', Hawnby Upper village (GR SE 543898, W3W concluded.power.event, postcode YO62 5QS). Parking 50m east of Summer Seat.
A 3.5 mile circular route heading north along Ladhill Ghyll, through woodland and pasture, and visiting a former hermitage. The return section will include climbing Hawnby Hill (298m) before descending back to the village for refreshments at The Owl pub (or bring your own picnic).
There will be stiles, and steep and muddy sections. The walk should take about 2 hours in total.
Walk Leader: Jamie Savile. Please let Jamie know if you would like to come on jamie@mexboroughestates.co.uk.
Saturday 6 September - Scamridge Dykes
Meet 10.30 at Cockmoor Hall carpark, Snainton (postcode YO13 9BX, GR SE 914868, W3W joyously.grand.talent)
This 7-mile walk explores the Tabular Hills just to the south of Dalby Forest. The route includes the head of Brompton Dale, site of the first manned flight in 1853, and Scamridge Dykes, prehistoric earthworks whose origin is still obscure. There is a total ascent of 450 ft. on the route, with no steep climbs, and good views. Bring a picnic. NB. There is a shorter option (5.5 miles) to return to the carpark.
Walk leader: Janet Cochrane. Contact her on 07570 112010 or secretary@nyma.org.uk to book a place.
Saturday 4 October – Biodiversity projects near Castleton
Start 10.30 outside the Co-op, Castleton (postcode YO21 2DA, GR NZ 687 081)
Walk to Bow Bridge Community Meadows beside the River Esk, where the Community Earth Project is developing a 7-acre site to introduce wildflower meadows, wetlands and an orchard, then to Corbett’s Copse, a plot above Danby Park, to the north of the Esk, which NYMA has been managing to improve biodiversity over many years. Work includes fencing, tree-planting and bracken clearance. Find out more from volunteers working on these projects.
Lunch options include a picnic at Corbett’s Copse and inns in Castleton.
The full walk is about 3 miles, with steep inclines and uneven, bracken-covered, possibly wet terrain. Be tick aware!
Walk leader: John Roberts. For more information and to secure a place, phone John on 01287 642322 or text/phone 07903 404098 or email joanyeoman24@btinternet.com
Please come dressed and equipped for the weather. It's worth wearing gaiters to deter mud - and ticks.
Events 2025
Saturday 19 July - Aldby Park, Stamford Bridge
A members-only visit to Aldby Park, Buttercrambe, YO41 1XU.
Gather in the hall at 10.30 for tea/coffee and an introductory talk about the history of Aldby House and its site, which has been in the Darley family since 1557. The current house was built in 1726 and houses a life-size portrait of the Darley Arabian, the most important sire in the development of the Thoroughbred horse. A tour of the garden will include the site of an Anglo-Saxon Palace and the - rather more modern! - Buttercrambe Hydro. You can then wander around the garden and explore its nooks and crannies at your leisure. Kindly hosted by George and Sara Winn-Darley.
Please let us know you're coming on secretary@nyma.org.uk/07570 112010.
Sunday 14 September - NYMA AGM
Danby Lodge National Park Centre, Lodge Lane, Danby, Whitby YO21 2NB
There will be a short walk in the morning followed by a buffet lunch, then the business of the day to discuss NYMA’s achievements over the last year and its plans for the future. The day will end with an illustrated talk from Paul Forster, a wildlife photographer and naturalist based in Guisborough.
Do please let us know if you’re coming on secretary@nyma.org.uk or 07570 112010.