Experience the Moors ... NYMA runs guided walks and visits. The walks are led by people keen to share their favourite places, and some have a theme such as botany or geology. The visits are to places of historical, cultural and environmental interest.
Most walks are 5-7 miles long. In 2018-19 many have been themed around the 'History Tree' book we published in 2018, visiting some of the fascinating places mentioned and learning about the varied - and sometimes eccentric! - personalities of the Moors.
Sometimes we do a long-distance route in stages. For instance in 2016 we did several walks linking to the Cleveland Way, and in 2015 members completed 48 miles through the Tabular Hills (from Helmsley to Scarborough) in circular walks.
Dogs are normally welcome, but please check with the walk leader.
We're always keen to add more walks to our programme, so please get in touch if you have a special place you'd like to share.
We also run guided visits and events to places of historical, cultural or ecological interest. Most of these take place in the North York Moors, but sometimes they're to places relevant to the Moors. We hope you'll join us!
Walks 2019
Sunday 16 June: Loftus Area and Lewis Hunton. Meet 10.30 at Loftus carpark, Hummersea Lane (nearest postcode TS13 4HG). This circular walk of 5-6 miles follows part of the coastal path from Skinningrove, taking in the former home of Lewis Hunton, the 'young scientist who changed the world'. Return to Loftus Town Square via Upton Farm. Please let the walk leader know you're coming: Albert Elliot (elliot142@btinternet.com or 01287 660137).
Sunday July 21: 'Cleveland Widdershins'. Please note this is a linear walk. Meet Sutton Bank Visitor Centre at 11.15, having arrived by M4 Moorsbus from Ayton, Stokesley or Helmsley. The 7-mile walk is along the Cleveland Way - mainly gently downhill - back to Helmsley, followed by tea in the Walled Garden. The walk is led by Wendy Smith (wpsmith7a@gmail.com, tel. 01642 711980).
Saturday August 3: Glaisdale to Lealholm, in the Esk Valley (linear walk). Meet 10.15 (on arrival of 09.31 bus from Whitby) at Beggar's Bridge, Glaisdale, on the River Esk just down from the railway station (nearest postcode YO21 2QL - park cars by the railway arches). The walk is approx. 4 miles, with plenty of points of interest. For instance, we will hear how Beggar's Bridge came to be built in 1619, pass a watermill and look at 'Paddy Waddell's Railway', a curious line which was intended to transport ironstone across the moors to Teesside, but never completed. We will go on to private land (with permission) to see 2 inscribed stones detailing people who used to live in the area. We finish at a cafe Lealholm, then take the 15.14 bus from Lealholm back to Glaisdale Station. The walk is led by Jane Ellis (no need to contact her in advance). Bring a picnic to eat during the walk. No dogs, please!
Saturday 7 September: Raisdale Ramble. Meet 10.30 at Lordstones carpark on Raisdale Road between Chop Gate and Carlton (TS9 7JH). This is a walk of around 6 miles along the Cleveland Way, down through Raisdale to the mill and returning to Lordstones. There are some gradual ascents and great views - and an excellent cafe at Lordstones! The walk is led by Heather & Colin Mather (heathercolin67@gmail.com, tel. 01287 669104).
All walks are circular (unless otherwise stated). Please come dressed and equipped for the weather.
Events 2019 Saturday 15 June: NYMA AGM at the Moors Centre, Danby, YO21 2NB Meet at 10.45 for 3-mile walk to Clitherbecks and back, or come straight to the Moors Centre at 12.30 for a buffet lunch (free to NYMA members). The AGM starts at 2pm and ends by 4.30. It includes presentation of this year's Conservation Award, and a talk by Senior National Park Ranger Bernie McLinden on the work that he and the other members of his team do in keeping the park attractive for visitors and residents. Please let us know you're coming (or send apologies) on: secretary@nyma.org.uk or 07570 112010.
