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 3 May - St. Aelred's Trail around Helmsley
Meet 10.30 by footpath sign (on right) at the beginning of Carlton Road, Helmsley (before the YHA if approaching from the petrol station, GR SE 616841, W3W lingering.hooked.escaping, postcode YO62 5HD). If parking nearby, be aware that large farm machinery uses this area.
A 5-mile circular walk along part of the St. Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail which, after crossing farmland, dips down through woodland to follow the course of the Riccal. Bring a picnic to eat on the banks of the river before returning to Helmsley. Most of the walk is along wide, solid forestry tracks.
Walk Leader: Kate Senior. Please contact her on kate.senior09@gmail.com or 07936 539664.
Saturday 7 June - Ingleby Greenhow Botanical Foraging Walk
Meet 10.30 at Bank Foot, near Ingleby Greenhow (GR NZ 592061, W3W bonus.turntable.chiefs) for 4.5 mile 'to and fro' flat stroll along the old railway line from Rosedale. Botanist Anne Press will identify plants along the way which are suitable (or not!) for foraging. Roadside parking is available along the start of the line. Bring refreshments for a picnic break at the far end of the walk.
Walk Leader: Anne Press. Please let Anne know if you would like to come on a.press43@gmail.com.
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 & 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.
Please come dressed and equipped for the weather. It's worth wearing gaiters to deter mud - and ticks.
Events 2025
Tuesday 27 May - Birdwatching at Sutton Bank
Meet 10.30 at the main entrance of the Sutton Bank Visitor Centre - there's plenty of space to park (Pay & Display).
This gentle walk is a chance to learn about the birdlife of the woods, moorland and farmland around Sutton Bank with keen birdwatcher Andy Wilson. Andy will talk about any birds that we see and hear during the walk - and about local birds that we're not likely to spot! The walk will last about an hour and a half, and we can have refreshments at the Visitor Centre cafe afterwards. You don't have to be a knowledgeable birder to join the group, but it'll be more enjoyable if you bring your own binoculars.
The walk will stick to paths, but please come dressed appropriately for the weather.
Please let Janet know if you'd like to come on secretary@nyma.org.uk / 07570 112010.
Sunday 22 June - NYMA's 40th Anniversary Celebration
To celebrate NYMA's Ruby anniversary, we're holding an afternoon gathering at the Millennium Stone on Danby High Moor. The event will include a couple of short talks on NYMA's work, a walk from the Lion Inn, Blakey Ridge, to the Stone (approx. 4 miles) or a longer cycle ride - and drinks and other refreshments. It's also possible to drive there and park nearby. This is a free event for members! Please let Janet know you're coming on secretary@nyma.org.uk / 07570 112010.
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.
