Читать книгу The North York Moors. 50 walks in the National Park онлайн

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Ten walking routes through the Tabular Hills are described, including two routes around Hackness, three in the Lockton and Levisham area and one each around Hutton-le-Hole, Gillamoor, Rievaulx Moor, Helmsley and Hawnby. Some of these take in the distinctive nabs, while others wander more through the dales. From time to time, on the higher ground, it is possible to look along the range and see how the higher nabs end abruptly, and the High Moors then stretch northwards into the heart of the North York Moors.

WALK 1

West Ayton, Hackness and the Forge Valley

Start/finish Ye Olde Forge Valley Inn, West Ayton, SE 987 847 Distance 15km (9½ miles) Total ascent/descent 240m (790ft) Time 5hrs Terrain Easy walking along woodland paths and field paths, as well as farm tracks and minor roads Maps OS Landranger 101; OS Explorer OL27 South Refreshments Ye Olde Forge Valley Inn at West Ayton, East Ayton Lodge Hotel and Denison Arms at East Ayton, Everley Country House Café is off-route between Mowthorpe and Hackness, and Hackness Grange Hotel is off-route near Hackness Transport Regular Scarborough & District buses serve West and East Ayton from Scarborough, Pickering and Helmsley

The River Derwent once flowed straight from the moors to the sea, but at the end of the Ice Age its course was blocked and water overflowed, carving out the Forge Valley, which was later choked by wildwoods. These trees were harvested for charcoal to fuel small ironworks in the 14th century. The River Derwent repeatedly flooded the low-lying Vale of Pickering, so in the 18th century the Sea Cut was engineered to take the river along its original course to the sea. This walk explores the wooded Forge Valley, takes a look at the Sea Cut and offers the chance to visit the lovely estate village of Hackness.