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

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The leaning stone pillar of Malo Cross and the rounded hump of Whinny Nab

Turn left alongside a fence as the path rises gradually from a slope of scrub woodland and bracken to the top of a fine grassy brow. Alternatively, climb straight from the stone cross on to Whinny Nab, at 296m (971ft), then continue along the brow. Either way, keep walking along the grassy brow, with views down to the former Saltersgate Inn. Go through a gate beside a shelter belt of trees. Turn left to follow a path running parallel to a track, reaching a farm road. Turn right along this to reach the busy A169 road. A national park information van might be parked nearby in summer.

THE LEGENDARY SALTERSGATE INN

Saltergate was an important trading route running inland from the coast. It was also known as the ‘Salt Road’ or ‘Fish Road’. Smugglers carrying illicit goods along the road would often hole up at the Saltersgate Inn. According to local lore, revenue men raided the inn one night, but the smugglers ensured that nothing was discovered. However, one revenue man who lingered too long afterwards was killed and his body buried beneath the hearthstone of the inn. The landlord of the day insisted that a fire was kept alight to deter anyone from digging up the hearthstone, and this tradition was maintained for generations afterwards. The ever-blazing fire at the inn became a tourist attraction in its own right! Alas, the fire burns no longer and the inn closed in 2007. There is a plan to demolish the inn and build a café and small brewery.