The North York Moors offers so much to see and do for visitors to the area and those who are lucky enough to live there. There are the headline ‘honeypots’ of timeless pretty stone built villages set amongst the stunning moorland, bustling market towns to wonderful fishing villages and spectacular beaches to name but a few.
However the North York Moors National Park hides many unique and hidden delights. A number of these are set off the beaten track. From photogenic waterfalls, mythical hobgoblins to impressive historical sights. All of them are well worth discovering and exploring. And don’t forget to take your camera.
Kirkdale Cave, nr Kirkbymoorside
Kirkdale Cave near Kirbymoorside
This fascinating cave full of mystery and history is part of a circular lovely walk from Kirkbymoorside via Gillamoor. Kirkdale Cave is located near the ford that the crosses over Hodge Beck and within Kirkdale Woods.
It can be easily missed and not spotted unless you know what you are looking for. The cave itself is a more a narrow 3-4 high crevasse set high up into an escarpment of rock like a ragged smile, part of Kirkdale Gorge. Back in 1821 workmen found the cave which contained fossilized bones of a variety of mammals dating back to the ice age. These ancient relics were incredibly found to include bones and teeth of hippopotamuses, elephants, bison and hyenas. The remains were probably dragged back to this cave by the hyenas to feed on.
A careful scramble up the cliff to the ledge of Kirkdale Cave will take you the entrance of the cave. This opens out once inside then splits into two very dark long small passages. These are are said to head back into the rock some 200 yards!
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Thomason Foss, Near Beck Hole
A short walk from the bridge by the Birch Hole Inn at Beck Hole will take you along the rocky banks of Eller Beck woodland ravine to the cascading Thomason Foss waterfall. It is a lovely spot for little bit of wild swimming in the pool beneath. From here you may also see the lovely old steam trains pass by almost overhead at the top of the ravine on their to or from Goathland.
It is signposted from Beck Hole though parking is very limited in this tiny but picturesque village. More parking can be found at the top of the hill with a longer walk down to the signposted path.
Mallyan Spout near Goathland
Mallyan Spout, Goathland
Probably a more spectacular sight is the cascading 70ft high waterfall tumbling down into West Beck. It is also close to the lovely village of Goathland. It can be reached by parking up in the village and taking the well marked path by the side of the Mallyan Spout Hotel down to the river. From there turn left and then carefully navigate the short rocky path littered with large boulders (beware they may be slippery) to the base of Mallyan Spout.
Walkers and the more adventurous can follow the 3 mile circular trail by following the river upstream to Beck Hole. Then take the marked trail back into Goathland from there. Or vice versa as the attached route map suggests. Be aware this can include some scrambling and make sure the river is not too high or in flood.
Falling Foss waterfall
Falling Foss, Near Whitby
Another spectacular waterfall that is not too far to walk to. The reward is well worth the woodland stroll. It is just six miles inland from Whitby, nestled in Littlebeck Wood with a trail is suitable for most ages to access. The enchanting Falling Foss Tea Rooms offer visitors a fine cuppa and freshly bakes scones in a lovely woodland spot alongside the impressive Falling Foss 30ft high waterfall.
A popular 3.2km woodland circular marked walk, passes through idyllic woodlands and alongside the gurgling May Beck. A good and ample car park can be found at Sneaton Forest. Click here direction to the Forestry Commission Car Park
Stepping Stones over River Esk at Lealholm
Lealholm Stepping Stones
What is about stepping stones that cross a river that have to be experienced? They make a great picture too capturing the fond memory of walking across the flowing River Esk. The Lealholm Stepping Stones are one of three crossing points over the River Esk in the historic village. The Board Inn at Lealholm sits alongside the bridge over the river and only a short walk away from the steeping stones.
There are plenty of good walks around the village or hikers can take the train to Lealham from Grosmont then walk back. This is a linear walk, taking in part of the Esk Valley Walk, whilst using the Esk Valley Railway.
Boggle Hole – Robin Hood’s Bay
Boggle Hole, near Robin Hood’s Bay
With a name like that it just has to be worth visiting! Boggle Hole is bursting with stories, myths and tales of Boggles. The small cove near Robin Hood’s Bay is named Boggle Hole as it was believed to be the home to mischievous little Boggles or Hobgoblins. Legend has it that they could use their magical powers to heal sick children. The well stocked Quarterdeck Café with outdoor seating awaits at the The Boggle Hole YHA . The perfect spot to relax after being busy fossil hunting and rock pooling down on the beach.
Please be aware that Boggle Hole cannot be reached via the beach 3 hours either side of the high tide. Don’t get caught out.
Roseberry Topping, Newton-under-Roseberry, Nr Guisborough
Roseberry Topping is only 1,049 feet high hill but it cuts a fine shape in local landscape. The hill is set on the North York Moors very own Cleveland Way. This long distance trail starts in the market town of Helmsley and finishes at The Brigg at Filey. It is a very distinctively shaped and has an intriguing name, like that of a cake!
With its half-cone shaped summit and jagged cliff drop makes it look a little like a miniature of the more famous Matterhorn mountain in Switzerland. The shape was caused by both a geographical fault and a collapsed mine back in 1912.
Once climbed it offers fantastic views of the surrounding area. It is the chance to experience spectacular sunsets and also provides the perfect location for good walk. For good walk options see Roseberry Topping walking guide.
Byland Abbey Ruins – North York Moors National Park
Byland Abbey Ruins, Near Coxwold
The spectacular 12th century old Cistercian abbey ruins was once one of the greatest monasteries in Northern England. Byland Abbey’s gothic architecture inspired the design of a number of church buildings throughout the North. It also inspired the design of the famous York Minster rose window. The ruins at Byland Abbey are run and managed by English Heritage.
It is only a short drive away from another of Yorkshire’s great abbeys, Rievaulx Abbey. Helmsley Castle is also close by too.
The nineteenth century Abbey Inn pub at Byland sits across the road offering great views across the ruins.
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Lastingham Church and its Ancient Crypt.
The atmospheric 11th century crypt, built on the site of a 7th century Saxon monastery by its first Abbot, the Anglo Saxon St Cedd of Lindisfarne (who is buried here). St Mary’s church is regarded as one of the ‘cradles’ of English Christianity and is well worth a visit.
St Cedd is commemorated among the crypt’s ancient stone crosses and carved columns. These provide an atmospheric sense of the history of the church particularly when descending the old dimly let stone steps beneath the present-day church.
Afterwards head over the road to the popular Blacksmith’s Arms, a cosy and welcoming English village pub. The village of Lastingham is just a few miles across the moors from Hutton-le-Hole.
The Blacksmiths at Lastingham
The North Yorks Moors – See & Do
These are just a small selection of the many hidden gems and delights, all of which can be found off the beaten track in and around the North York Moors. For more inspirations and ideas of what to do and where to go visit North York Moors National Park website.
Useful Links & More Information:
- Walking the Spectacular Views at Sutton Bank National Park
- Helmsley Castle, Duncombe Park & Fairy Steps Circular Walk
- Great Days Out – Visit Helmsley Castle
- Great Days Out – The North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Experience Dark Skies & Stargazing in the North York Moors National Park
- 12 Local Historic Sites to Visit Around Helmsley Hideaway
- The North York Moors – Hidden Gems
North York Moors – Little Beck River near Falling Foss
