After leaving Chop Gate {SE 559 994}, the intent of the A-Walk was to visit Stump Cross, Hanging Stone, Howl Wood and Riccal Dale before arriving at our final destination in Helmsley {SE 610 838}.
We left our drop-off point in the car park (see the picture below) at about 10.30 am. There were eleven people in the group: JB, JPB, PB, RB, KF, JH, CL, KL, AM, LM, JT. RB led the walk.
After crossing the B1257 road, we trekked in an easterly direction along the access track to William Beck Farm {SE 570 994}. Continuing in an east-south-easterly (ESE) direction we crossed Black Intake and ascended into Tripsdale {SE 582 989}. From here we had a good climb up onto Slape Wath Moor, which we crossed on an ESE bearing, in order to reach Stump Cross {SE 607 982}.
Turning right, we continued in a southerly direction across Bransdale Ridge towards the minor road at {SE 610 963}. Just before reaching the road we decided to stop for lunch. Because there was a strong cold wind blowing, we sought refuge in some nearby grouse butts at {SE 608 963} and {SE 609 963}.
After lunch, we followed the road to {SE 613 953} where we joined a footpath that took us south across Pockley Moor to reach Hanging Stone {SE 623 923} and a near-by tarn (see the picture below).
Just after Hanging Stone, we turned onto a south-easterly bearing and made our way to Throstle Nest {SE 617 907} and Lund Farm {SE 613 905}. We continued on this bearing to reach {SE 612 902} and then switched to a south-easterly bearing which we used in order to navigate to Howl Wood Farm {SE 617 893} and, subsequently, Hasty Bank Farm {SE 625 884}. From here, we made our way into Riccal Dale Wood {SE 624 883}.
Continuing on our southerly bearing we made our way through Riccal Dale until we reached the junction of two tracks (High Tun Way and Low Tun Way) {SE 622 875}. We stayed with Low Tun Way and eventually emerged from the forest on the west side of the dale at {SE 625 859}. Our path now took us along the western edge of the forest to Rea Garth Farm {SE 625 858}.
We continued along the edge of the forest until we reached a path junction at {SE 630 847}. Turning right, we made our way to Reagarth Farm {SE 627 845} and then made our way across the fields to the Youth Hostel in Helmsley {SE 616 840}. We then walked through the town in order to reach tha car park {SE 610 838} where our coach was waiting for us.
Many thanks to RB for organising such an interesting and exciting adventure for us today. We had a really great time. Use the buttons below to see where we went, how we did and some of the photos.
Nice photos and I'm doing the Cleveland Way shortly this month.
ReplyDeleteHello Martin.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear from you. We haven't seen you for a while. Where have you been? Good luck with the Cleveland Way. Let us know how you make out.
Warm regards.
Phil