Danby and Castleton: Walk with Bob Woodhouse

A series of scenic footpaths and bridleways run through birch woods and open moorland to link two of Eskdale’s attractive village settings at Danby and Castleton

Starting from Danby Parish Hall we make our way down the sloping roadway towards the station and after about 100 yards bear right into Bridge Green.

We pass the Methodist Chapel, on our right, and cross the beck before bearing right up the roadway and then a grassy track to reach the public road.

Turning left along the roadway we pass the approach to Winsley Hill Farm and then follow the stony track on our right away from the road.

As the trackway rises there are fine all-round views and when the routes divide we follow the lower track before joining the Esk Valley Walk going left.

A wall lines our left side as we approach a wooden field gate leading into birch woodland at Danby Park. There are two more gates before we pass two properties on our left hand and then reach the public road.

Turning left down the sloping roadway we continue under the railway bridge and cross the road bridge over the River Esk.

We turn right along the road and soon pass Esk Mill on our right.

At the end of the wall on our left we leave the roadway to head up the hill on the Esk Valley Walk to High Castleton.

At the top of the hillside we turn left to walk as far as the primary school where we turn right on the bridleway.

A stony slope runs downhill to pass through two field gates and around a field with grazing llamas to cross a plank bridge.

Keeping to the right along the lower level we pass through a series of eight field gates before reaching the public road where we turn left with views of Danby Church across the field on our right.

Keeping directly ahead at the junctions with Wandells Lane and Tofts Lane we walk towards North End Farm and at the split in the route we bear left towards Plum Tree Farm.

The trackway runs below the farm to pass through a wooden gate at the end of the wall and we continue ahead through two more gates on the approach to Rowantree Farm.

Passing the farm buildings on our right we follow the lane uphill to pass High Bramble Carr, on our left, and continue along the grassy track beside the stone wall to join the public road.

At this point we turn left down the roadway to pass the Fox and Hounds Inn on our right and then Lilac Terrace on our left before making our way along Brook Lane into Ainthorpe.

Turning right at the junction we walk down the slope and over the bridge to our starting point at Danby Parish Hall.