Your Guide to the North York Moors
National Park
There are so many different reasons
for you to explore the North York Moors National Park, but some of our
favourite reasons we have highlighted below.
- The North York Moors comprise of a high plateau bounded on the north
by the Plain of Cleveland and on the south by the vales of Pickering
and York. On the north and south the moors are etched by deep valleys,
or dales, and the eastern boundary of the park ends is a spectacular
coastline. Imagine the miles of stunning heather, towering sea cliffs,
secluded beaches and grassy dales waiting for you to discover.
- Designated a National Park in 1952, North York Moors enjoys 26 miles
of coastline, 846 Historic Monuments including numerous stone crosses
across the Moors, and the highest point is Urra Moor and is well worth
the climb to see the amazing views as well as almost 2,300 km of track
and trails to enjoy.
- The Cleveland Way National Trail hugs the rim of the moor, and a trip
along it provides excellent views, whether you explore the whole trail
or just a portion of it, there is plenty to explore.
- If you have watch the ITV television series "Heartbeat"
you will know that is is set in the fictional village of "Aidensfield",
but visit Goathland, a small village in the North York Moors National
Park, and you can visit the famous village itself, and imagine yourself
back in the 1960's.
- Dalby Forest drive, is a toll road which enables you to drive deep
into the woodland and enjoy fantastic views, picnic spots and play areas
along the way.
Roseberry
Topping is a distinctive cone shaped hill near to the village of Great
Ayton and Newton and is well worth a visit - the views across the Moors
are amazing -- whether you are looking to see its Snow capped crown
in winter, or enjoy a picnic in the summer sunshine, from here you can
walk to the Captain Cook Monument.
- Visit the Yorkshire Moors in Spring and you really must visit the
famous "Farndale",
where in springtime the hills turn yellow as the amazing daffodil displays
bring people flocking to the area. Best seen March to April, enjoy a
mile and a half walk alongside the River Dove.
- The North York Moors Railway is one of the country's most popular
heritage railways. The steam trains, run the 18 mile stretch between
Grosmont and Pickering, through the beautiful scenery of the North Yorkshire
Moors National Park, stopping at Goathland, Levisham and Newton Dale.
There is a great way to experience the nostalgia of the Moors.
- Hogsmeade Station from Harry Potter fame was actually filmed at Goathland
Station on the North Moors Railway, so what a great place to take the
children to. Maybe they too will be off to Hogwarts castle to become
wizards.
- There are lots of ruins to explore, some belong to English Heritage
and our favourite spots include: Kirkham Priory, Whitby Abbey, and Rievaulx
Abbey in the South West Yorkshire Moors.
- The Yorkshire Moors is also home to a chalk white horse. Just east
of Thirsk is the most Northern white Horse in the country, and we mustn't
forget to mention the 99 steps in Whitby, the pier and the sandy beaches
at Scarborough in the North and South Bay.