Hole of Horcum Circular Yorkshire Walking Trail

The Hole of Horcum Circular Walk is a scenic and popular hiking route located in the North York Moors National Park, England. The walk typically covers around 5 miles (8 kilometers) and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. It begins at the car park near Saltergate and follows a well-marked trail that loops around the dramatic natural amphitheater known as the Hole of Horcum, a large hollow that is 400 feet deep and about half a mile wide. The trail offers stunning views of the moorland and the surrounding countryside, passing through areas of heather, woodland, and open grassland. Points of interest along the walk include Levisham Moor, the scenic valley of Levisham Beck, and the picturesque village of Levisham. The route is moderately challenging, with some steep sections, but it is suitable for most walkers with a reasonable level of fitness.
Directions can be found at www.thegreatyo...
1. Starting Point at Saltergate Car Park
From the car park, carefully cross the road (A169) to the other side and find the narrow path that follows the perimeter of the Hole of Horcum. On the path, follow the trail right until you reach a split near the ‘Devil’s Elbow’.
2. Descend Downhill into the Hole of Horcum
You will notice the path heads downhill into the ‘punchbowl’ of the Hole of Horcum through a kissing gate. Please take care along this route as the gravel path can be slightly slippery. Keep following the trail through the Hole of Horcum.
3. Head Through the Farmers Gate or Over the Stile
As you continue along the path, you will eventually reach a farmers gate with a stile on the left hand side of it. Either use the stile or go through the gate. Don’t forget to close the gate afterwards.
4. Make Your Way to Low Horcum Farm
Keep following the trail until you reach Low Horcum Farm that is now a wildlife habitat. Please be careful not to disturb the wildlife dwelling here. If you have a dog with you, please ensure that he or she is on a short lead. At Low Horcum Farm, keep following the trail across a grassy heath.
5. Make Your Way through the Valley
The trail takes you through a grassy valley, loved by sheep! Keep following the course of the valley with Levisham Beck on your right hand side. As you head deeper into the valley you will see a track that goes up hill towards a farmers gate. Ignore this route, but instead keep following the course of the valley until you reach a smaller kissing gate.
6. Follow the Boarded Walkway.
As you pass through the small gate, you will reach a boarded walkway that is treelined. A dry stone wall will be on your right as you head further along. You will also notice Levisham Beck on the right hand side of you. Keep following this trail until you reach a small footbridge.
7. Cross the Footbridge
When you reach the footbridge, cross over it and make your way to a signpost for Dundale Pond. This will take you over a very narrow watercourse on some stepping stones. The stepping stones are very easy.
8. At the Signpost
When you reach the signpost, you will see a direction for Dundale Pond upon it. Follow the path up hill to Dundale Pond. The way is quite woody with a ravine on your right hand side and hills on your left. Follow this all the way along until you reach another signpost at Dundale Pond.
9. Follow the Trail to Saltergate
When you reach Dundale Pond and the signpost, follow the directions for Saltergate (a right turn). Turning left takes you to Levisham Station and going straight on takes you to Skelton Tower. The trail to Saltergate takes you via open moorland with an Iron Age Dike on the left and eventually the Hole of Horcum on your right.
10. Go Through the Gate
When you reach the Devil’s Elbow on the A169, go through the gate and follow the same path around to the car park where we began the walk. Please take good care crossing the road once again as the A169 can be extremely busy with fast flowing traffic.
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