SE 9495/02 Langdale Forest and Lilla Cross

This walk combines two of the most typical landscapes of the North York Moors. The first part of the walk takes us through Langdale Forest, one of the biggest examples of the modern forestry that cover large parts of the eastern moors. It then emerges from the trees onto the open moors at Lilla Rigg, one of the highest points in the eastern moors. Lilla Cross itself is a superb viewpoint, with views north east towards Robin Hood's Bay and west across the open moors.

Ascent: 900ft/ 280m
Length: 10 miles/ 16km
Map: Explorer 27 North York Moors East
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We start this walk from the road that leads to Lownorth Park. To find this side road from the north, turn right off the A 171 at the northern end of Harwood Dale Forest. Follow this side road for two and a half miles, then turn right twice in quick succession. From the south, the best approach is via Hackness and Silpho.In Hackness take the turn signposted for Silpho. Soon after passing through Silpho, the road reaches the edge of a forest - turn left onto the road here, then turn left again onto a long straight road running through the trees. This road eventually heads down Reasty Hill. Our side road is at the bottom of the bank - take the first left turn.

Once on this side road, follow it to a bridge over Harwood Dale Beck. Drive over the bridge and follow the road as it turns to the right and climbs up the side of a hill. There are several large parking places on the side of this road, which look to be of the same date as the roads inside the park.

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From our starting point head uphill along the road towards the farm. Just past the main farm buildings turn left onto a farm track that heads west along the hillside. Follow this track as it dips down to cross a small stream, then rises back up the flank of the hill and finally turns to the left, following the edge of a larger field.

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At the end of the last open field we enter Lownorth Park, currently used by the Scarborough and District Motor Club. Just inside the park, turn right onto a track that heads west through the trees.

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Our main problem now is how to cross the Derwent. The OS map shows both a footbridge and a ford that take us across the river. Both routes have their problems. The path that leads on from the footbridge doesn't actually exist on the ground, while after rain the ford is slightly too deep for comfort. Our preferred route takes us across the ford. If the water in the main ford is too deep, there is a second, rather more shallow ford, just to the right. Once over the Derwent, follow the forest track as it climbs up towards High Langdale End.

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As we approach the buildings at High Langdale End our forest track passes through a gate and joins the drive to the farm. Turn right onto this new road and follow it as it turns gently to the left. After a short distance we reach a junction of three forest tracks - take the first right turn onto the long straight track that runs roughly north west through the forest. Ignore all of the side turnings that leave this track.

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Sadly the interesting looking path that is shown on the OS map cutting across the valley of Woof Howe Grain is no longer clear on the ground (the first part, down to the stream is fine, but it disappeared amongst the trees on the other side), so ignore this route and continue along the forest track.

After just under a mile the forest track splits. Follow the right hand branch as it curves around to the north. A short time after passing this junction, we reach High Woof Howe, an ancient earthwork located in a clearing just to the left of the track, which is well worth a visit. From the howe return to the track, and follow it as it curves around to the left to reach the edge of the forest.

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At the edge of the forest turn right onto the track that crosses the open moors, climbing up towards Lilla Cross on Lilla Howe. At first this track heads directly towards the cross, before turning slightly to the left. Soon after this slight left turn, turn right onto another track that heads directly towards the cross.

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Lilla Cross is a very good place to stop with very good views west across the open moors and east towards the coast. It is also located at a crossroads in the paths. Turn right at the cross, heading very slightly down hill along a footpath. After a short distance this path reaches another track - turn right onto this track, continuing on in roughly the same direction. Follow this track as it heads roughly south east along an airy ridge that forms the northern side of the Derwent valley.

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This track runs across the open moor towards Brown Hill. Just before reaching this minor summit the path re-enters an area of fields, leaving the open moors behind. It then curves gently to the right as it passes north behind Brown Hill. Just after we pass this hill, a footpath leaves the track and cuts diagonally across the field, heading south east. Our target is a stile just to the right of a small climb of trees at the opposite end of the field.

Follow this path as it runs across a series of fields, each with a patch of woodland at the far end, still heading to the south east. This path runs level across the first three fields before reaching High Seat at the end of the ridge. From here the path heads almost due south, passing between two small plantations and then following the edge of the next field down the end of the ridge. At the end of this field the path cuts across the middle of a smaller field before rejoining the track we used back at the start of the walk. Turn left onto this track. Follow it back to the first farm, and then turn right and return to our starting point.