Circular Walk from Thornton Steward

Quite a different walk for us this time, parts of the route we had walked previously but most paths were new finds and most enjoyable it was too. An easy walk of seven miles, with lovely, long views. As our family would say ‘You can nearly see the sea!’ Not quite but you get the meaning. We seemed to be looking at the world from a different angle somehow and seeing things in the distance that had been previously missed.

Anyway essentials! Please do wear appropriate clothing and stout footwear, take plenty to drink and eat and be prepared. Always plan your route beforehand taking the map, GPS and compass.

We parked in Thornton Steward to set off from there to head initially for Thornton Steward Reservoir. After parking find the bus stop and telephone box and either take the footpath to the left of here or the little road to right, north. Once onto Back Lane take the footpath more or less opposite depending on whichever path you chose, OS Grid Ref: SE 17836 87243. Through the red metal gate and continue straight ahead, north, pass Glebe Farm, through another gate, keeping straight ahead, follow the footpath signs along the reservoir and take the little metal footpath gate to the left of the wood on the top of the knoll. Keep going to come out on No Man’s Moor Lane, cross over and again continue straight on to Finghall. Once past the first large building on the right, continue to follow the track but turn to the right when the road forks on to Blewhouse Lane, OS Grid Ref: SE 18201 89543.

Continue along until you come to double bends, through these then you’ll see a large metal gate and footpath off to the left, OS Grid Ref: SE 18826 89116. Through here, careful with the electric fence, there are handles to the right hand side where you can unhook the fince to go through. Across the fields, keeping going to Ruswick Manor. Once out onto the track leading to Ruswick Manor, cross over and go over the ladder stile into the field, keep to the left and again straight ahead to Newton le Willows. Once out onto the road again turn right, OS Grid Ref: SE 21121 89293. Walk up past Aysgarth School and then after the school wall take the footpath to the left, south.

Walk along here to come out onto No Man’s Moor Lane again, turn right and follow the road to the Cocked Hat Farm, turn left here in the direction of Thornton Steward along Marriforth Lane. Walk for a few yards to the next footpath sign on the right, OS Grid Ref: SE 19490 87843 and walk along the track which leads to a footpath back to Thornton Steward. You will go through a little wood but please try and keep to the route, it is marked but only occasionally. Your map reading skills will come into play here. Eventually at the side of the wood is a stile, over a little stream, across the fields again watching out for way markers and looking at the map and coming out onto Longdike Lane. Turn right and walk back into Thornton Steward and your vehicle.

Whichever one of our cottages you stay in you will be able to enjoy this lovely walk. Call me Nadine or my daughter Joanne on 01969 663559 to book over the telephone and for friendly help and advice or of course, do book online if you prefer.

Hear from you quite soon!